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Power Bank Rules on Flights 2026: Watt-Hour Limits by Airline
Power bank rules on flights in 2026: the 100 Wh limit, how to convert mAh, what needs approval, and which airlines restrict use in flight.
You can carry a power bank on almost every airline if it is 100 watt-hours (Wh) or smaller, and it must go in your carry-on, never your checked bag. Between 100 and 160 Wh you need the airline's approval and are limited to two. Above 160 Wh it is banned. What varies by airline in 2026 is whether you may use the power bank during the flight, and that is where most travelers get caught out.
The baseline rule almost every airline follows
The watt-hour limits come from international dangerous-goods rules (set by ICAO and IATA), and national regulators such as the US FAA apply them. Airlines then add their own conditions on top. The standard tiers are:
- Up to 100 Wh: allowed in carry-on without special approval. Airlines commonly cap how many spares you can bring, so check yours if you carry several.
- 101 to 160 Wh: allowed only with the airline's approval, usually a maximum of two, and still in carry-on.
- Over 160 Wh: not allowed on a passenger aircraft at all.
Power banks are treated as "spare" batteries because they are not installed in a device. Spare lithium batteries are forbidden in checked luggage. If a gate agent asks to check your carry-on because the overhead bins are full, take the power bank out first and keep it with you.
Why the rules exist
Lithium-ion batteries can fail through damage, a manufacturing defect or overheating. When one does, it can go into "thermal runaway", where it heats itself and ignites neighboring cells. In the cabin, crew can see it and respond with fire containment kits. In the cargo hold, nobody can reach it. That is the whole reason power banks must ride with you.
The watt-hour cap is about limiting the energy in any single unit. A bigger battery stores more energy and is harder to control if it fails.
How to work out your power bank's watt-hours
Many newer power banks print the Wh figure on the label. If yours only shows milliamp-hours (mAh), convert it. Most power banks use cells rated at 3.7 volts, so:
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × 3.7
For a 20,000 mAh power bank: 20,000 ÷ 1,000 = 20, and 20 × 3.7 = 74 Wh. That is under the 100 Wh limit.
In plain terms, a power bank is under 100 Wh if it is roughly 27,000 mAh or less. Most popular models sold for phones and tablets, typically 5,000 to 20,000 mAh, sit comfortably below the line. If you have a larger "laptop" power bank, read the label for the Wh figure. If you can't find a rating at all, leave the unit at home or ask your airline before you go, because security staff can refuse an unlabeled battery.
Airline-by-airline: the 2026 picture
Airline policies on in-flight use have been tightening since 2025, and they change often. The table summarizes what we know of the main patterns. Treat it as a guide and confirm on your airline's own baggage page before you fly.
| Airline group | Carry limits (typical) | Using it in flight |
|---|---|---|
| Major US airlines (Delta, United, American) | Follow FAA: 100 Wh free, 100–160 Wh with approval | Generally allowed, but keep it visible and out of overhead bins; check each airline's current wording |
| Southwest | Follows FAA limits | Has required power banks to be kept visible while in use rather than charging inside a bag |
| Emirates | Roughly one power bank, up to 100 Wh | Not permitted to be used onboard under rules introduced in late 2025 |
| Singapore Airlines | Up to 100 Wh | Use onboard has been banned since 2025 |
| Cathay Pacific | Up to 100 Wh | Use onboard has been banned since 2025 |
| Several other Asian and Gulf carriers | Usually 100 Wh, sometimes a cap on count | Many have restricted or banned in-flight use; check before departure |
| European carriers (most) | 100 Wh free, 100–160 Wh with approval | Mostly allowed, with advice to keep it in sight; some are adding limits |
The direction of travel is clear: even where you may carry a power bank, more airlines are saying "don't charge it or use it from your seat." If you are flying a long route, check the flying time on our route and distance tool so you know how much battery you'll need and can charge devices before boarding.
Rules that apply on top of the watt-hour limit
A few extra points trip people up at security and at the gate:
- Protect the terminals. Keep the power bank in its original case, a pouch, or a separate pocket so the USB ports can't touch metal objects like keys. Taping over exposed connectors is acceptable.
- Don't use a damaged unit. A swollen, dented or hot power bank should not fly. Tell cabin crew right away if one overheats or smokes.
- Switch it off. Make sure it isn't charging a device during takeoff and landing, and unplug it when you're not using it.
- Count your spares. Even under 100 Wh, some airlines cap how many you may carry. If you travel with several for a photo or video kit, check the number.
- Know the local rules. Some countries add their own certification or labeling rules for batteries on domestic flights. If you are flying in or through Asia, look up the specific requirements for your departure airport.
At the security line, power banks usually need to be taken out of bags only if staff ask. Expect an agent to pick through anything oversized. Our airport and baggage guides cover what to expect at specific airports.
What happens if your power bank is too big
If a power bank is over the limit or can't be verified, you generally have three options: send it home, hand it to security for disposal, or ask whether the airline can approve it if it falls between 100 and 160 Wh. You can't solve the problem by moving it to checked luggage, which is worse, not better. Airlines have confiscated and fined passengers for this.
If you are unsure, contact your airline before the airport and get the answer in writing, such as an email or a chat transcript. Rules shift, and we post updates in our travel news section when major carriers change policy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a power bank in my checked bag?
No. Spare lithium batteries, including power banks, must travel in your carry-on. If your carry-on is gate-checked, take the power bank out and keep it with you.
Can I use my power bank during the flight?
It depends on the airline. Several carriers, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, have banned in-flight use, while many US and European airlines still allow it if the power bank stays visible. Check your airline's current policy before you board.
How many power banks can I bring?
Up to 100 Wh each is generally fine, though some airlines cap the number. Between 100 and 160 Wh you typically need approval and may bring only two. Confirm the count with your airline if you carry several.
