How many power banks are allowed on a plane?

In most cases, two power banks are allowed in carry-on baggage. However, some airlines like Emirates have restricted this to just one unit. Check your specific airline's policy before traveling.

Can I put a power bank in my checked luggage?

No. Spare lithium batteries — including both power banks and phone chargers — are prohibited in checked luggage. They must always be carried in hand luggage inside the passenger cabin.

Is a 20,000mAh power bank allowed on a plane?

Yes in most cases. A 20,000mAh power bank equals approximately 74Wh — below the generally permitted limit of 100Wh. However, check with your specific airline to confirm.

Can I charge my phone from a power bank during a flight?

It depends on the airline. Most airlines permit this during regular flight conditions. However, Emirates Airlines, for example, does not allow portable charging units to be used to charge any personal device on board the aircraft. Check your specific airline's rules.

Is a power bank without clear capacity information a problem at airports?

Some countries have stricter laws on carrying power banks — for example, in some airports in China, power banks that do not have clear information about the capacity (such as watt-hours) on the box are not allowed to enter. Always purchase a power bank whose packaging clearly displays its full specifications.

Are Power Banks Allowed on Planes? — Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling

Are Power Banks Allowed on Planes?

With increasing reliance on electronic devices in our daily lives, the portable charger or "power bank" has become one of the most important components of the travel bag. Whether traveling for business or leisure, having a portable charger ensures your devices stay charged and ready to use throughout the journey. But the question many travelers ask is: are portable chargers banned on planes?

Short Answer: Yes — With Conditions

Yes, power banks are allowed on the plane — but only when you adhere to the laws and guidelines set by airlines and international bodies concerned with aviation safety.

What Is a Power Bank?

A portable charger, known as a "power bank," is a portable electronic device used to charge electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches when no nearby electrical outlets are available. A power bank acts as a type of external battery that can be pre-charged and then used to provide extra power to devices when needed. Portable chargers vary in capacity, ranging from small capacities that are enough to charge one phone once, to large capacities that can charge multiple devices or the same device several times.

International Regulations for Power Banks on Planes

Global regulations regarding portable chargers on board aircraft aim to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft during flights. Here are the most important rules and guidelines to follow:

By capacity in watt-hours (Wh):

Most airlines allow portable chargers with a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours (Wh) without any restrictions. If the charger capacity is between 100 and 160 watt-hours, you may be allowed to carry it but with prior approval from the airline. Chargers with a capacity exceeding 160 watt-hours are often prohibited on board aircraft.

Luggage rules:

It is highly recommended to carry the power bank in carry-on baggage and not in checked baggage in the hold, due to concerns about lithium batteries spontaneously igniting during the flight — as a fire in the passenger cabin is easier to deal with than in the hold.

Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries — which include both power banks and phone chargers — are prohibited in checked luggage.

Number of power banks permitted:

Passengers are usually allowed to carry a limited number of power banks — the exact number may vary by airline, but in most cases two power banks are allowed in carry-on baggage.

Specific Rules from Some Airlines

Emirates Airlines has announced specific regulations including: customers may only carry one power bank with a capacity below 100Wh, portable charging units may not be used to charge any personal device on board the aircraft, charging units must not be connected to the aircraft's power sources for charging, every accepted charging unit must include clear information about its electrical capacity.

How to Calculate Power Bank Capacity in Wh?

If your power bank shows capacity in mAh only, convert it to watt-hours using this formula:

Wh = mAh ÷ 1000 × Battery voltage (usually 3.7V)

Example: A 20,000mAh power bank = 20,000 ÷ 1,000 × 3.7 = 74Wh — allowed without prior approval.

Tips for Safe Travel with a Power Bank

Here are some tips for traveling safely with your electronics and power banks:

Make sure your power bank capacity does not exceed the allowed limits (usually 100Wh). If the capacity is higher, check the policies of the airline you will be flying with. Make sure to carry your power bank in your carry-on bag and not in your checked bag — not only because some airlines impose this requirement, but also because dealing with any emergency will be easier if the battery is at hand.

It is preferable not to use the power bank during take-off or landing, as these times are critical and any interference with the aircraft's devices must be avoided.

It is preferable that the portable charger is from a well-known brand approved by international safety authorities. Avoid using unapproved portable chargers or those that may be counterfeit, as they may be more prone to defects and risks.

Final Thoughts

Power banks are allowed on planes under clear conditions: carry them in your cabin bag, ensure the capacity is under 100Wh for hassle-free boarding, and choose a trusted certified brand. Always check your specific airline's policy before traveling as rules can differ between carriers.