Short answer: yes, but only in your carry-on — never in checked luggage. Power banks and spare lithium batteries have to travel in the cabin, there are capacity limits measured in watt-hours (Wh), and airlines are increasingly adding rules about using them in flight. Get caught with one in a checked bag and it'll be pulled at screening.
Why carry-on only?
Power banks are lithium-battery devices, and lithium batteries can overheat or catch fire if damaged or faulty. In the cabin, crew can spot and deal with a problem immediately; in the cargo hold, no one would notice until it's serious. That's why aviation safety rules require them in carry-on:
- Never in checked baggage — this is near-universal across airlines, no exceptions to rely on.
- If your carry-on gets gate-checked, take the power bank and spare batteries out and keep them on you.
Capacity: mAh vs watt-hours (Wh)
Airlines regulate by watt-hours (Wh), but power banks are advertised in mAh. Roughly, most typical phone-charging power banks fall under the common threshold and are fine to carry; larger high-capacity units may need airline approval, and the biggest may not be allowed at all. Exact Wh limits and how many you can bring vary by airline — check yours, and don't rely on old numbers.
| Battery / device | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|
| Typical power bank | Usually fine in carry-on; there may be a quantity limit. |
| Large / high-capacity power bank | May require airline approval; very large ones can be prohibited. |
| Spare lithium batteries | Carry-on only, terminals protected against short circuits. |
| Any power bank in checked bags | Not allowed. |
Rules are tightening — check your airline
Beyond "carry-on only," a growing number of airlines have added extra restrictions, such as no using or charging power banks during the flight, or requiring them to be kept within reach rather than in the overhead bin. These vary by carrier and are becoming more common, so don't assume last year's experience applies — check your specific airline's current policy before you fly.
For how to pick the right capacity, USB-C PD and weight, see our travel power bank buying guide. And for what else has to stay in the cabin, see carry-on vs checked.