Battery banks are allowed on planes, but with strict limits on size and quantity
You can bring a portable battery bank (also called a power bank) in your carry-on bag on most flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and international aviation authorities allow them because they recognize that passengers need to charge phones and devices during travel. However, the rules are specific about which ones you can bring and where they must go.
The key restriction is the battery's capacity, measured in watt-hours (Wh) or milliamp-hours (mAh). Most battery banks sold for phones fall well within the limit. A typical smartphone power bank holds 10,000 to 20,000 mAh, which converts to roughly 37 to 74 Wh—all of which are permitted. The TSA allows up to 100 Wh per battery bank without special permission, and you can bring two battery banks up to 160 Wh each if you get the airline's written approval beforehand.
Battery banks must stay in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. This is a safety rule, not a suggestion. If a battery bank fails or catches fire, crew members need to see it and respond when ready. A fire in the cargo hold, where passengers cannot reach it, is far more dangerous.
Key Takeaways
- Battery banks under 100 Wh can go in your carry-on with no advance notice; most phone chargers fall into this category.
- Battery banks must never go in checked baggage—TSA rules require them in carry-on only.
- Check your battery bank's label or manual for its watt-hour (Wh) rating; if it only lists mAh, divide by 2.7 to estimate Wh.
- Airlines sometimes have stricter rules than the TSA, so contact yours before traveling if your battery bank is large or if you are bringing more than one.
- Damaged, swollen, or recalled battery banks should not be brought on any flight.
How to find your battery bank's capacity
The capacity label is usually printed on the back or bottom of the device. Look for "Wh" (watt-hours) or "mAh" (milliamp-hours). If you see only mAh, you can estimate the Wh by dividing the mAh number by 2.7. For example, a 20,000 mAh battery bank is roughly 7,400 Wh ÷ 2.7 = 74 Wh, which is well under the 100 Wh limit.
If the label is worn or missing, check the product manual or the manufacturer's website using the model number. Do not guess. Bringing a battery bank you cannot verify could delay your trip or result in confiscation at security.
What happens if your battery bank exceeds the limit
Battery banks over 100 Wh are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage on most commercial flights. Some airlines allow batteries between 100 and 160 Wh if you contact them in advance and receive written approval. You would need to email the airline's customer service with your battery bank's exact specifications (model number, Wh rating, and manufacturer) and wait for a response before you book or travel.
If you arrive at the airport with a battery bank that exceeds the limit and you do not have written approval, TSA will confiscate it. You cannot mail it to yourself or leave it with someone outside security. Plan ahead if you own a large battery bank.
Battery banks with built-in cables or solar panels
Battery banks with attached USB cables or charging ports are fine. Battery banks with built-in solar panels are also allowed, as long as the battery itself meets the capacity limits. The solar panel does not change the TSA rules—only the battery's watt-hour rating matters.
Some newer battery banks include wall outlets or AC power conversion. These are still treated as battery banks under TSA rules and follow the same 100 Wh limit. The added features do not increase the restriction.
International flights and airline-specific rules
International flights follow similar rules, but some countries and airlines are stricter. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets guidelines that most airlines follow, but individual carriers may impose lower limits. For example, some airlines allow only one battery bank per passenger, while others permit two.
Before traveling internationally or on a carrier you do not fly often, contact the airline directly. A quick email with your battery bank's model number and capacity can prevent a problem at the gate. Airlines have different policies, and what is allowed on one carrier may not be on another.
What to do if your battery bank is damaged or swollen
Do not bring a battery bank that is visibly swollen, cracked, leaking, or showing any sign of damage. A damaged lithium battery can overheat and catch fire, especially in the pressurized cabin of an aircraft. If your battery bank has been dropped, exposed to water, or has been sitting unused for months, inspect it carefully before packing.
If you notice swelling or damage after you arrive at the airport, tell a TSA officer or airline staff member when ready. They will confiscate it safely. It is better to lose the device than to risk a flight emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a battery bank in my checked bag instead of carry-on?
No. TSA and international aviation rules require battery banks in carry-on baggage only. Checked baggage rules prohibit them entirely. This is a safety rule because crew members need to respond when ready if a battery fails.
What if my battery bank is 150 Wh?
Contact your airline before you travel. Some carriers allow batteries between 100 and 160 Wh with written approval. Others do not allow them at all. You need permission in writing before you arrive at the airport, or the battery will be confiscated.
Do I need to remove my battery bank at security?
You do not need to remove it unless a TSA officer asks. It will go through the X-ray machine in your carry-on bag. If the officer cannot determine the capacity from the scan, they may ask to see the device and its label.
Can I bring multiple battery banks?
You can bring two battery banks under 100 Wh each without advance notice. If you want to bring more than two, or if either one exceeds 100 Wh, contact your airline first. Some carriers have stricter limits on quantity.
What if my battery bank is recalled?
Do not bring it on a flight. Check the manufacturer's website or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website to see if your model has been recalled. If it has, the airline will confiscate it, and you may face delays or fines.