Can I bring a power bank in my carry-on?

Yes, but carry-on only. Power banks are banned from checked luggage due to fire risk.

  • Must be under 100 watt-hours (Wh), which is roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7V
  • 100 to 160 Wh: allowed with airline approval, limit two per person
  • Over 160 Wh: banned on all passenger aircraft
  • No loose batteries in checked luggage
  • TSA may ask you to remove large power banks at security

Official resource: FAA Lithium Battery Rules

Traveling soon? See our Travel Essentials page.

Want a deeper dive? ↓

Detailed Answer

How It Works

Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries. Lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged or short-circuited. In a cargo hold, a battery fire is extremely difficult to detect and control. In the cabin, crew can intervene immediately. That is why the FAA and IATA require all lithium batteries, including power banks, to travel in the cabin as carry-on only.

The restriction is based on watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours (mAh). Watt-hours measure the total energy stored, which is the actual risk factor. Most consumer power banks sold for travel are under 100 Wh and are permitted without any special approval. Larger capacity banks in the 100 to 160 Wh range require airline permission before boarding. Anything over 160 Wh is banned entirely on passenger aircraft worldwide.

The rules apply universally across US domestic flights, international flights departing the US, and most international carriers. A handful of airlines have stricter rules, particularly in China and Australia, so checking your specific carrier before travel is always worth doing.

What You Need to Know

  • Under 100 Wh: allowed in carry-on, no approval needed, no limit on quantity under normal TSA rules
  • 100 to 160 Wh: allowed in carry-on with airline approval, maximum two per person
  • Over 160 Wh: banned on all passenger aircraft, no exceptions
  • Checked luggage: power banks are banned regardless of size, no exceptions
  • Loose or spare lithium batteries: carry-on only, must be individually protected against short circuit
  • TSA does not have a set limit on the number of under-100 Wh power banks but individual airlines may
  • Chinese airlines (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern): stricter rules, maximum 100 Wh without approval, check before flying
  • Power banks must have their capacity marked on them, unmarked banks may be confiscated at security

How to Convert mAh to Wh

Most power banks display capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh) but the rules use watt-hours (Wh). To convert, use this formula:

Wh = (mAh x voltage) divided by 1,000

Standard lithium-ion voltage is 3.7V. So a 20,000 mAh power bank is approximately 74 Wh, well within the 100 Wh limit. A 26,800 mAh bank is approximately 99 Wh, still under the limit. A 40,000 mAh bank is approximately 148 Wh, in the 100 to 160 Wh range and requires airline approval.

Common Power Bank Sizes at a Glance

  • 10,000 mAh: approximately 37 Wh, allowed without approval
  • 20,000 mAh: approximately 74 Wh, allowed without approval
  • 26,800 mAh: approximately 99 Wh, allowed without approval
  • 30,000 mAh: approximately 111 Wh, requires airline approval, allowed in carry-on only
  • 40,000 mAh: approximately 148 Wh, requires airline approval, maximum two per person
  • 50,000 mAh and above: likely over 160 Wh, banned on passenger aircraft

Real Traveler Experiences

"TSA pulled my 26,800 mAh power bank out of my bag for a closer look. They checked the label, saw it was under 100 Wh, and let it through. Keep the capacity label visible and you will be fine."  Reddit r/solotravel

"Tried to pack my power bank in my checked bag to save space in my carry-on. It was pulled out at check-in and I had to repack at the counter. Know the rules before you get to the airport."  TripAdvisor forum

"Flying Air China, they confiscated my 30,000 mAh bank at the gate even though I had airline approval printed out. Their gate staff applied a stricter limit. Always check the specific airline policy, not just the FAA rules."  Flyertalk forum

Pro Tips

  • Buy a power bank with the watt-hour rating printed clearly on the casing, banks without visible capacity markings are more likely to be pulled at security
  • For most travelers a 20,000 mAh bank is the sweet spot, small enough to carry easily and large enough to charge a phone 4 to 5 times
  • If traveling to China, check your specific airline's power bank policy before packing, Chinese carriers apply stricter rules than FAA standards
  • Place your power bank in an easily accessible part of your carry-on so you can remove it quickly at security without unpacking everything
  • If you need a power bank over 100 Wh, contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure to get written approval, do not assume gate staff will honor verbal agreements
  • Keep terminals covered with tape or a silicone cap to prevent short circuits, both for safety and to comply with regulations on loose battery storage

Related Questions

Sources

AskTravel.org is an information website only. Always check local regulations and app availability before traveling, as rules change frequently.

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