Can You Take a Power Bank on an Airplane? Read This Before You Fly

Power banks have become a travel essential, especially if you’re relying on your phone for boarding passes, maps, or just killing time with a bit of Netflix at the gate. But when it comes to packing your tech for a flight, you might be asking yourself: can you take a power bank on an airplane?

The short answer is yes, you can, but there are a few important rules you need to know before you toss one in your bag. This guide breaks down what’s allowed, how to stay within the rules, and which power banks are best for air travel.

Alt: Anker power bank on airplane

Can I Take a Power Bank on an Airplane?

So, are power banks allowed on airplanes? The answer is yes, but only if they meet certain rules. In the UK, as with most countries, power banks are treated as spare lithium-ion batteries, which means they must go in your hand luggage, not in your checked baggage.

This is due to safety concerns—if a battery overheats or catches fire, it’s much easier to deal with in the cabin than in the hold.

What size is allowed?

The key thing to check is the capacity of your power bank, which is usually listed in milliampere-hour (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh). Most airlines follow the international guidelines set by IATA (the International Air Transport Association), which are:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Up to 100Wh: You can bring these with no restrictions.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]101Wh to 160Wh: You’re allowed to carry up to two, but you’ll need airline approval before flying.

[if !supportLists]· [endif]Above 160Wh: Not allowed on passenger flights at all.

Your bank only shows mAh? Converting from mAh to Wh is quick math:

Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × V

Just divide the mAh by 1000 to get Ah, then multiply by the voltage (usually 3.7V).

For example:

(20,000mAh ÷ 1000) × 3.7 = 74Wh

So, if you have a 20,000mAh battery pack, it’s well under the limit.

In fact, most consumer power banks fall under the 100Wh (roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) limit, but it’s essential to check your device’s specifications to be sure.

UK airline policies

Most UK carriers follow these rules closely:

[if !supportLists]· [endif]British Airways allows power banks up to 100Wh in your cabin bag. If yours is over that (but under 160Wh), it must be approved and properly protected (e.g. in its own case or with terminals covered).

[if !supportLists]· [endif]easyJet is strict about smart luggage—if the battery can’t be removed, you won’t be able to check in the bag.

Also, some airlines don’t allow you to use the power bank during take-off or landing, and smart luggage batteries usually need to stay switched off during the entire flight.

Things to Know About Power Banks for International Travel

If you’re flying internationally, the general rules around power bank on airplane are quite similar to those in the UK, but there can be slight variations depending on the airline or country. Here’s what to keep in mind when travelling abroad:

Rules are similar, but not always identical

Most countries and airlines follow the same IATA 100Wh/160Wh limits, but some carriers have introduced extra rules.

Air Busan, for example, now insist power banks stay under the seat rather than in the overhead locker after a cabin fire in January 2025.

Double-check connections and transit stops

If you’re transferring through countries like the US, be extra careful. The TSA is strict—any unlabelled or oversized power bank could be confiscated. They also follow the no-checked-baggage rule for lithium batteries.

Make sure capacity is clear

It helps if your power bank clearly shows its Wh rating. If not, be ready to explain the specs or show the maths. In some cases, airlines may even ask for proof the battery passed UN 38.3 safety testing—especially for high-capacity models.

Extra Tips for Air Travel with Power Banks

Once you’ve sorted the basics—hand luggage only, under 100Wh, clearly labelled—there are a few extra things you can do to make air travelling with a power bank easier and stress-free:

Pick the right size

While it might be tempting to go for the biggest capacity possible, most of us don’t need more than 10,000–20,000mAh. These are compact, lightweight, well under the 100Wh threshold, and enough to charge your phone two or three times, ideal for airport delays or long-haul flights.

Buy from trusted brands

To stay safe (and avoid delays at security), choose power banks that are CE, UKCA, or UL certified. There have been incidents involving cheap or counterfeit models that didn’t meet safety standards.

Prioritise fast charging

Look for power banks that support USB-C Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge. These technologies charge your devices faster, which is especially handy when you’re on the move and don’t have time to wait around.

Insulate the terminals

To avoid short circuits, tape the charging ports or place the power bank in a padded case or pouch. This is especially important if you’re carrying spares. Loose batteries can be dangerous if they come into contact with metal objects like keys or coins.

Keep it accessible

Store your power bank somewhere easy to reach, like the top of your carry-on or a front pocket. That way, you can take it out quickly at security or plug in without rummaging around mid-flight.

Follow in-flight charging rules

Some airlines now ban charging power banks during take-off and landing, and power banks must stay under the seat rather than in the overhead locker. Check your carrier’s safety card before you plug in.

Recommended Power Banks for Air Travel

Shopping for something new? Here are three reliable power banks from Anker that stay well under the airline limits, slip easily into a bag, and add handy extras—whether that’s a built-in cable, MagSafe-style snap-on charging, or a clever stand for in-flight streaming.

Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh, built-in USB-C cable)

Small enough for a coat pocket yet powerful enough to fast-charge a phone or tablet, the Anker Nano Power Bank pairs a 10,000 mAh cell (37Wh) with 30W bi-directional USB-C charging—that’s quick enough to boost an iPhone 14 to 50 % in around 30 minutes and then refill the bank itself just as fast.

At 215g and 104 × 52 × 26 mm, it’s lighter than most 30W bricks you’d pack anyway. The integrated USB-C cable doubles as a loop handle, and a colour screen shows remaining power at a glance. All that sits well below airline limits, so you can toss it straight into hand luggage without extra paperwork.

 

Alt: Anker Nano Power Bank

What’s good:

• Built-in USB-C cable means one less lead to remember
• [if !supportLists]30W input/output for brisk top-ups on phones, tablets or even a MacBook Air
• [if !supportLists]Clear colour display for battery-percent and charging speed
• [if !supportLists]Compact 215 g shell fits jeans or seat-back pockets

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, Qi2/MagSafe-compatible)

If you’d rather skip the cables entirely, the Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K is one of the first banks to earn Qi2 certification, giving MagSafe-style 15W magnetic wireless charging that’s twice as quick as older Qi pads. Snap it onto the back of your iPhone, and you’re ready to go.

A fold-out stand props up your phone for films on long-haul flights, while a 27W USB-C port lets you top up tablets or Nintendo Switch at the gate. Despite the extras, it still weighs a flight-friendly 250g and carries only 37Wh, so no approvals needed.

A smart OLED screen shows the power bank’s battery level and charging status at a glance—so you know exactly how much juice you’ve got left before take-off.

Alt: Anker MagGo Power Bank

What’s good:

• Certified Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, full 15W speed for iPhone 12-16 series

• [if !supportLists]Built-in stand for hands-free video on the tray table

• 27W USB-C port covers wired gadgets too

Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo, 5,000mAh)

Travelling ultra-light? The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery snaps straight to the back of an iPhone with 9N magnets and folds out into a stand for binge-watching in Economy. Its 5,000mAh capacity is lower than others, but it’s enough to give your phone a decent top-up when you’re in a pinch.

It charges wirelessly at 7.5W, and its slim design (only 12.8 mm thin) makes it easy to slide into a jacket pocket or small travel pouch. The MultiProtect system protects your phone and battery from overheating and overcharging, and you can recharge the power bank easily with USB-C.

 

{{ component: "product", handle: "a1614", sku: "A1614011" }}

Alt: Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

What’s good:

• Slim magnetic wireless charging design that rides on the phone—no cable clutter
• [if !supportLists]Fold-out kickstand for portrait or landscape viewing
• [if !supportLists]Lightest pick here, easily pocketable

Conclusion

To wrap it up: can you take a power bank on an airplane? You sure can, but only if you follow the rules. Keep it in your hand luggage, check the capacity limits (under 100Wh are allowed on board without restriction), and always double-check your airline’s policy just to be safe. Travelling with a power bank doesn’t need to be complicated. With a bit of planning and the right portable charger, you’ll breeze through security and stay powered up the whole way.

FAQs

Is a power bank allowed in carry-on?

Yes, you are allowed to bring a power bank in your carry-on luggage, and in fact, this is the only way it is permitted on a plane. Power banks are considered spare lithium-ion batteries and are strictly prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risk. Most airlines allow power banks with a capacity up to 100 Wh without restriction; those between 100 Wh and 160 Wh may require airline approval, while anything above 160 Wh is not permitted in passenger baggage at all.

Can I use my power bank while flying?

Most airlines permit you to charge a phone or tablet from a power bank during the cruise phase, provided the device stays within reach, remains cool to the touch, and is unplugged during taxi, take-off and landing. The crew may ask you to stop at any time and their instructions are final. Never recharge the power bank itself on board and discontinue use immediately if it overheats or is damaged.

Can I bring a 50,000mAh power bank on a plane?

No. A 50,000mAh pack at the common battery voltage of 3.7V works out at roughly 185Wh, which exceeds the 160Wh ceiling for passenger baggage and therefore cannot be carried in either cabin or hold. Such a battery would need to be shipped separately as regulated cargo.