Can You Take Portable Chargers on a Plane? Rules Explained

If you’re packing for a flight and wondering, “Can you take portable chargers on a plane?”, you’re not alone. With power banks now a travel essential, it’s easy to forget they’re subject to strict airline and battery safety rules, whether you’re flying from UK airports or connecting through different countries.

This guide breaks down what the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) allows, what other countries expect, how to calculate charger capacity correctly, and how to choose a size that works for your travel needs. Before you zip up your hand luggage, make sure your charger won’t land you in trouble at security.

alt: Using Anker power bank on plane

CAA Rules for Carrying Portable Chargers on UK Flights

Can you bring portable chargers on the plane? The short answer is yes, you can take portable chargers (aka power banks) on flights, but there are specific rules you need to follow. In the UK, these are set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and they’re mostly in line with international safety standards.

Here’s what the CAA says:

• Portable chargers must go in your hand luggage.Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries, which means they can’t go in checked baggage. They need to be carried in the cabin and packed in a way that protects the terminals—that could mean keeping them in their original box, taping over the contacts, or storing them in a pouch or sleeve.
• Batteries under 100 watt-hours (Wh)are allowed in your carry-on without airline approval. There’s no specific limit on how many, as long as each is individually protected and under the 100 Wh threshold.
• Batteries between 100–160 Whare allowed only if your airline approves them in advance, and you’re limited to two spares per person. These also need to be carried in your hand luggage and individually insulated.
• Anything over 160 Whis not allowed on passenger flights at all, unless it’s part of a certified medical mobility aid, which has separate rules.

What about UK airlines?

UK airlines often follow the CAA baseline but may layer on their own rules.

For example, British Airways:

• Allows up to four spare batteries(including power banks) under 100 Wh per passenger.
• Allows two spare batteries between 100–160 Wh,but only with prior approval, which they consider granted if you follow the published limits.

Other Country’s Airline Restrictions on Portable Charges

So, can you take portable chargers on airplanes when travelling outside the UK? The answer is still yes. Most countries apply the IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards, which are similar to the CAA rules in the UK.

That said, individual airlines or national aviation authorities might have stricter rules—especially given ongoing safety concerns about lithium-ion batteries. Let’s take a look:

Europe (EASA countries)

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) follows the same 100 Wh / 160 Wh limits. But in 2025, they issued updated guidance encouraging airlines to tighten enforcement due to an increase in lithium battery fires. So, expect some carriers to ask more questions or set stricter limits on quantity and in-flight usage.

United States (FAA / TSA)

In the US:

• Portable chargers are carry-on only.
• Under 100 Wh?You’re fine.
• Between 100–160 Wh?You’re limited to two spares, and you’ll need airline approval.
• The TSA enforces the rules at security, and the FAA defines them under federal regulation.

China (CAAC)—new 2025 rule

China has taken things a step further in 2025:

• As of 28 June 2025, power banks must have a valid “3C” (CCC) certification markto be allowed on domestic flights.
• Devices with unclear/tampered labels or recalled models will be refused.
• Capacity limits follow the same structure: ≤100 Wh is allowed, 100–160 Wh with approval, and over 160 Wh is banned.

Singapore

Rules here align with the global standard:

• Carry-on only.
• ≤100 Wh is allowed, 100–160 Wh requires approval.

However, from 1 April 2025, Singapore Airlines has banned the in-flight use or charging of power banks, even if you’re allowed to carry them on board.

Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific)

Cathay also enforces no charging or use of power banks in flight.

• Power banks must go under the seat in your personal item—not in the overhead bin.
• The usual IATA 100 Wh / 160 Wh rulesapply for capacity and approval.

Heads-up: why some airlines ban in-flight use

Airlines like Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines are banning in-flight charging because of thermal runaway risk—basically, a battery overheating and catching fire mid-flight. With more incidents worldwide, expect more carriers to adopt these kinds of policies in the near future.

Formula for Calculating Portable Charger Capacity

You see, when asking, “Can you take portable chargers on planes?” one key thing airlines look at is the battery’s watt-hour (Wh) rating. That’s because Wh measures total stored energy—the thing that matters for fire safety—while milliamp-hours (mAh) only measures charge.

Most modern power banks will have the Wh rating printed on the label. But if it only shows mAh, no worries—you can easily convert it to Wh with this quick formula:

Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage (V)

The V here is the battery’s nominal voltage, not the USB output voltage (like 5V or 9V for fast charging). Most lithium-ion power banks use batteries with 3.7V nominal voltage but check your device’s label to be sure—some are 3.6V, 3.85V, or higher depending on the internal cells.

Here are a few real-world examples:

• 10,000 mAh at 3.7V→ 37 Wh. Calculation: 10,000 ÷ 1000 × 3.7 = 37. This sits well under the common 100 Wh threshold.
• 20,000 mAh at 3.7V→ 74 Wh. A popular “weekend” size, also under 100 Wh.
• 26,800 mAh at 3.7V→ ~99 Wh. This maximises capacity while staying below 100 Wh on most airlines.

How to Choose the Right Portable Charger Size for Your Needs

Now that you know the answer to “Can you take portable chargers on airplanes?” is yes with a few limits, the next question is—how big of a power bank do you actually need? Here are some tips to help you choose:

1. Stick to 100 Wh or under when possible

The magic number is 100 Wh. Anything up to this limit is usually allowed in your hand luggage with no questions asked. Once you go over, you’ll need airline approval.

Want to get as close to 100 Wh as possible without going over? Look for power banks around 26,800 mAh at 3.7V. That’s just under the line and gives you maximum legal capacity for travel.

2. Think about how much charge you actually need

Here’s the thing: you don’t get 100% of your power bank’s energy to your phone. Between voltage conversion and general inefficiency, you’ll get about 60–70% of its total energy in real use.

To put things into perspective:

A 10,000 mAh power bank with an average efficiency of 65% gives you about 6,500 mAh of usable power. If you’re charging an iPhone 15, which has a 3,350 mAh battery, that’s nearly two full charges.

6,500 ÷ 3,350 ≈ 1.9 full charges

Now, compare that to a 20,000 mAh power bank. At the same 65% efficiency, it offers roughly 13,000 mAh of usable power. If you’re charging a Galaxy S23 Ultra with a 5,000 mAh battery, you’ll get around 2.6 full charges.

13,000 ÷ 5,000 ≈ 2.6 full charges

3. Match your output power to your devices

It’s not just about capacity—output wattage matters too. Phones are happy with 20–30W USB-C PD. Tablets need closer to 30W+. Laptops? They usually want 45–65W or more. If you’re trying to power a MacBook or similar, make sure your portable charger can keep up.

So, what should you buy?

For day trips or short flights

A 10,000 mAh (around 37 Wh) charger is ideal if you just need to top up your phone once or twice on the go. It’s compact, easy to carry, and hassle-free at airport security.

If you want to skip the cables entirely, consider a portable wireless charging power bank, perfect for charging while you scroll, especially in a cramped seat.

The Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) is a great fit here. It offers 15W magnetic wireless charging with Qi2 certification, so it’s fully compatible with MagSafe on iPhones. You can just snap it on the back of your phone and go.

There’s also a 27W USB-C port for fast wired charging, or to top up the power bank quickly when you land.

What makes it extra handy is the smart display that shows your battery percentage and estimated time remaining, plus a fold-out stand, so you can watch or scroll while charging. The total capacity clocks in at 10,000 mAh (37 Wh), with a compact build that easily slips into a jacket pocket—about 107×69×20 mm and 250g.

alt: Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K Qi2

For weekend breaks or long travel days

If you’ll be out all day—or away for a few—step up to 20,000 mAh (about 74 Wh). That’s enough to charge most phones 2 to 4 times, or a phone plus a tablet. It stays under the 100 Wh threshold for air travel, so you won’t need airline approval to pack it.

The Anker Prime 20,000mAh Power Bank (200W) gives you plenty of flexibility. It supports up to 200W total output across two USB-C ports and one USB-A, with up to 100W from a single USB-C port. That’s more than enough to fast-charge laptops, tablets, or multiple phones at once. It also supports 100W recharging, so you can refill it fast (around 75 minutes with a high-wattage wall charger).

alt: Anker Prime 20,000mAh Power Bank (200W)

For work travel with a laptop

If you need to charge a laptop on the move, especially something like a MacBook or USB-C Ultrabook, you’ll want more power, not just more capacity.

Again, the Anker Prime 20,000 mAh (200W) fits the bill. It delivers up to 100W on a single USB-C, which covers most laptops, and still leaves ports free to charge your phone or accessories at the same time. That total 200W output across all ports is rare at this size. And because it’s still under 100 Wh, you’re good to fly with it in your hand luggage, no approvals or special handling needed.

Conclusion

So, can you take portable chargers on a plane? Yes, you can, but only in your hand luggage. The CAA says power banks must be carried with you and NOT packed in your hold due to fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Most chargers under 100 Wh (that’s roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7V) are fine. Anything between 100–160 Wh requires airline approval, and over 160 Wh is off-limits entirely. And don’t forget: some airlines now ban using or charging power banks onboard, even if you can bring them along. Still unsure? Always double-check with your airline—it’s better than handing over your charger at security.

FAQs

Can you use a portable charger during the flight?

Yes, you can bring a portable charger on board, but it must remain in your carry-on baggage—not in checked luggage—for safety reasons. Generally, power banks under 100 Wh are permitted without approval; those between 101 Wh and 160 Wh may be allowed with airline approval. Some airlines prohibit using them in-flight, especially during takeoff, landing or turbulence. Check your airline’s specific policies before flying to avoid confiscation or disruption.

How can I check the watt-hour rating of my charger?

You can find the watt‑hour (Wh) rating printed on the portable charger label or in the documentation. If it’s not listed, estimate it using: Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1,000. Most lithium‑ion power banks use around 3.7V nominal voltage. For example, a 10,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V is about 37 Wh. Knowing the Wh value ensures your charger complies with airline limits.