Power bank on a plane: cabin rules and authorized Wh 2026
A power bank is only allowed in the airplane cabin, never in checked luggage, as lithium batteries pose a risk of short-circuit, overheating, and explosion in the event of an incident. Capacity is the decisive criterion: up to 100 Wh, your power bank passes without formalities; from 100 to 160 Wh, you need the airline's approval; and beyond 160 Wh, transport is prohibited.
This rule comes from IATA regulations applied by all airlines, including Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, and Transavia. For a 20,000 mAh portable charger at 3.7 V, the calculation gives 74 Wh, which is well within the authorized limit.
| Power Bank Capacity | IATA Rule on board | Carry-on or Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh) | Allowed without prior approval | Carry-on mandatory, checked baggage prohibited |
| From 100 Wh to 160 Wh | Airline approval required, maximum 2 batteries | Carry-on mandatory, checked baggage prohibited |
| Above 160 Wh | Prohibited on board | Neither carry-on nor checked baggage |
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Power Bank on a Plane: Carry-on Mandatory, Checked Baggage Prohibited
Your power bank must always travel in your carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage. This airline safety rule applies to all commercial flights, with no exception related to destination or airline.
The reason is technical: a lithium battery can short-circuit and cause a fire. In the baggage hold, a fire would go unnoticed by the crew, whereas in the passenger cabin, staff can intervene immediately. This is why regulations require you to keep every power bank, backup battery, and portable charger with you.
What remains prohibited in checked baggage
- Power banks and portable chargers of any capacity.
- Spare lithium batteries not installed in a device.
- Electronic cigarettes and their batteries.
If presented in checked baggage, these batteries are prohibited, and security agents may confiscate them during inspection. It's best to declare them accessible in your carry-on to avoid any delays.
If you're unsure about other items, our guide to prohibited items in carry-on baggage details the categories to be aware of before check-in.
Permitted Capacity: 100 Wh, 160 Wh, and mAh to Wh Conversion
The maximum capacity allowed without approval is 100 Wh, which corresponds to approximately 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V. Above this, regulations become stricter based on a precise threshold controlled at the airport. This watt-hour rating determines whether batteries are allowed, restricted, or prohibited.
- Up to 100 Wh: Battery allowed without any declaration.
- From 100 Wh to 160 Wh: Allowed with airline approval, limited to 2 batteries per passenger.
- Above 160 Wh: Battery prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage.
How to convert mAh to Wh
The formula is simple: Wh = (mAh multiplied by voltage in volts) divided by 1000. Most power banks operate at 3.7 V, a value often printed on the casing next to the capacity. Calculating the watt-hours avoids any unpleasant surprises at the security checkpoint.
| Capacity in mAh (at 3.7 V) | Calculated Power in Wh | Status on board the aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Allowed without approval |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Allowed without approval |
| 26,800 mAh | 99 Wh | Allowed without approval |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | Airline approval required |
| 50,000 mAh | 185 Wh | Prohibited on board |
Is a 20,000 mAh battery allowed?
Yes, a 20,000 mAh power bank is allowed on board. At 3.7 V, it has 74 Wh, which is well below the 100 Wh limit. This is the most common format for recharging a mobile phone several times, and it does not require any authorization. The restriction only applies to very large models over 100 Wh.
These thresholds are set by international air transport regulations. You can consult the official document on lithium batteries for travelers published by IATA to check the current rule.
How many power banks per passenger
You can bring several power banks under 100 Wh with no strict numerical limit, as long as they are for personal and reasonable use. The quantity restriction mainly applies to high-capacity batteries.
- Batteries up to 100 Wh: several units allowed for personal use.
- Batteries from 100 to 160 Wh: maximum 2 batteries per passenger, with approval.
Security personnel may request to inspect each battery and refuse a quantity that appears to be for commercial use. Stick to a number consistent with your devices: mobile phone, laptop, camera, portable console.
Rules by airline: Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, Transavia
All major airlines apply the IATA framework, but each adds its specifics to its terms and conditions of carriage. The mandatory cabin principle and the 100 Wh threshold remain the same everywhere.
| Airline | Power Bank up to 100 Wh | Recharging allowed during flight |
|---|---|---|
| Air France | Allowed in cabin only | Usage tolerated, check class and aircraft |
| easyJet | Allowed in cabin only | Recharging devices via battery discouraged |
| Ryanair | Allowed in cabin only | Usage restricted as per crew instructions |
| Transavia | Allowed in cabin only | Usage restricted as per crew instructions |
For an Air France flight, details can be found in our article on Air France carry-on baggage. Also remember to check the maximum weight of carry-on baggage allowed, as the battery counts towards the total weight of your bag.
Prohibition of using or charging the battery during the flight
Several airlines prohibit the use or charging of a power bank during the flight, a rule that several companies have reinforced in recent years. The principle is simple: a charging battery heats up more and increases the risk of overheating.
- Do not plug your power bank into an onboard outlet to charge it.
- Avoid leaving a device charging via the battery in the seat pocket or baggage compartment.
- Keep the battery visible and accessible to be able to act quickly in case of abnormal heat.
If the crew detects an odor or overheating, they immediately isolate the device. Respecting this instruction avoids any removal of your battery and any incident on board.
Protect terminals against short-circuit and overheating
You must protect the terminals of each power bank to avoid an accidental short circuit in your bag. Metal contact, a key, or a coin is enough to trigger a discharge, overheating, and then a risk of explosion. Isolating the backup battery remains the best way to protect your belongings and limit any risk of explosion.
- Store the battery in its original packaging or an insulating case.
- Cover the USB ports with adhesive tape if the terminals are exposed.
- Separate the battery from metal objects in your carry-on luggage.
- Remember to insulate each plug before packing your bag for a long trip.
Proper storage also protects your other belongings. Our travel accessories include dedicated pouches to neatly isolate cables, portable chargers, and backup batteries.
Checklist before packing your bags
Check these five points before heading to the airport to pass security checks smoothly. This list covers the most common restrictions that lead to confiscation.
- Capacity: read the Wh marked on the battery, or calculate it from the mAh.
- Location: place the battery in your carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage.
- Quantity: keep a number consistent with your personal devices.
- Terminals: insulate the plugs to prevent any short circuit.
- Airline: check the regulations of Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, or Transavia.
The same preparation logic applies to your products, as reminded by our guide on liquids on a plane and their permitted formats in the cabin.
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Conclusion
Bringing a power bank on a plane comes down to three key habits: cabin mandatory, capacity under 100 Wh without formalities, and terminals protected against short circuits. Above 100 Wh, seek airline approval, with a maximum of 2 batteries up to 160 Wh. Beyond 160 Wh, leave the battery at home. By checking your power bank's watt-hours and the instructions of Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, or Transavia, you can travel with peace of mind, without risk of confiscation at the airport.
Frequently asked questions about power banks on planes
Can I take my power bank on the plane?
Yes, you can take your power bank on the plane, but only in the cabin and never in checked baggage. Up to 100 Wh, no formalities are required. Between 100 and 160 Wh, airline approval is mandatory.
Should I place my power bank in checked baggage or carry-on?
Your power bank must always travel in the cabin, in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage is strictly prohibited for lithium batteries, as a fire starting there would go unnoticed by the crew during the flight.
What is the maximum capacity allowed for a power bank on a plane?
The maximum capacity allowed without approval is 100 Wh, which is approximately 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V. From 100 to 160 Wh, the battery is still possible with airline approval. Beyond 160 Wh, it is prohibited on board.
Are 20,000 mAh batteries allowed on board?
Yes, a 20,000 mAh power bank is allowed on board without prior approval. At 3.7 V, it is equivalent to 74 Wh, well below the 100 Wh limit set by IATA regulations. It travels in the cabin.
How many power banks can I take with me?
You can take several power banks under 100 Wh for reasonable personal use. For batteries from 100 to 160 Wh, the limit is 2 units per passenger, with the airline's approval.
How do I convert mAh to Wh for my power bank?
Multiply the capacity in mAh by the voltage in volts, then divide by 1000. For example, 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V gives 74 Wh. The voltage is often written on the casing, next to the milliamp-hour capacity.
Do the rules differ between airlines like Air France or Ryanair?
The framework is identical: cabin mandatory and a 100 Wh threshold without approval for Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, and Transavia. The differences mainly concern the use or charging of the battery during the flight, which is more or less restricted depending on the airline.
Can I charge my power bank during the flight?
Many airlines prohibit charging or using an external battery during the flight. A charging battery heats up more and increases the risk of overheating. Keep it visible and follow the instructions of the crew on board.
