A power bank is a must-have for almost every traveller.

However, it is precisely power banks that are potentially dangerous for airlines – they contain lithium batteries which, if damaged or overheated, can cause a fire. That is why their transport is strictly regulated.

They must comply with maximum capacity limits (usually up to 100 Wh), and some airlines prohibit the use of power banks during the flight altogether.

In which type of luggage should power banks be carried?

Lithium batteries can catch fire if damaged, and it is therefore strictly forbidden to carry power banks in checked-in luggage.

You must carry your power bank with you on the aircraft so that, in the event of spontaneous combustion, the cabin crew can extinguish it quickly.

Type of luggage	Is a power bank permitted?
Hand luggage	✅ Yes
Checked-in luggage	❌ No

With some airlines (a list of which is at the end of the article), you must keep your power bank outside your hand luggage– for example, in the seat pocket in front of you, not in the overhead compartment.

What is the maximum capacity of a power bank?

Most airlines allow power banks with a maximum capacity of 100 Wh / 27,000 mAh.

Some airlines allow power banks with a capacity of 160 Wh / 43,200 mAh without restrictions, whilst with other airlines you must apply in advance for permission to carry a power bank with a capacity greater than 100 Wh and less than 160 Wh.

Power banks with a capacity exceeding 160 Wh must never be carried on board an aircraft.

• up to 100 Wh– most airlines worldwide
• up to 160 Wh without restrictions or authorisation– Alaska Airlines,Delta, Ethiopian Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines,Korean Air, Oman Air,United

Which airlines ban power banks?

No airline has yet introduced a complete ban on the carriage of power banks.

However, most airlines now prohibit the use of power banks during flights.

My practical advice

What should you bear in mind when travelling with a power bank?

• Make sure you have clear details of the capacityto hand – security staff may ask to see them.
• Never leave a power bank in your checked-in luggage– even this luggage goes through X-ray screening, and if a power bank is detected, you’ll be called out over the airport PA system and the flight may be delayed or even cancelled because of you.
• Keep your power bank easily accessible– so you can react quickly if it overheats.
• Take your charging cables with you– modern aeroplanes have USB ports or even power sockets, so you often won’t need your power bank at all.

Frequently asked questions about power banks on planes

Can I carry more than one power bank?

• Yes, for power banks with a capacity of up to 100 Wh, the usual limit is 15; for those with a capacity of 100–160 Wh, the limit is usually a maximum of 2.

What should I do if the capacity isn’t stated on the power bank?

• In the event of a thorough check, such a power bank will most likely be confiscated at security.

What should I do if my power bank has a capacity of more than 100 Wh?

• Ask for permission to carry it; this is often sufficient when checking in at the counter.
• However, if the power bank has a capacity greater than 160 Wh, it is strictly prohibited from being carried on any airline.