Explainer
Power Bank Airline Rules 2026: Limits and In-Flight Bans
Short answer: power banks go in your carry-on, never in checked bags. Anything up to 100 Wh is fine without approval. And in 2026 many airlines started limiting how many you can bring and banning their use in flight, so check your airline before you pack.
Rules change often. Last checked October 29, 2026; your airline's own page always wins.
The US baseline (FAA)
The FAA treats a power bank as a spare lithium battery (YMMV):
| Rated energy | Carry-on | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Allowed, no approval | Not allowed |
| 100–160 Wh | Airline approval, max 2 spares | Not allowed |
| Over 160 Wh | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Also required: protect the ports from short circuits, don’t fly with a swollen or recalled pack, and take power banks out of any bag that gets gate-checked.
Not sure of your pack’s Wh? Multiply mAh by 3.7 and divide by 1,000. A 20,000 mAh pack is about 74 Wh. More in mAh vs Wh explained.
Airlines that restrict power banks in 2026
Following new international guidance in 2026, many carriers tightened their rules (Wego, YMMV):
| Airline | How many | Use in flight |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | 1 (under 100 Wh) | Banned since October 2025 |
| Southwest | 1 (from April 20, 2026) | Must stay visible; no charging from seat power |
| Lufthansa Group (incl. Swiss, Austrian) | — | Banned from January 15, 2026 |
| Singapore Airlines and Scoot | 2 | Banned |
| Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia | 2 | Banned |
| Japan Airlines, ANA | 2 | Use banned from April 24, 2026 |
| Korean Air and Korean carriers | — | Banned from January 26, 2026 |
| Turkish Airlines, Pegasus | 2 | No charging |
| Avelo | — | Must stay visible while in use |
Most other US airlines (American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue and others) follow the FAA baseline and don’t publish a separate in-flight rule, but crew can always ask you to stop using one.
What this means when you buy
- Stay under 100 Wh (about 27,000 mAh) unless you really need more. It avoids approval hassles everywhere.
- If you fly Emirates or Southwest, one good pack beats two small ones.
- Charge your phone before boarding on airlines that ban in-flight use, and use seat power where it exists.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. The FAA treats power banks as spare lithium batteries, which are prohibited in checked bags. Keep them in your carry-on or on your person, and take them out if your bag is gate-checked.
What size power bank can I take on a plane?
Up to 100 Wh needs no airline approval. From 100 to 160 Wh you need the airline's approval and can carry at most two. Above 160 Wh is prohibited.
Can I use my power bank during the flight?
It depends on the airline. Emirates, Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines and several Asian carriers ban in-flight use. Southwest requires a power bank in use to stay visible. Check your airline before you fly.