Can I bring a power bank on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a power bank on a plane, but only in your carry-on bag. Power banks are never allowed in checked luggage on any airline worldwide. Most airlines limit passengers to two power banks, each under 100 watt-hours (Wh). Using or recharging a power bank during the flight is now prohibited on many airlines, especially in the Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions.

United States: Power banks up to 100Wh allowed in carry-on without approval. 100-160Wh requires airline approval, maximum two per person. Never in checked bags.
Canada: Same rules as US. Power banks must be in carry-on only. Maximum two units between 100-160Wh with approval.
Europe (UK, EU): Under 100Wh allowed without approval. 100-160Wh allowed with airline approval, maximum two. Over 160Wh prohibited. Power banks must stay in carry-on.
Gulf Region: Emirates allows one power bank up to 100Wh, no use or charging onboard. Etihad and flydubai allow one unit up to 100Wh. Qatar Airways allows two units up to 100Wh each. Saudi Arabia allows two units, no recharging onboard.
Turkey: Turkish Airlines allows maximum two power banks, no use or charging during flight. Over 160Wh banned.
Asia-Pacific: Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific allow power banks in carry-on only. Japan and South Korea have tightened rules on onboard use.

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Detailed Answer

Why Power Banks Are Restricted

Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and catch fire if damaged, overcharged, or subjected to impact. This is called thermal runaway. In the cabin, crew members can see warning signs and respond immediately. In the cargo hold, a fire could spread undetected. This is why power banks must always travel in the cabin where they can be monitored.

Global Aviation Rules

International aviation authorities updated their guidance in March 2026. The new rules limit passengers to two power banks, prohibit recharging a power bank aboard the aircraft, and recommend against using one to recharge another device in flight. How these rules are enforced varies by country and airline.

Capacity Limits: Watt-Hours Explained

Power banks are regulated by watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours (mAh). If your power bank only shows mAh, you can convert it: Wh = (mAh × voltage) ÷ 1000. Most power banks run at 3.7 volts.

Under 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh): Allowed without airline approval
100-160Wh (approximately 27,000-43,000mAh): Requires airline approval, maximum two per person
Over 160Wh: Prohibited on passenger flights

A typical 10,000mAh power bank is about 37Wh. A 20,000mAh power bank is about 74Wh. Both are well within the limit.

By Region and Airline

United States

Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in the cabin. Each must be protected against short circuit. You can keep batteries in their original retail packaging, cover exposed terminals with tape, or place each battery in a separate protective pouch or plastic bag. Power banks up to 100Wh do not require airline approval. Between 100-160Wh requires approval, with a maximum of two spares. Power banks over 160Wh are prohibited.

Canada

Spare lithium batteries and power banks must travel in carry-on baggage only. They should never be packed in checked baggage. Keep them protected from damage and easy to access. The same watt-hour limits apply as in the US.

Europe and United Kingdom

Most European airlines follow the same rules: under 100Wh allowed without approval, 100-160Wh requires airline approval with a maximum of two, and over 160Wh prohibited. British Airways allows up to 20 spare batteries but limits devices to 15 per passenger. Ryanair permits up to 20 spare lithium batteries or power banks. Lufthansa no longer allows power banks in overhead compartments; they must go under the seat or with you. Charging during flight is not permitted on Lufthansa.

Gulf Region

Emirates introduced new restrictions effective October 2025. Passengers may carry one power bank with a maximum capacity of 100Wh. Use and charging onboard are prohibited. The device must be stored in the seat pocket or under-seat bag, not in overhead lockers. Etihad Airways follows similar rules: one power bank up to 100Wh, no use or charging onboard, stored within easy reach. flydubai allows one power bank up to 100Wh, must remain switched off, stored in seat pocket or under-seat bag.

Qatar Airways allows a maximum of two power banks, each rated at 100Wh or less. You cannot recharge power banks during the flight. Certain recalled Anker models are banned from Qatar Airways flights entirely.

Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority issued new directives in May 2026. Passengers may carry a maximum of two portable chargers, and these must be carried only in hand luggage inside the aircraft cabin. Recharging power banks during flights is banned.

Turkey

Turkish Airlines allows a maximum of two power banks per passenger in cabin baggage only. The airline follows the directive issued by Türkiye's civil aviation authority in late April 2026. Recharging power banks and using them to charge devices during the flight is strictly prohibited. Power banks up to 100Wh require no approval, while those between 100-160Wh need prior airline approval. Any device over 160Wh is banned outright.

Asia-Pacific

Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air generally follow the same rules: power banks in carry-on only, under 100Wh without approval, 100-160Wh with approval, and over 160Wh prohibited. Several Asia-Pacific airlines have banned onboard use of power banks entirely following 2025 fire incidents.

Storage and Protection

Power banks must be protected against short circuit. Keep them in their original retail packaging, cover exposed terminals with tape, or place each battery in a separate protective pouch or plastic bag. Do not place power banks in overhead lockers. Store them in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you so they remain accessible.

Real Traveler Experiences

"I flew Emirates and was surprised they only allow one power bank per person. I had two in my carry-on and had to leave one with airport security before boarding." Dubai traveler, forum post

"On my Turkish Airlines flight, they made an announcement before takeoff that using power banks during the flight was strictly prohibited. I had planned to charge my phone, but I had to wait until I landed." Istanbul traveler, travel review

"Qatar Airways allows two power banks, but you cannot charge them during the flight. I kept mine in the seat pocket and used the in-seat power outlet instead." Doha traveler, forum post

"I always carry my power bank in my backpack, never in checked luggage. Security sometimes pulls it out for a swab test, but I've never had a problem." US traveler, Reddit

Pro Tips

Charge all devices before boarding. You may not be able to use your power bank during the flight.
Use the aircraft's seat power outlets if available. These are not subject to the same restrictions.
Check your power bank's capacity in watt-hours. If not listed, calculate: Wh = (mAh × 3.7) ÷ 1000.
Never pack a power bank in checked luggage. It will be removed and you may face delays.
Keep your power bank accessible in the seat pocket or under the seat, not in the overhead bin.
For travel to China, ensure any new power bank has the required certification and QR code.
Check if your Anker power bank model is on any banned list before flying with Qatar Airways.

Sources

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