If you’re asking, “Can I bring a portable battery charger on a plane?”, the answer is generally yes—but it must travel in your cabin baggage, not checked luggage. Under current UK CAA guidance, passengers can carry no more than two power banks. Units up to 100Wh are allowed without operator approval, while those over 100Wh and up to 160Wh require approval from the airline. Power banks must not be recharged onboard and should not be used to recharge another portable electronic device during the flight.
This guide explains the 2026 rules for portable chargers on airplanes, how to calculate battery capacity correctly, and how to choose a suitable power bank for your travel needs.
Quick Answer: Can You Bring Portable Chargers on a Plane? 2026 UK Rules
Yes. For UK travellers, portable chargers must be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage. Under ICAO’s 2026 update, the rules allow no more than two power banks per person. Current UK CAA guidance also limits passengers to two power banks. Power banks up to 100Wh can be carried without operator approval, while those over 100Wh and up to 160Wh require approval from the airline. They must not be recharged onboard and should be individually protected when not in use. So if you want the simplest possible takeaway, it is this:
- Keep portable chargers in cabin baggage only.
- Bring no more than two power banks.
- Choose 100Wh or less if you want to travel without airline approval.
- Do not recharge them on board.
Portable Chargers on Airplanes: What Changes on International Trips?
If you’re travelling internationally, use the 2026 baseline as a starting point and check both the operating airline and the applicable national rules, as some carriers or countries may impose stricter restrictions. For passengers, that means:
- Cabin baggage only.
- Maximum of two power banks.
- 100Wh or less is the simplest option; power banks above 100Wh may require explicit airline approval or may not be accepted, depending on the applicable national and carrier rules.
- No recharging during the flight.
- Keep them accessible rather than in the overhead locker.
Some airlines or countries may apply even stricter handling rules, especially on international or connecting itineraries. UK government guidance also makes clear that airlines may set their own restrictions, so passengers should always check the operating carrier’s latest page before travel.
Formula for Calculating Portable Charger Capacity
When asking, “Can you take portable chargers on planes?”, one of the key specifications to check is the battery’s watt-hour (Wh) rating. Airlines regulate lithium-ion batteries by their Wh rating because it represents the amount of energy stored, while milliamp-hours (mAh) measure electrical charge rather than total energy.
Most modern power banks display the Wh rating on the product label. If only the mAh capacity is shown, you can calculate the approximate Wh rating using this formula:
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage (V)
Here, V refers to the battery’s nominal voltage rather than the USB output voltage, such as 5V or 9V. Many lithium-ion power banks use cells with a nominal voltage around 3.6V to 3.85V, so always check the value printed on the device before calculating its Wh rating.
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 100Wh threshold.
- 20,000 mAh at 3.7V → 74 Wh. At this nominal voltage, it also remains below 100Wh.
- 26,800 mAh at 3.7V → ~99 Wh. This is below 100Wh when 3.7V is the battery’s actual nominal voltage, so always check the Wh rating printed on the power bank before travelling.
How to Choose the Right Portable Charger Size for Your Needs
When picking a power bank for flying, think about battery size, device needs, and airport simplicity.
Choose 100Wh or Less
For straightforward air travel, choose a power bank rated at 100Wh or less and make sure the Wh rating is clearly visible on the device. Under current UK CAA guidance, this avoids the need for operator approval and makes airline checks simpler.
Think About How Much Charge You Actually Need
A power bank does not transfer all of its stored energy to your device. Some energy is lost through voltage conversion, heat and the charging process, so the usable energy will be lower than the rated battery capacity. The exact result varies by power bank, device, charging method and operating conditions.
For a more accurate estimate, compare the energy of both batteries in watt-hours rather than dividing their mAh ratings directly.
Match Your Output Power to Your Devices
Capacity is only part of the decision—output wattage matters too. Many smartphones support USB-C PD charging in the 20–30W range, while tablets and laptops may require higher output. Some USB-C laptops need 45–65W or more, so check the device’s charging requirements before choosing a portable charger.
What Portable Chargers Should You Consider?
If you want a power bank for travel, consider both its Wh rating and the output needed for your devices. The two Anker options below suit different travel requirements, from phone charging on shorter trips to higher-output charging for laptops and multiple devices.
For Day Trips or Short Flights
A 10,000mAh power bank can suit day trips or short flights when phone charging is the main requirement, providing useful backup power between charging points.
For cable-free phone charging, a portable wireless charging power bank can also reduce the number of loose cables you need to carry.
The Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) combines a 10,000mAh battery with up to 15W Qi2 wireless charging. Its magnetic design works with MagSafe-compatible iPhones, allowing the phone and power bank to stay together while charging.
The USB-C port provides up to 27W output for wired charging, while the power bank itself supports up to 20W USB-C recharging.
The smart display shows information such as the remaining battery percentage and recharge time, while the built-in foldable stand supports phone use while charging. The power bank measures approximately 107.3 × 68.8 × 19.8mm and weighs 250g.
For Weekend Breaks or Long Travel Days
For longer travel days or higher-power devices, a larger-capacity power bank can provide more stored energy between charging points. The Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 220W) has a 20,100mAh capacity rated at 72.36Wh, keeping it below the 100Wh threshold for travel without operator approval under current UK CAA guidance.
The Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 220W) provides up to 220W total output across two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, with up to 140W available from a single USB-C port. This supports compatible laptops, tablets and phones while travelling. It also supports up to 100W recharging, helping reduce recharge time between journeys.
Using a Power Bank in Flight: What Not to Do Onboard
Carrying a power bank in flight also comes with rules on how it can be stored and used. Current guidance says you must not recharge the power bank onboard, and UK CAA guidance says it should not be used to charge another portable electronic device during the flight. Always follow crew instructions if your airline applies stricter rules.
Do Not Recharge the Power Bank During the Flight
ICAO’s 2026 update prohibits passengers from recharging power banks during a flight. This means the power bank itself should not be connected to an onboard USB port or seat power supply for recharging.
Avoid Storing It in the Overhead Locker
IATA’s 2026 passenger guidance says power banks should not be stored in overhead lockers. Keep yours in an accessible place in the cabin and follow any additional storage instructions from the airline or cabin crew.
Do Not Leave It in a Bag That May Be Gate-Checked
If airline staff take your larger cabin bag and place it in the hold, remove the power bank first. British Airways explicitly says spare batteries and power packs are not permitted in checked baggage under any circumstances.
Conclusion
So, can I bring a portable battery charger on a plane? Yes, provided you follow the applicable battery rules. For UK travellers, keep the power bank in cabin baggage, carry no more than two, and choose a model rated at 100Wh or less if you want to travel without airline approval. A power bank over 100Wh and up to 160Wh requires operator approval under current CAA guidance. Do not recharge the power bank onboard, keep it protected and accessible, and check your operating airline’s latest policy before travelling, especially on international or connecting flights.
FAQs
Can you use a portable charger during the flight?
Under current UK CAA guidance, a power bank must not be recharged onboard and should not be used to recharge another portable electronic device during the flight. Airline policies may be stricter, so always follow crew instructions and check the operating carrier’s latest rules before travelling.
How can I check the watt-hour rating of my charger?
Check the product label or documentation for the watt-hour (Wh) rating first. If only the mAh capacity and nominal voltage are listed, calculate it using: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × Voltage (V). For example, a 10,000mAh battery rated at 3.7V equals 37Wh. Always use the nominal voltage printed on the device rather than assuming that every power bank uses 3.7V.
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