Can You Take a Power Bank on a Plane? UK Rules Explained
Can You Take a Power Bank on a Plane? UK Rules Explained
Power banks are essential when travelling, but lithium batteries are subject to strict aviation safety rules. Here is what you need to know before flying from a UK airport.
Yes. You can take a power bank on a plane, but it must be carried in your cabin baggage, not your checked suitcase. Under current UK CAA rules, passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks per person. Power banks up to 100 Wh do not require airline approval.
The most important rule is simple: keep your power bank with you in the cabin.
1. Power Banks Must Stay in Your Cabin Bag
Under current UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance, power banks must be carried in carry-on baggage. They must not be placed in checked hold luggage.
✈️ Why? If a lithium battery develops a thermal event, cabin crew can respond to the incident in the passenger cabin. A fire inside the aircraft hold is much more difficult to detect and manage.
What this means when travelling
- Cabin bag: Power banks are permitted, subject to the capacity and quantity rules.
- Personal item: A power bank can also be carried in a small personal bag, provided your airline permits that bag as cabin baggage.
- Checked suitcase: Do not put a power bank in your hold luggage.
2. How Many Power Banks Can You Take?
From 27 March 2026, UK rules introduced a specific limit for passengers carrying power banks: no more than two power banks per person.
| Power Bank | Typical Capacity | UK Passenger Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | For example, a 20,000 mAh power bank is commonly around 74 Wh | Allowed in cabin baggage without operator approval |
| Over 100 Wh to 160 Wh | Higher-capacity portable batteries | Airline/operator approval is required before travel |
| Over 160 Wh | Very high-capacity batteries | Not permitted as a passenger power bank |
⚠️ Important: Airline policies can be more restrictive than the baseline aviation rules. Always check your airline before travelling, particularly if your power bank is above 100 Wh.
3. What Does 100 Wh Mean in mAh?
Power banks are commonly advertised using mAh, while aviation regulations use Watt-hours (Wh).
A 20,000 mAh power bank rated at 3.7 V:
(20,000 × 3.7) ÷ 1,000 = 74 Wh
This is below the 100 Wh threshold.
Always use the manufacturer's stated specifications where available. The Wh rating should normally be marked on the battery or power bank.
4. How Should You Pack a Power Bank?
Power banks should be protected against damage and accidental short circuits. The UK CAA recommends that power banks and spare lithium batteries are individually protected when not in use.
- Keep it in your cabin bag. Never place it in your checked suitcase.
- Protect the device. Use a protective pouch or separate pocket.
- Keep charging ports protected. Avoid loose coins, keys or other metal objects coming into contact with the terminals.
- Do not travel with a damaged battery. Do not use or carry a power bank that is swollen, punctured, leaking or visibly damaged.
- Prevent accidental activation. Make sure the power bank cannot be switched on accidentally.
5. Can You Use a Power Bank During the Flight?
Current UK CAA guidance states that passengers' power banks must not be recharged on board the aircraft and should not be used to recharge another portable electronic device during the flight.
💡 Best practice: Charge your power bank before leaving home and keep it safely stored in your cabin bag during the flight.
6. What About Smart Suitcases?
Smart luggage containing lithium batteries is subject to additional restrictions. If a suitcase has a removable battery, the battery may need to be removed and carried separately in the cabin if the suitcase is placed in the aircraft hold.
⚠️ Before travelling: Check whether your smart suitcase has a removable battery and verify the airline's own policy.
7. Your Power Bank Checklist Before Flying
- ✔ Keep your power bank in your cabin baggage.
- ✔ Carry a maximum of two power banks per person.
- ✔ Make sure each power bank is 100 Wh or less if you want to avoid operator approval.
- ✔ Protect the power bank from accidental damage and short circuits.
- ✔ Do not travel with a swollen or damaged battery.
- ✔ Do not recharge the power bank during the flight.
- ✔ Check your airline's specific rules before departure.
Travel Smarter with Easy Luggage
Keep your power bank, electronics and travel essentials safely organised in a cabin bag designed for modern travel.
Shop Cabin Luggage →Information checked against current UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance, including the changes effective from 27 March 2026.