Power banks and electronics on a plane are one of the most common airport questions — where do I put the charger, what size is allowed, and what changes in 2026? The short answer: lithium batteries, including power banks, go only in your carry-on, never in checked baggage. This guide walks through the electronics rules in detail so you avoid trouble at security.
🔋 Power banks — carry-on only
A power bank and any lithium-ion battery must travel in the cabin, in your hand luggage. Putting them in checked baggage is banned by almost every airline in the world, because if a fire starts in the cargo hold the crew can't reach or control it.
This rule applies to power banks, spare batteries and loose replacement cells. A device with a built-in battery (a phone, a laptop) may go in checked baggage, but it's still better carried on.
⚡ The watt-hour (Wh) limit
- Up to 100 Wh — allowed freely, no prior approval (a typical 10,000-20,000 mAh power bank)
- 100-160 Wh — needs airline approval; a maximum of 2 per passenger
- Over 160 Wh — fully banned on passenger flights
- To convert mAh to Wh: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × voltage (usually 3.7V)
Your power bank's rating is often printed on the casing in Wh. If it only shows mAh, calculate: 20,000 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 ≈ 74 Wh — well within the limit.
📱 Laptops, phones and other gadgets
- Take laptops and large electronics out of your bag into a separate tray at security (unless the airport has the newer scanners)
- Switch on airplane mode during the flight — it's mandatory for take-off and landing
- Bluetooth headphones and watches are allowed even in airplane mode
- Keep spare battery terminals away from metal — pack them in a separate, protected pouch
🚫 The new 2026 rules
In 2025-2026 several airlines tightened their rules after a number of onboard fire incidents. Many carriers now ban using a power bank during the flight and require it to be kept in plain sight rather than in the overhead bin.
The exact rules vary by airline, so check your carrier's current requirements before flying. For the general carry-on and checked-baggage rules, see the carry-on luggage rules and the checked baggage rules.
Never put a power bank or a spare lithium battery in checked baggage — it isn't just banned, it's a genuine hazard. A violation can get your bag pulled for inspection.
🧭 Practical tips and conclusion
In short: power banks and lithium batteries always go in carry-on, up to 100 Wh freely, never in checked baggage. When planning a flight, compare fares with the Travel365 price calendar.
- Check your power bank's Wh and your airline's rule before flying
- Pack spare batteries in your carry-on, in their original or protected packaging
- To make security easier, see the airport security tips
- Run through everything once more with the pre-flight checklist
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