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Most airports allow power banks in carry-ons — but the wrong battery type can get you stopped. Credit: Kelly via Canva.com
Batteries, not airports, are what makes people anxious. Batteries, namely the large portable batteries that traveller’s carry in their backpack. In 2025, the rules are still the same. One wrong number on a battery can cause you to be stopped by security. They will then ask you throw away the power bank. The good news is? You can still take power banks with you on flights. The bad news is? Some of them.
By 2025, all airlines in the EU, US and Asia will tighten their rules on lithium-ion devices. Checked luggage? Out. Continue? It’s allowed, but you can only take a limited amount of power. The rules are broken down, we’ll tell you which power banks can still be used on flights, and how to avoid the common mistakes that lead to travellers being stuck with their phones charged at the gate wall socket.
What is allowed on board?
It’s simple: power banks should be placed in your carry-on and not checked luggage. It can be tricky to read labels, particularly if they are in milliamps, not watt hours. The measurement used by airlines and aviation authorities is mAh.
What You Should Know Can you imagine? Bring (without approval).
- All power banks are rated 100 Wh or less
- Most standard chargers — think 10,000 to 27,000 mAh (at 3.7V) — fall in this safe zone
- You can carry Smaller ones As long as the batteries are protected (in a bag, with terminal tape or built-in covers),
What is required for airline approval?
- Devices between 100–160 Wh
It’s not uncommon for anything to be over 27,000 mAh — some ultra-fast or high-capacity chargers fall here. - Most airlines will allow two of these items if they are approved in advance.
What’s banned:
- Above 160 Wh = Not allowed on any flight. even in the cabin
- Many “superbanks” are used to purchase drones, industrial kits or video equipment, but newer ones cross the line.
- Some airlines are now scanning for this during boarding and not just security.
How to convert from mAh to Wh
While most chargers use mAh, aviation regulations use Wh. Here’s how to calculate it: Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000
Example:
- A 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V = 74 Wh
- A 30,000 mAh power bank = ~111 Wh
Check the specifications of your product or label before you fly. You may not be allowed to board if you cannot find the watt hours and neither can the airline.
What went wrong on a flight?
It may seem that the rules for power banks are overly strict until you realize how many of them have gone wrong.
- In February 2025, an emergency landing was required after a lithium ion battery overheated while in the air.
- The power bank had been stuffed into the overhead bin. Although the fire was not large, it was enough to fill up the cabin in smoke.
- According to EASA, According to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), lithium batteries are involved in 50 or more in-flight incidents worldwide in 2023.
The carry-on rule is important because if the battery catches on fire, the crew will be able to detect it in time and take the appropriate actions. If it’s hidden in the hold, what happens? A disaster or emergency can occur.
What to avoid when making mistakes?
Many people do not lose their power bank because it is oversized. They lose it because the charger was packed incorrectly. How to avoid being the person who repackages your bag while everyone behind sighs loudly.
- No exceptions. All airlines, including those in the EU, Asia and the US, prohibit power banks from being checked as luggage.
Several airlines, especially in Asia, now offer a wide range of services. Use of the word “ban” is prohibited Even if you are allowed to bring them on board, it is best not to use power banks.
If your airline doesn’t list in-seat charging rules clearly, assume:
- No charge during taxi, takeoff or landing
- Keep it on you. Don’t plug in the device The cabin crew must allow this.
Many power banks look safe but are over 100Wh. This is fast charging. You’ll have to do your own maths if the label on your power bank only shows mAh (or the airport security will). You should check your label and the airline’s capacity limitations. Some would allow 160Wh whereas the rules of your country may apply.
A good power bank will make traveling easier. You won’t need to wait at the cold gates. Preparing for 2025 will save you time and keep your phone charged.
