Power bank on a plane: cabin rules and authorized Wh 2026
A power bank is only permitted on an airplane in the cabin, never in checked baggage, as lithium batteries present a risk of short-circuit, overheating, and explosion in the event of an incident. Capacity is the deciding factor: up to 100 Wh, your power bank is allowed without formality; from 100 to 160 Wh, you need the airline's approval; and above 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 results in 74 Wh, which is well within the authorized limit.
| Power bank capacity | IATA rule for flights | Carry-on or checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh (approx. 27,000 mAh) | Permitted without prior approval | Cabin mandatory, hold prohibited |
| From 100 Wh to 160 Wh | Airline approval required, 2 batteries maximum | Cabin mandatory, hold prohibited |
| Above 160 Wh | Prohibited on board | Neither cabin nor hold |
TRAVEL LIGHT
A carry-on suitcase designed for your devices
Keep your battery, charger, and cables within reach to breeze through security checks.
Updated on 07/06/2026 by the GYL team, French luggage experts since 1976.
Power bank on a plane: cabin mandatory, hold prohibited
Your power bank must always travel in your carry-on baggage, never in checked baggage. This aviation safety rule applies to all commercial flights, regardless of destination or airline.
The reason is technical: a lithium battery can short-circuit and cause a fire. In the cargo 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, spare battery, and portable charger with you.
What remains prohibited in checked baggage
- Power banks and external batteries of any capacity.
- Spare lithium batteries not installed in a device.
- Electronic cigarettes and their accumulators.
If presented in checked baggage, these batteries are prohibited and security agents may confiscate them. It is better to keep them accessible in your carry-on luggage to avoid any delays.
If you are unsure about other items, our guide to prohibited carry-on items details the categories to know before checking in.
Authorized capacity: 100 Wh, 160 Wh, and converting mAh to Wh
The maximum capacity authorized without approval is 100 Wh, which corresponds to approximately 27,000 mAh at a voltage of 3.7 V. Above this, regulations become stricter based on a precise threshold checked at the airport. This power in watt-hours determines whether batteries are permitted, restricted, or prohibited.
- Up to 100 Wh: Battery authorized without needing to declare anything.
- From 100 Wh to 160 Wh: Authorized with airline approval, limited to 2 batteries per passenger.
- Above 160 Wh: Battery prohibited in both cabin and hold.
How to convert mAh to Wh
The formula is simple: Wh = (mAh multiplied by the 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 this watt-hour value avoids any unpleasant surprises at the security checkpoint.
| Capacity in mAh (at 3.7 V) | Calculated power in Wh | Status on board the plane |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Authorized without approval |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Authorized without approval |
| 26,800 mAh | 99 Wh | Authorized without approval |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | Airline approval required |
| 50,000 mAh | 185 Wh | Prohibited on board |
Is a 20,000 mAh battery authorized?
Yes, a 20,000 mAh power bank is authorized on board. At 3.7 V, it represents 74 Wh, which is well below the 100 Wh limit. This is the most common format for recharging a mobile phone multiple times, and it requires no authorization. The restriction only concerns very large models over 100 Wh.
These thresholds are set by international air transport regulations. You can check the official fact sheet on passenger lithium batteries published by the IATA to verify the current rule.
How many power banks per passenger
You may carry multiple power banks under 100 Wh without a strict numerical limit, provided they are for reasonable personal use. The quantity restriction applies primarily to high-capacity batteries.
- Batteries up to 100 Wh: Multiple units permitted for personal use.
- Batteries from 100 to 160 Wh: 2 batteries maximum per passenger, with approval.
Security personnel may ask 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 game console.
Rules by airline: Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, Transavia
All major airlines apply the IATA framework, but each adds its own details to its conditions of carriage. The principle of mandatory cabin storage and the 100 Wh threshold remain identical everywhere.
| Airline | Power bank up to 100 Wh | Charging authorized during flight |
|---|---|---|
| Air France | Authorized in cabin only | Usage tolerated, check class and device |
| easyJet | Authorized in cabin only | Charging devices via battery discouraged |
| Ryanair | Authorized in cabin only | Restricted use based on crew instructions |
| Transavia | Authorized in cabin only | Restricted use based on 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 carry-on luggage weight, as the battery counts towards your bag's total weight.
Prohibition on using or charging the battery during flight
Several airlines prohibit the use or recharging of a power bank during the flight, a guideline that has been strengthened by many carriers in recent years. The principle is simple: a battery being charged generates more heat, increasing the risk of overheating.
- Do not plug your power bank into an onboard outlet to recharge it.
- Avoid letting a device charge via the battery in seat pockets or luggage compartments.
- 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 will immediately isolate the device. Respecting this guideline avoids your battery being confiscated and prevents incidents on board.
Protecting terminals against short-circuit and overheating
You must protect the terminals of each power bank to prevent accidental short-circuiting inside your bag. Metal contact, a key, or a coin is enough to trigger a discharge, overheating, and a subsequent risk of explosion. Isolating your spare battery is the best way to protect your belongings and limit any explosion risk.
- Store the battery in its original packaging or an insulating case.
- Cover USB ports with tape if the terminals are exposed.
- Separate the battery from metal objects in your carry-on.
- Remember to insulate each port before packing your bag for a long trip.
Proper storage also protects your other belongings. Our travel accessories include dedicated pouches to cleanly isolate cables, portable chargers, and spare batteries.
Checklist before packing
Verify these five points before heading to the airport to breeze through security. This list covers the most common restrictions that lead to confiscation.
- Capacity: Read the Wh rating on the battery, or calculate it from the mAh.
- Location: Place the battery in your carry-on, never in the hold.
- Quantity: Keep a number consistent with your personal devices.
- Terminals: Insulate ports to prevent short-circuits.
- Airline: Verify the regulations for Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, or Transavia.
The same logic of preparation applies to your other products, as reminded by our guide on liquids on planes and their allowed carry-on formats.
Lifetime Warranty
On all our suitcases
Worldwide Warranty
Valid anywhere in the world
Fast Shipping
Shipped in 24/48h
Conclusion
Bringing a power bank on a plane boils down to three reflexes: cabin mandatory, capacity under 100 Wh without formality, and terminals protected against short-circuits. Above 100 Wh, request airline approval, with a maximum of 2 batteries up to 160 Wh. Above 160 Wh, leave the battery at home. By checking the watt-hour rating of your power bank and the guidelines of Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, or Transavia, you 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 put my power bank in checked or cabin baggage?
Your power bank must always travel in the cabin, in your carry-on baggage. The hold is strictly prohibited for lithium batteries, as a fire starting there would go unnoticed by the crew during the flight.
What is the maximum authorized capacity for a power bank on a plane?
The maximum capacity authorized without approval is 100 Wh, which is approximately 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V. From 100 to 160 Wh, the battery is permitted with airline approval. Above 160 Wh, it is prohibited on board.
Are 20,000 mAh batteries authorized on board?
Yes, a 20,000 mAh power bank is authorized on board without prior approval. At 3.7 V, it equals 74 Wh, well below the 100 Wh limit set by IATA regulations. It travels in the cabin.
How many power banks can I bring with me?
You can bring 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 airline 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 results in 74 Wh. The voltage is often printed on the device casing next to the milliampere-hour capacity.
Do rules differ by airline like Air France or Ryanair?
The framework is identical: cabin mandatory and 100 Wh threshold without approval across Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, and Transavia. Differences mainly concern the use or recharging of the battery during the flight, which may be more or less restricted depending on the airline.
Can I recharge my power bank during the flight?
Many airlines prohibit charging or using an external battery pack during a flight. A battery that is charging generates more heat and increases the risk of overheating. Keep it visible and follow the instructions of the onboard crew.
