Let’s be honest - power banks are basically a travel essential these days. Whether you’re topping up your phone during a long layover or keeping your tablet alive on a cross-country train ride, having backup power in your bag is a no-brainer. These little lifesavers have gone from nice-to-have to absolutely-need in no time.
But if you’re planning on flying, there are a few things you need to know before tossing a power bank into your luggage. Because yeah, while they’re super handy, they can also be a bit of a fire risk if not packed properly - and airlines don’t mess around with battery safety. Nor should they!
So, to keep your travel plans smooth and your devices charged, we’ve put together a quick guide on everything you need to know about flying with power banks. What you can bring, where to pack them, and how to stay on the right side of airport security.
What is a Power Bank?
A power bank is basically a portable battery pack that lets you charge your devices on the go. It stores power in a built-in battery and delivers it through a USB port, making it super handy when you're away from a wall outlet. Depending on its size and output, a power bank can top up anything from your phone to a laptop, tablet, or eReader.
Most of them use rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries and come in a range of sizes and shapes. Their capacity is usually listed in milliampere-hours (mAh), which tells you how much charge they can hold. But when you’re travelling, especially by plane, watt-hours (Wh) are what really matter - that’s the unit airlines care about when checking if your power bank is good to fly.
Benefits of Using a Power Bank While Travelling
Throwing a power bank into your carry-on is one of the smartest travel moves you can make. It means you’ve always got a reliable power source on hand, whether you're mid-flight, stuck in a terminal during a delay, or off the grid on an adventure.
Long-haul flights can be a drag, especially when charging ports are few and far between. A good power bank keeps your devices alive the whole way through - so you can keep streaming, reading, or working without worry. And if you’re dealing with unexpected layovers or crowded charging stations, it’s one less thing to stress about.
Heading out on a day trip? Camping somewhere remote? Exploring a new city from morning till night? Your power bank's got your back. It’s your backup plan, your safety net, and your secret weapon for staying connected wherever the journey takes you.
Can You Take Power Banks on Planes?
Yep, you can definitely fly with a power bank - but there are a few rules you’ll need to stick to.
First up: always pack your power bank in your carry-on or hand luggage. Never check it in with your suitcase. That’s a global rule, set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and it’s all about safety. If a battery were to overheat or catch fire, it’s much easier for cabin crew to deal with it in the cabin than down in the cargo hold.
Second, there are limits on how powerful your power bank can be, and how many you’re allowed to bring. So before you throw one in your backpack, it’s worth checking the size - in watt-hours (Wh) - and making sure it’s within the airline’s approved range.
Key Restrictions for Carrying Power Banks on a Plane
According to the IATA and the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, you’re allowed to carry up to 20 spare batteries or power banks in your hand luggage - as long as each one is 100Wh or less. That covers most of your everyday gear like phone-sized power banks, earbud charging cases, and tablet chargers.
If you’re carrying anything over 100Wh, there are a couple more rules to follow. First, it can’t exceed 160Wh, and second, you’re only allowed to bring two of them. That could be two power banks, or one power bank and one spare battery - whatever combo works for you. Just keep in mind that many airlines require you to get approval in advance if you're packing anything over 100Wh. Anything over 160Wh? That’s a hard no - you’ll have to leave it behind.
Aside from size, how you pack your power banks matters too. They need to be protected from damage and can’t be allowed to get switched on by accident. So, don’t just chuck one in your back pocket or let it bounce around loose in your bag. And definitely keep them away from anything metal - keys, coins, or other batteries - because if those connectors touch the wrong thing, you could end up with a short circuit (or worse, a fire). Lithium batteries are great, but when they’re damaged, they’re no joke.
Power Bank Restrictions for Specific Airlines
Just a heads up - individual airlines might have their own take on the rules, so it’s always a good idea to check with your airline directly before you fly. The info in this article is current as of the last update, but airline policies can change, so best to double-check closer to your travel date.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the rules for some popular airlines. You’re generally allowed to bring 15–20 power banks or spare batteries under 100Wh - but if you’re carrying anything over that, here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind:
| Airline | Max Per Power Bank | Max With Prior Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Air New Zealand | 160Wh | - |
| Qantas | 100Wh | 160Wh |
| Emirates | 100Wh | 160Wh |
| Jet Star | 100Wh | 160Wh |
| Singapore Airlines | 100Wh | 160Wh |
If your airline isn’t listed above, it’s a good idea to check directly with them - some carriers have their own rules that might be a bit stricter than the general guidelines provided above.
How is Wh Calculated?
Watt-hours (Wh) measure a battery’s power capacity. The higher the capacity, the greater the potential risk, which is why airlines set limits on how many devices and batteries you can bring. The watt-hour rating isn’t always clearly marked on power banks, so you’ll usually need to do a bit of math to figure it out yourself.
Converting mAh to Wh
To calculate the Watt-hours (Wh) for your power bank, you will need to know its milliampere-hours (mAh) and voltage (V). These are typically listed on the power bank or in its user manual. Most power banks have a standard voltage of 3.7V, but some can go up to 5V, especially if they're designed to support higher-speed charging.
The calculation formula is: (mAh×V) / 1000 = Wh
For example, if your power bank has 20,000mAh and its voltage is 3.7V, the calculation would be:
20000mAh x 3.7V = 74,000
74,000 / 1000 = 74Wh
Finding a Suitable Power Bank
We’ve put together a list of our Top Power Banks and Portable Chargers. The good news is that most (not all) of the power banks on the list will be suitable for airline travel, so there are some great options there for you to consider. If you don’t manage to pick one up in time for your travels, don’t worry - you can swing by our PB Tech Airport store and enjoy tax-free shopping on Power Banks and more!
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a power bank on an Air New Zealand plane?
Yes, you can take a power bank on an Air New Zealand plane. You can carry power banks in your carry-on luggage but not in your checked luggage. Air New Zealand treats battery packs and power banks as batteries. Each passenger may carry up to 20 batteries with them. You are allowed no more than 2 lithium batteries rated between 100-160Wh.
Based on this, if you were obsessed with power banks and wanted to maximise your available limit, you could take 2 power banks that fall between 100-160Wh, alongside another 18 that fall under 100Wh. Now that probably wouldn't be the smartest way to use up your weight allowance on a flight, but hey, we're just he're to inform, not to judge.
Can you take a 20,000mAh power bank on a plane?
Usually, yes. Most power banks operate at 3.7V, so a 20,000mAh power bank would typically be 74Wh, making it acceptable on most airlines. To be sure though, you should calculate the Watt-hour (Wh) rating for your specific power bank with the formula we spoke about earlier.
(mAh × V) / 1000 = Wh
Can you take a 30,000mAh power bank on a plane?
On some airlines, yes. On other airlines, you might be able to with prior approval. It will largely depend on the voltage of the power bank. Let’s say it operates at 5V; using the formula above, that would make the power capacity 150Wh, which would mean you can take it, on some airlines, with/without prior approval. However, make sure to check the voltage for your specific power bank and then calculate the Wh using the formula above to be sure.
What is the largest power bank allowed on a flight?
The largest power bank allowed on a flight, as per international aviation regulations, has a capacity of up to 100 Watt-hours (Wh), without needing specific airline approval. Essentially, this is the rule of thumb, although as evident above, some airlines will allow you to take a power bank that's slightly larger. Power banks exceeding 160Wh are prohibited. As always, each airline can have its own specific guidelines, so it's always best to check with your airline before you fly.
Why are power banks restricted on planes?
Power banks typically contain lithium-ion batteries, which are generally safe and widely used. They do, however, pose potential safety risks if they are damaged, defective, or have their terminals short-circuited. If they overheat, they can go into what's called 'thermal runaway', potentially leading to an explosion or fire. Therefore, aviation regulations strictly control the transportation of power banks and similar battery-powered devices on planes.
Why do power banks need to be with your carry-on baggage and not your checked luggage?
Because of the fire risks that the lithium-ion batteries typically found in power banks can pose. If a battery happens to fail, or overheat and catch fire, in the cabin, it can be swiftly and safely dealt with by the flight crew. However, if it's in the checked luggage, the risk is much higher since issues might go undetected, and it would be harder to locate the power bank in time to resolve the problem.
Can you use a power bank on a plane?
Use of power banks during the flight is typically allowed, but always check the specific airline’s rules and regulations.
2 comments
Woghole
Very helpful article thank you.
Read moreBilaal R (Head Office)
Thanks for checking it out!
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