Power banks on planes: the rules for batteries and electronic devices

For business travelers, a power bank is as essential as a passport. Between tight connections, calls to make the moment you land, and documents to review mid-flight, having backup power means staying in control of your day. Over the past few months, however, the rules for power banks on planes have changed significantly. International authorities and many airlines have introduced even stricter measures, and simply tossing one in your bag and heading out is no longer enough. In this guide, you'll find the rules currently in effect, how to check whether your power bank complies, and how to organize your carry-on to get through security without a hitch.

Why power banks are subject to specific rules

Power banks contain lithium-ion cells, which are classified as hazardous materials in air transportation. If a cell is damaged, defective, or overheated, it can trigger what's known as thermal runaway: a chain reaction that produces intense heat, smoke, and, in the worst cases, flames that are hard to put out. Growing concern over in-flight incidents involving lithium batteries prompted the ICAO, the UN agency for civil aviation, to update its rules. The principle is simple: if a problem occurs, it needs to happen where the crew can see it and respond immediately.

The ICAO rules in effect since 2026

On March 27, 2026, new international ICAO provisions on carrying power banks took effect, introducing limits on the number of devices allowed and on charging during the flight. Airlines may apply even stricter rules.

Carry-on only, never in checked bags

Power banks can't be packed in checked baggage, with no exception. This also applies when your carry-on is gate-checked because the overhead bins are full: before handing it over, take out the power bank and keep it with you. Once on board, it shouldn't go in the overhead bin but in the seatback pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you, where it stays within easy reach.

Capacity limits and maximum number

The new ICAO provisions set a maximum of two power banks per passenger. Models up to 100 Wh are generally allowed in carry-on bags without approval. For those over 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh, the 2026 ICAO addendum allows them with the airline's prior approval, but updated IATA guidance introduces stricter restrictions, so checking with your airline in advance is essential. Over 160 Wh, they're not allowed as regular passenger baggage.

Charging and use during the flight

The new guidance prohibits charging power banks on board, so no plugging them into the seat's power outlets or USB ports. The ICAO also advises against using them to charge smartphones or tablets during the flight, and several airlines explicitly ban their use. If you need power, you can plug your device directly into the seat outlet, if one is available.

How to calculate your power bank's Wh

Many manufacturers list capacity in mAh (milliamp-hours), while air travel rules use Wh (watt-hours). The conversion is simple: multiply the mAh by the battery's nominal voltage (usually 3.7 V) and divide by 1,000.

Wh = (mAh × V) / 1,000

Here are a few examples for reference, calculated with a nominal voltage of 3.7 V:

Capacity	Watt-hours	Status
10,000 mAh	37 Wh	Generally allowed
20,000 mAh	74 Wh	Generally allowed
27,000 mAh	99.9 Wh	Within the 100 Wh limit
30,000 mAh	111 Wh	Check airline restrictions

For example, a 20,000 mAh power bank works out to about 74 Wh, well under the 100 Wh threshold. The 100 Wh limit is reached at around 27,000 mAh, assuming a nominal voltage of 3.7 V. The figure may vary for some devices, so it's best to go by the voltage the manufacturer lists.

There's one detail, though, that makes all the difference at security: the specs must be clearly printed on the device. A power bank without clear markings, or with a worn-off label, may be confiscated because screeners can't verify that it complies. If you travel often, it pays to choose models with the capacity and watt-hours clearly visible on the casing.

Airline policies

The ICAO standard is the international benchmark, but each airline can apply stricter rules. Lufthansa Group, which also includes ITA Airways, has banned charging and using power banks on board since January 15, 2026, with specific exceptions for approved medical devices. The same goes for Emirates, which since October 1, 2025, has also allowed only one power bank per passenger, with a capacity under 100 Wh. Other airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, have also restricted the use of power banks during the flight.

If you're flying more than one airline on the same trip, the golden rule is to always follow the strictest one. Policies change often, so check the “dangerous goods” section of the airline's website a few days before your flight.

Laptops, smartphones, and other devices with lithium batteries

Devices with built-in batteries follow more flexible rules than power banks. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, and headphones can also go in checked bags, as long as they're completely powered off (not in sleep mode) and protected from accidentally turning on. That said, your carry-on is still the safest choice: besides lowering the risk, you avoid damage and theft.

Spare batteries, like those for cameras or drones, follow the same rules as power banks: they can only travel in the cabin, with the terminals protected to prevent short circuits. The 2026 ICAO provisions explicitly distinguish these batteries from power banks, including when it comes to quantity limits.

Also keep an eye on smart luggage with built-in batteries. If the battery exceeds the limits for non-removable components, it must be removable so the bag can be checked. Suitcases with non-removable batteries above the allowed thresholds may be refused.

How to organize your carry-on for security

Security screening procedures vary from airport to airport: where next-generation CT scanners are in place, your laptop can stay in your backpack; elsewhere, it still must come out and go in the bin, and your power bank may be screened separately. A well-organized bag saves valuable minutes. The ideal choice is a well-structured travel backpack or a business travel bag with a quick-access padded laptop compartment and a dedicated pocket for your power bank and cables, easy to reach without unpacking everything. Piquadro collections are designed with exactly this in mind: separate compartments for tech, instant access to everything you need at security, and protection for your devices throughout your trip.

Once you're on board, this organization pays off even more. Since you'll often need to keep your power bank out of the overhead bin, a bag or compact carry-on that fits easily under the seat keeps everything within reach while staying within the rules.

FAQ

Can I pack a power bank in my checked bag?

No. Power banks must be carried in your carry-on only. If your bag is gate-checked, you need to take the power bank out before handing it over.

How many power banks can I bring on a plane?

The 2026 ICAO provisions allow a maximum of two power banks per passenger. Some airlines apply stricter limits: Emirates, for example, allows only one.

Is a 20,000 mAh power bank allowed?

Yes. It works out to about 74 Wh, which is within the 100 Wh limit that doesn't require approval.

Can I charge my phone with a power bank during the flight?

The ICAO advises against it, and several airlines, including Lufthansa Group, ITA Airways, and Emirates, explicitly ban it. If there's an outlet at your seat, plug your phone directly into that.

What happens if my power bank doesn't show its capacity?

Security may confiscate it, since screeners can't verify that it complies.

Conclusion

Traveling with a power bank is still possible, but it now takes more attention. It must stay in your carry-on, never in checked baggage, with a maximum of two per passenger and a capacity generally up to 100 Wh. For higher-capacity models, check your airline's rules. It can't be charged during the flight, and many airlines ban its use altogether. Checking airline policies and choosing a smartly organized bag is the best way to arrive at your destination with your devices charged and no surprises at the gate.