A power bank is part of the equipment of almost all travellers.

But power banks are potentially dangerous for airlines - they contain lithium batteries that can cause fires if damaged or overheated. That's why their transport is strictly regulated.

They must meet a maximum capacity (usually up to 100 Wh) and some airlines prohibit any use of power banks during flight.

What luggage are power banks carried in?

Lithium batteries can ignite if damaged, so it is strictly forbidden to carry power banks in checked-in baggage.

The power bank must only be carried on board the aircraft so that in the event of spontaneous combustion it can be quickly extinguished by the cabin crew.

Type of baggage	Power bank allowed?
Hand luggage	✅ Yes
Checked baggage	❌ No

On some airlines (see the list at the end of this article) you must keep your powerbank outside your hand luggage - for example, in the seat pocket in front of you, not in the overhead bin.

What is the maximum capacity of the power bank?

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

Some airlines will allow a 160 Wh / 43,200 mAh power bank without restriction, while on other airlines you must apply in advance for permission to carry a power bank with a capacity higher than 100 Wh and lower than 160 Wh.

Power banks with a capacity of more than 160 Wh must never be carried on board.

• up to 100 Wh - most airlines in the world
• up to 160 Wh without restrictions or permits - 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 power banks.

However, some airlines ban all use of power banks in flight.

If you fly with these airlines, you must not use the power bank for charging during the flight:

• AirAsia
• Air Busan
• Air Premia
• Cathay Pacific
• China Airlines
• Emirates
• EVA Air
• Firefly
• HK Express
• Hong Kong Airlines
• Jeju Air
• Jin Air
• Korean Air
• Malaysia Airlines
• Scoot
• Singapore Airlines
• Starlux Airlines
• Thai Airways
• Trinity Airways
• VietJetAir
• Vietnam Airlines

My practical recommendations

What to look out for when travelling with a power bank?

• Keep a clear record of capacity - security screeners may want to see it.
• Never leave a powerbank in your checked baggage - even this baggage goes through an X-ray check and if it is found to have a powerbank, you will be called out on the airport PA system and may cause your plane to be delayed or missed altogether.
• Keep the powerbank easily accessible - so you can react quickly if it overheats.
• Take charging cables with you - modern planes have USB ports or even power sockets, so you often won't need a powerbank at all.

Frequently asked questions about power banks on the plane

Can I carry multiple power banks?

• Yes, up to 100 Wh capacity there is usually a limit of 15 powerbanks, with 100-160 Wh capacity usually a maximum of 2.

What should I do if the capacity is not indicated on the powerbank?

• In the event of a detailed inspection, you will most likely have such a power bank confiscated at a security check.

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

• Ask for a transport permit, often just at the check-in counter.
• However, if the power bank has a capacity of more than 160 Wh, it is strictly forbidden to be carried on any airline.