Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane?
Category: Electronics & Batteries
Yes — you can bring power bank on a plane in your carry-on luggage. ≤ 100 Wh: freely allowed.
Verified against published 2026 TSA (United States) & CATSA (Canada) security screening databases.
On this page · 9 sections
⚖️ Why This Rule Exists: Aviation Cargo Fire Safety & Thermal Runaway Regulations (49 CFR § 175.10)
Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway if crushed, short-circuited, or overheated. Because aircraft cargo fire suppression systems (Halon 1301) cannot reliably extinguish an uncontained lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, aviation safety regulations (FAA Pack Safe and ICAO Annex 18) require spare batteries and portable electronics to be transported in the passenger cabin where flight attendants can promptly deploy thermal containment bags.
Rules by security authority
United States — TSA
Carry-on
Yes
Yes, power banks up to 100 Wh are allowed in carry-on. Between 100–160 Wh you need airline approval (max two).
Checked bag
No
No. Power banks are spare lithium batteries and are never allowed in checked bags due to fire risk.
Flying internationally? Security follows the country you depart from — the authority above applies at your departure airport. Customs at arrival is separate.
🔍 Security Checkpoint & X-Ray Screening Advice
In standard 2D X-ray lanes, remove laptops and large power banks from your bag and place them flat in a dedicated bin with nothing above or below them. In modern 3D CT scanner lanes, they may remain packed inside your carry-on bag.
Learn more about scanner differences and traveler rights in our Airport Security Screening Guide →
⚠️ Common Traveler Mistake to Avoid
How to Avoid It: Always keep all spare batteries, power banks, and portable chargers in your personal item backpack so they stay with you in the aircraft cabin.
🔋 Battery watt-hour calculator
Power banks show mAh, airlines limit Wh. Under 100 Wh flies free in carry-on; 100–160 Wh needs airline approval.
How to Pack Power Bank for a Flight
Power Bank on a plane — FAQs
Can you bring a Power Bank in a carry-on?
Yes, power banks up to 100 Wh are allowed in carry-on. Between 100–160 Wh you need airline approval (max two).
Can you pack a Power Bank in checked luggage?
No. Power banks are spare lithium batteries and are never allowed in checked bags due to fire risk.
Why are there rules for a power bank on a plane?
Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway if crushed, short-circuited, or overheated. Because aircraft cargo fire suppression systems (Halon 1301) cannot reliably extinguish an uncontained lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, aviation safety regulations (FAA Pack Safe and ICAO Annex 18) require spare batteries and portable electronics to be transported in the passenger cabin where flight attendants can promptly deploy thermal containment bags.
Is a 20,000 mAh power bank allowed on a plane?
Yes. A 20,000 mAh bank at 3.7 V is 74 Wh, well under the 100 Wh carry-on limit. Pack it in your cabin bag, not checked luggage.
Where do I put a power bank on a plane — carry-on or checked?
Carry-on only. Spare lithium batteries, including power banks, are prohibited in checked baggage on US, Canadian, and most international flights.
Last verified:
Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →