Best Airline Approved Power Banks You Can Fly with in 2025

You’ve booked your flight, sorted your playlist, and now you’re packing—but hold up. That power bank in your drawer? It might not make it past airport security. Airlines have strict rules on battery capacity, and if your portable charger doesn’t meet them, you’ll be forced to ditch it at the gate.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about airline approved power banks—from the rules that matter to the smartest options for 2025. We’ll also cover how to fly with one the right way—because dead phones and drama at security aren’t on your itinerary.

alt: Anker air travel power bank

UK Airline Rules About Power Banks

UK airline power bank restrictions mirror the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IATA Dangerous Goods rules, which the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) enforces.

Basically, power banks are classed as spare lithium batteries, and airlines treat them with strict caution—mainly because of the fire risk if they’re mishandled.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Carry-on only.You’re not allowed to pack power banks in your checked luggage. They must go in your hand luggage or on your person.
• Under 100 Wh? You’re good to go.Most power banks under 100 watt-hours (Wh)—roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7V—are allowed on board with no approval needed. That covers the vast majority of everyday chargers.
• Between 100–160 Wh? You’ll need airline approval.You can bring up to two of these, but you must contact your airline before travelling to get permission.
• Over 160 Wh? Not allowed.Power banks larger than this aren’t permitted on passenger flights at all—carry-on or checked.

To make sure your device meets the airline power bank limit, check the label for its Wh rating. If it only lists mAh, you can calculate watt-hours using this simple formula:

mAh ÷ 1000 × Volts = Wh

Most power banks use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which typically have a nominal voltage of 3.7V—that’s the battery’s internal voltage, not the input/output voltages you see on the ports.

For example, a common 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V works out to 74 Wh, which keeps you well under the 100 Wh limit.

That said, double-check your airline’s specific rules before you fly, because some carriers may have extra restrictions.

Airline Approved Power Banks for UK travellers in 2025

Whether you want something compact and lightweight, a pack that clips straight to your phone, or a brick that can revive a MacBook mid-flight, there are plenty of great power banks that stay safely within the 100 Wh airline limit.

Here are three top-rated picks from Anker that are definitely worth a look:

Anker Nano Power Bank (10K, 30W)

At roughly the size of a deck of cards—104 × 52 × 26 mm and 215 g—the Anker Nano Power Bank 10K slips into a jeans pocket yet stores 10,000 mAh, well inside airline rules.

It comes with a built-in USB-C cable that handles up to 30W for both charging and power input, so you won’t need to bring your own. You’ll also find an extra USB-C port and a USB-A port for added flexibility.

The colour screen gives a real-time read-out of remaining percentage and estimated time to full—handy when you’re about to board. With two-way 30W PD, it can take an iPhone 15 to 50% in half an hour and refill its own battery to 50% in 45 minutes.

alt: Anker Nano Power Bank 10K 30W

What’s good:

• 10,000 mAh (≈ 37 Wh) keeps you safely beneath the 100 Wh airline cap and gives you about 2 charges.
• Built-in 30W USB-C cable—no hunting for leads at the gate.
• Second USB-C plus USB-A port for simultaneous top-ups.
• Colour display shows charge % and time remaining at a glance.
• 215 g weight makes it truly pocket-friendly for day trips.

Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

If you carry a MagSafe-ready iPhone, this 5,000 mAh Anker 622 Magnetic Battery snaps on with 9N of magnet force and starts wireless charging at up to 7.5W—no cable required.

At just 12.8 mm thick and 142 g, it sits flush against your phone without adding too much bulk, so you can keep taking photos or scrolling while it works. A fold-out kick-stand props your phone for films on the tray table, and the USB-C port means you can still plug in earbuds or another handset.

alt: Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

What’s good:

• MagSafe-compatible 9N magnets for secure, aligned wireless charging. Snap and go.
• 5,000 mAh is miles under the 100 Wh limit—no forms, no drama.
• Integrated kick-stand for hands-free streaming on the plane.
• USB-C port offers wired fallback or re-charging.
• Slim 12.8 mm build keeps your phone pocket-able even while charging.

Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 165W)

Need to top up a MacBook on a long haul? This 25,000 mAh Anker Laptop Power Bank holds about 90 Wh—just inside the unrestricted bracket—yet pushes out up to 100W on any of its three USB-C ports, or a combined 165W when two ports are active.

 

Dual built-in and retractable USB-C cables mean fewer loose leads in your seat pocket, and the high-resolution screen shows remaining capacity, in/out wattage, and time to full. It recharges itself just as fast, in less than two hours with a 100W wall adapter.

alt: Anker Laptop Power Bank 165W

What’s good:

• 90 Wh capacity delivers multiple laptop re-top-ups yet slides under the 100 Wh rule.
• Three 100W USB-C ports plus 33W USB-A for four-device charging.
• Built-in and retractable USB-C cables remove cable clutter in-flight.
• Smart display shows real-time percentage, input, output and remaining mins.
• ActiveShield 2.0 monitors temperature millions of times a day for added peace of mind.

What to Look for When Picking the Right Airline Approved Power Banks

Making sure your power bank is under the 100Wh limit is just the starting point. To find the best air travel power bank to bring with you on board, here’s what really matters:

Balance size, weight, and mAh

Bigger capacity means more charging, but also more bulk. Models rated 5,000-10,000 mAh are lightweight and fit in a pocket. They can give you one or two full phone charges, ideal for short trips.

20,000–27,000 mAh gives 4-6 full charges but adds weight (often 400–500g). Choose based on how long you’ll be away from plugs—and how much space you’re willing to give up.

Output and charging speed

For faster, more efficient charging, look for power banks that support USB-C Power Delivery (PD), Quick Charge, or PPS (Programmable Power Supply)—whichever your devices are compatible with.

What you’re charging should guide how much output power (in watts) you need:

• Phones: 20–30 watts is usually enough
• Tablets: Aim for 30–45 watts
• Laptops: These can need anywhere from 60 to 140 watts, depending on the model

Safety and certifications

When it comes to flying with a power bank, safety is essential. Start by checking that the power bank is UN 38.3 certified, which means it’s passed key safety tests for air travel, including pressure, shock, and heat resistance. It should also carry the UKCA or CE mark, confirming it meets legal safety standards for sale and use in the UK.

Internally, look for built-in protection against overcharging, overheating, and short circuits. These features reduce the risk of failure during flights. A sturdy, fire-resistant casing made from ABS plastic or aluminium adds another layer of safety, helping the power bank handle everyday travel knocks without damage.

Smart and thoughtful design

The little things make a big difference:

• A displaythat shows detailed battery stats (like wattage and percentage) is way more helpful than just a few blinking lights.
• Got a MagSafe iPhone? Look for Qi/Qi2-certified magnetic battery packs—they snap right on and give you convenient wireless charging. No cables needed.
• Built-in USB-C or Lightning cablesalso make life easier. Less clutter, fewer things to forget when you pack.

Tips to Travel with A Power Bank

Once you picked out a good air travel power bank, here are some extra tips to help you stay within the rules and avoid hassle at the airport:

• Keep it in your carry-on.Power banks count as spare lithium batteries, so you’re not allowed to put them in checked luggage. Always pack them in your carry-on or keep them on you.
• Use a tech pouch.Save yourself the hassle by putting all your gadgets—chargers, cables, power banks—into one soft, easy-to-reach pouch.
• Cover the ports.To avoid short circuits, either cover the terminals or store your power bank in a padded case.
• Follow in-flight rules.Some airlines don’t allow power banks to be used during takeoff or landing. Just follow the crew’s instructions.
• Charge it before you go.Make sure your power bank is fully charged before heading to the airport—outlets can be hard to find when it’s busy.

Conclusion

You see, choosing the right airline approved power bank means you won’t have to worry about airport security hassles—or your phone dying mid-flight. The rules are pretty straightforward: just make sure your power bank is under 100 watt-hours (or 27,000 mAh), the terminals are covered or protected, and it’s packed in your carry-on bag. That’s it! You’re all set to fly, stream, scroll, or nap without seeing that dreaded low battery warning.

FAQs

Are 20,000mAh power banks allowed in flight?

Yes, a 20,000mAh power bank is generally allowed on flights. Most airlines and aviation authorities, such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), permit power banks under 100Wh in hand luggage, and a 20,000mAh unit (at 3.7V, that’s roughly 74Wh) falls well within that limit. Just be sure to carry it in your cabin bag—not in checked luggage.

Where can I carry a powerbank on the plane?

Power banks must go in your hand luggage. They’re not permitted in checked bags because they contain lithium batteries, which can be a fire risk if damaged or overheated. To follow safety rules, make sure your power bank is under 100Wh (around 27,000mAh), pack it in your cabin bag, and keep it somewhere easy to pull out at security if needed.

Can I bring a 30,000mAh powerbank on a plane?

It depends on the exact watt-hour (Wh) rating of your 30,000mAh power bank. At a typical 3.7V, that works out to about 111Wh. Most airlines allow devices up to 100Wh without needing approval. For those between 100Wh and 160Wh (which includes most 30,000mAh units), you’ll usually need airline approval, and you’re limited to no more than two such devices. Always check with your airline beforehand and carry it in your hand luggage only.

What is the maximum size power bank allowed on flights?

The maximum power bank size allowed on most commercial flights is 100Wh (watt-hours) without airline approval. This is equivalent to roughly 27,000mAh at 3.7V. If your power bank exceeds 100Wh but is under 160Wh (about 43,000mAh), you may still be allowed to bring it on board with prior airline approval. Power banks above 160Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft.