Can You Take a Power Bank on a Plane? UK Rules Explained
Emnan ButtLearn where to pack your portable charger, understand the 100Wh and 160Wh limits, and avoid having a power bank refused at check-in or removed from checked luggage.
Updated July 2026A power bank can be one of the most useful travel accessories in your bag. It keeps your phone available for boarding passes, directions, hotel details, payments and communication when an airport socket is unavailable.
However, portable chargers contain lithium batteries. If a battery is damaged, overheats or short-circuits, it can release intense heat, catch fire or produce hazardous smoke.
For this reason, power banks are treated differently from ordinary charging cables and wall plugs. They must generally remain inside cabin baggage, where the crew can identify and respond to a problem.
This guide explains the UK rules for carrying power banks in 2026, including the maximum number allowed, Watt-hour limits, airline approval, in-flight use and the safest way to pack them.
A power bank belongs in your cabin bag—not inside checked luggage. Check its Watt-hour rating before travelling.
Can You Take a Power Bank on a Plane?
Yes. You can normally take a power bank on a plane, but it must be packed in cabin baggage. Under current UK guidance, passengers may carry no more than two power banks. Units up to 100Wh are generally accepted without airline approval, while units above 100Wh and up to 160Wh require approval from the operating airline.
Carry the power bank in your personal item or cabin bag and protect it against short-circuiting and accidental activation.
Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries and must not be packed in luggage travelling in the aircraft hold.
Current UK CAA guidance limits passengers to no more than two power banks for personal use.
Why Must Power Banks Stay in Cabin Baggage?
Lithium batteries store a considerable amount of energy in a compact unit. A manufacturing fault, crushing damage, excessive heat or a short circuit can cause the battery temperature to rise rapidly.
This process can develop into thermal runaway, during which the battery may release heat, flame and smoke. A problem in the cabin can be noticed by passengers or crew and dealt with using the aircraft’s emergency procedures.
A fire beginning inside an inaccessible checked suitcase is more difficult to detect and control. Power banks and other spare lithium batteries are therefore required to remain in the cabin.
Never transfer your power bank into checked luggage at the gate
When a cabin bag is taken from you because the overhead lockers are full, remove the power bank before the bag is placed in the hold. Keep it with you in your personal item.
Power Bank Size Limits Explained
Airlines assess lithium-ion batteries using Watt-hours rather than only milliamp-hours. The rating should normally be printed on the power bank or its original label.
Up to 100Wh
Power banks not exceeding 100Wh are generally permitted in cabin baggage without advance airline approval, subject to the airline’s own conditions.
100–160Wh
A power bank exceeding 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh requires approval from the operating airline before travel.
Over 160Wh
Batteries above 160Wh are generally not permitted in ordinary passenger baggage and may require regulated cargo arrangements.
How to Calculate the Watt-Hour Rating
Many power banks display both milliamp-hours and Watt-hours. When only the capacity in mAh and the battery voltage are shown, the Watt-hour rating can be estimated using the following formula.
Watt-Hour Formula
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × VoltageMost lithium-ion power banks use a nominal internal cell voltage of approximately 3.7V, but always use the voltage printed by the manufacturer rather than assuming a value.
10,000 ÷ 1,000 × 3.7 = 37Wh. This is below the standard 100Wh limit.
20,000 ÷ 1,000 × 3.7 = 74Wh. This is also below the standard 100Wh limit.
Do not rely only on the advertised USB output voltage
A power bank may advertise a 5V, 9V or 12V charging output while using internal cells with a different nominal voltage. Use the official Watt-hour rating or battery specification printed on the unit.
Common Power Bank Capacities
| Advertised capacity | Approximate rating at 3.7V | Cabin baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000mAh | 18.5Wh | Usually permitted | Not permitted |
| 10,000mAh | 37Wh | Usually permitted | Not permitted |
| 20,000mAh | 74Wh | Usually permitted | Not permitted |
| 26,800mAh | Approximately 99Wh | Usually permitted | Not permitted |
| 30,000mAh | Approximately 111Wh | Airline approval | Not permitted |
| Over 160Wh | Above the passenger limit | Generally prohibited | Not permitted |
These calculations are examples only. The official rating printed on the product takes priority because battery voltage and usable capacity vary between models.
Can You Put a Power Bank in Checked Luggage?
No. Power banks must not be placed inside checked luggage. They are classified as spare batteries because their principal purpose is to supply electricity to another device.
The restriction applies even when the power bank is completely empty, switched off or packed inside a protective case.
It also applies to battery packs built into certain backpacks, suitcases and smart luggage. When the battery is removable, remove it before checking the bag and carry the battery in the cabin.
What Happens If One Is Found?
Airport or airline staff may remove the power bank, ask you to open the suitcase or prevent the bag from being loaded until the battery has been taken out.
This can delay the baggage process and may result in the power bank being surrendered if you cannot return to the bag.
How Many Power Banks Can You Take?
Current UK CAA guidance allows no more than two power banks per person. Each unit must comply with the applicable capacity rules and remain protected when not in use.
The limit applies per passenger rather than per suitcase. Placing additional units in separate cabin bags does not increase the allowance.
Airlines may apply stricter conditions. When travelling with two high-capacity units, check the policy of every operating carrier, including airlines used on connecting flights.
Can You Use a Power Bank During the Flight?
Current UK guidance states that a power bank must not be recharged while aboard the aircraft and should not be used to recharge another portable electronic device during the flight.
Individual airlines may prohibit power-bank use completely or apply additional restrictions during taxi, take-off and landing.
The safest approach is to fully charge your phone before boarding, keep the power bank switched off and use the aircraft’s approved USB or power outlet when the airline permits it.
Never charge the power bank from the aircraft socket
Current CAA and IATA guidance prohibits passengers from recharging a power bank using an in-seat USB port or electrical outlet during the flight.
Where Should You Store It During the Flight?
Keep the power bank somewhere accessible and visible enough that you could detect excessive heat, swelling, smoke or an unusual smell.
IATA passenger guidance recommends that power banks should not be stored in overhead lockers. Airline procedures differ, so follow the cabin crew’s instructions and keep the unit in your personal bag or another approved accessible location.
Do not wedge the power bank between moving seat parts, leave it loose on the floor or place it where the terminals could contact coins, keys or other metal objects.
How to Pack a Power Bank Safely
Check the Capacity Label
Confirm that the Watt-hour rating is clearly printed and does not exceed your airline’s limit.
Inspect for Damage
Do not travel with a power bank that is swollen, cracked, leaking, excessively hot or subject to a manufacturer recall.
Protect the Ports
Use the original packaging, a fitted protective case or a separate pouch to reduce the risk of short-circuiting.
Prevent Accidental Activation
Switch off models with an activation button and prevent the button from being pressed by surrounding belongings.
Keep It Away from Metal Objects
Do not store exposed charging ports beside keys, coins, jewellery or tools that could bridge electrical contacts.
Keep It Accessible
Store it in a personal bag rather than burying it beneath clothing at the bottom of a large cabin suitcase.
Do the Rules Apply to Every Type of Power Bank?
MagSafe and Wireless Power Banks
Yes. A magnetic or wireless power bank still contains a rechargeable lithium battery and follows the same cabin-baggage and Watt-hour restrictions.
Laptop Power Banks
High-output laptop power banks are often larger than standard phone chargers. Check the Watt-hour rating carefully because some models exceed 100Wh and require airline approval.
Solar Power Banks
A solar charging panel does not change the battery classification. The internal battery capacity determines which aviation rules apply.
Battery Cases
A phone case containing its own rechargeable battery is also a battery-powered device. Carry it in the cabin and confirm the manufacturer’s capacity information.
Smart Luggage Batteries
When a suitcase contains a removable lithium battery, remove the battery before checking the luggage and carry it in the cabin. Smart luggage with a non-removable battery may be refused.
Common Power Bank Packing Mistakes
Packing It in the Hold
A power bank must remain in cabin baggage, even when it is switched off or has no remaining charge.
Ignoring the Wh Rating
A high mAh figure can place the unit above the standard allowance. Check the actual Watt-hour value.
Taking an Unlabelled Unit
Security or airline staff may refuse a product when its battery capacity cannot be verified.
Carrying a Damaged Battery
Swelling, cracks, overheating or unusual odours indicate that the battery may be unsafe.
Charging It On Board
Current rules prohibit recharging a power bank from the aircraft’s electrical supply.
Leaving It in a Gate-Checked Bag
Remove all power banks before handing a cabin suitcase to staff for loading into the hold.
What Should You Do If a Power Bank Overheats?
Stop using the unit immediately and notify cabin crew if it becomes unusually hot, begins swelling, releases smoke, sparks or produces a strong chemical smell.
Do not hide it inside a bag, place it in a seat pocket or attempt to carry it to another part of the aircraft without instructions.
Cabin crews are trained to follow specific procedures for lithium battery incidents. Promptly telling them gives them the best opportunity to manage the situation.
Before Leaving Home
- Check the Watt-hour rating.
- Confirm the airline’s current power-bank policy.
- Inspect the casing and charging ports.
- Carry no more than the permitted number.
- Place each unit in a separate protective pouch.
- Remove it from any bag that may enter the hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a power bank on a plane?
Yes. Power banks are normally permitted in cabin baggage, subject to capacity, quantity and airline restrictions. They must not be packed in checked luggage.
Can a power bank go in checked luggage?
No. Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries and must remain in cabin baggage.
What size power bank is allowed on a plane?
A power bank up to 100Wh is generally allowed without advance approval. Units above 100Wh and up to 160Wh require airline approval. Larger units are generally not accepted in passenger baggage.
Is a 10,000mAh power bank allowed?
Most 10,000mAh power banks are well below 100Wh and are normally accepted in cabin baggage. Check the Watt-hour rating printed on the specific model.
Is a 20,000mAh power bank allowed?
A typical 20,000mAh unit using 3.7V cells is approximately 74Wh and is usually within the standard cabin allowance.
Is a 30,000mAh power bank allowed?
A typical 30,000mAh unit may exceed 100Wh and can require advance airline approval. Use the official rating printed on the unit.
How many power banks can I take?
Current UK CAA guidance permits no more than two power banks per passenger, although an airline may impose stricter conditions.
Can I use my power bank during the flight?
Current guidance states that power banks should not be used to charge other portable devices during the flight. The operating airline may prohibit use entirely.
Can I recharge the power bank on the plane?
No. Current CAA guidance states that power banks must not be recharged aboard the aircraft.
Can I keep a power bank in the overhead locker?
IATA passenger guidance recommends that power banks should not be stored in overhead lockers. Follow the operating airline’s instructions and keep the unit accessible.
Are MagSafe power banks allowed?
Yes, provided they comply with the same quantity, capacity and cabin-baggage restrictions as other lithium-ion power banks.
Are solar power banks allowed?
Yes, when the internal battery complies with the applicable Watt-hour limit. The solar panel does not remove the lithium battery restrictions.
What happens if I accidentally check in a power bank?
Airline or airport staff may ask for the bag to be opened, remove the battery or prevent the suitcase from being loaded. Inform staff immediately when you realise the mistake.
Can security confiscate an unlabelled power bank?
A power bank may be refused when staff cannot verify its battery capacity or consider its condition unsafe.
Are power banks allowed on Ryanair and easyJet?
Power banks are generally carried in cabin baggage, but each airline can impose additional capacity, storage and usage conditions. Check the current policy of the operating airline before departure.
Official Sources
UK Civil Aviation Authority — What items can I travel with?
UK Civil Aviation Authority — Changes to power-bank rules
Important travel information
Battery regulations, airline limits and in-flight usage policies can change. Airlines may apply stricter requirements than the general aviation rules. This article provides general guidance and does not replace instructions from your operating airline, departure airport or aviation authority. Check the current rules before every journey.