Short answer: yes, you can bring a power bank on a plane — but only in your carry-on, only under certain size limits and as of 2026, with some new restrictions on how you can actually use it mid-flight. Here's exactly what's allowed and what changed this year.
The Basic Rule: Carry-On Only, Never Checked
Power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries should always go in your carry-on bag or personal item, not your checked luggage.
This makes them easier for the crew to handle if there is a battery problem during the flight.
Our suggestion: Keep your power bank in your carry-on and never pack it inside checked baggage.
How Big Can Your Power Bank Be?
Power bank limits are measured in watt-hours (Wh), not just battery capacity (mAh), though the two are related:
Under 100 Wh or less — allowed with no airline approval needed. This covers almost every everyday power bank.
101–160 Wh — may be allowed with airline approval, usually limited to two batteries.
Over 160 Wh — banned from the cabin entirely on passenger flights (with rare mobility-aid exceptions).
Quick mAh-to-Wh Reference
Most people only see the mAh rating printed on their power bank, not Wh. At a standard 3.7V cell voltage:
mAh Rating | Approx. Watt-Hours | Status |
10,000 mAh | ~37 Wh | Allowed, no approval |
20,000 mAh | ~74 Wh | Allowed, no approval |
26,800 mAh | ~99 Wh | Allowed, no approval (just under the limit) |
30,000 mAh | ~111 Wh | Needs airline approval |
40,000+ mAh | 148+ Wh | Needs approval or may exceed the cabin limit |
If you're shopping for a travel power bank, staying at or under 26,800 mAh keeps you safely under the 100 Wh or less line without needing any paperwork.
What's New in 2026: In-Flight Charging Restrictions
Airlines have introduced stricter rules for using power banks during flights in 2026. The exact rules can vary by airline, so it's always a good idea to check before you travel.
Don't recharge your power bank during the flight. The 2026 guidance prohibits passengers from recharging power banks onboard.
Follow your airline's rules for using a power bank during takeoff and landing, as some airlines restrict it during these stages.
Keep your power bank within reach, rather than in the overhead bin, so the crew can access it quickly if needed.
Some airlines may ask passengers to cover exposed charging ports before boarding.
Rules can vary by airline and route. Check your airline's latest power bank policy before your trip, especially when flying through Asia or the Gulf region.
Practical Packing Tips
Keep it in your seat pocket or bag under the seat, not the overhead bin, on airlines with the newer restrictions
Check your power bank's condition before flying — damaged, swollen or dented batteries are a common reason for confiscation at security, since they're the most likely to fail
Bring no more than two power banks — the new 2026 guidance limits passengers to two power banks for personal use.
Charge devices before boarding when possible, since in-flight charging restrictions mean you may not be able to top up your power bank itself during the flight anymore
How to Choose a Power Bank for Travel
Knowing the rules is one thing — actually picking a power bank that fits them without leaving you short on charge is another. Most travelers run into one of two problems:
Not enough power for a long-haul flight with a laptop, tablet and phone all needing charge
Too bulky to carry comfortably as an everyday item, so it ends up left at home
Here are two Anker options that solve each problem differently, while staying safely within the 100 Wh or less carry-on limit.
For Long-Haul, Multi-Device Charging: Anker Power Bank (25K, 165W)
Running out of power on a long flight when you're charging a laptop, phone and tablet together — and not wanting to dig through your bag for a separate cable every time.
This is a 25,000mAh power bank rated at 90 Wh, which keeps it comfortably under the 100 Wh or less no-approval limit despite its large capacity. It has two built-in retractable USB-C cables (one doubles as a carry strap) plus an extra USB-C and USB-A port and can push up to 165W total — enough to fast-charge a laptop and phone at the same time.
Pros:
Its listed 90 Wh rating is within the standard 100 Wh or less limit.
Built-in cables mean you're not searching your bag for a charging cord
165W output can genuinely fast-charge a laptop, not just top up a phone
Live display shows battery %, input and output in real time
Cons:
Heavier (~594g) — this is a laptop-bag item, not something you'll forget is in your pocket
Overkill if you're only ever charging a phone
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25K 165W
A high-capacity 25,000mAh power bank with up to 165W total output, built-in retractable cables, USB-C ports and a smart display for checking battery information.
For Everyday Carry: Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim)
Wanting a power bank small enough to actually carry daily, without giving up wireless charging convenience.
At just 10,000mAh, this one is built for slimness over raw capacity — it's about half a centimeter thick with a magnetic Qi2 wireless charging pad (15W) plus a 30W USB-C port for wired charging. It attaches directly to the back of MagSafe-compatible iPhones.
Pros:
Genuinely pocket-friendly — one of the slimmer power banks in its capacity class
Magnetic wireless charging means no cable needed for compatible iPhones
Well under airline limits with zero restrictions or approval needed
ActiveShield thermal monitoring keeps it running cooler than typical power banks
Cons:
10,000mAh capacity means real-world usable charge is closer to 6,000–7,000mAh after conversion loss — fine for a phone top-up, not for a laptop
Wireless magnetic charging is iPhone-focused; Android devices only charge over the wired USB-C port
Anker MagGo Power Bank 10,000mAh
A compact 10,000mAh MagGo power bank designed for convenient portable charging, with a slim form factor that makes it easy to carry.
Quick pick: Traveling with a laptop on a long-haul flight? Go with the 25K 165W. Just need your phone charged without adding bulk to your pocket? The MagGo 10K Slim is the better fit.
Putting It All Together
Yes, you can bring a power bank on a plane in 2026. Just keep it in your carry-on bag, make sure it is 100 Wh or less and check that it is in good condition.
The main change is that some airlines now have stricter rules about using or charging power banks during the flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. At a typical 3.7V cell voltage, 20,000mAh works out to about 74 Wh, which is below the 100 Wh threshold. Check the actual Wh rating on your power bank and your airline's rules before flying.
The updated 2026 IATA passenger guidance limits travelers to two lithium-ion power banks, with each one no more than 100 Wh. Individual airlines may impose stricter rules.
Rules vary by airline. Under the updated 2026 IATA guidance, power banks should not be used to provide power to other devices during taxi, takeoff or landing. Check your airline's instructions for other parts of the flight.
Under the updated 2026 IATA passenger guidance, passengers should not recharge power banks from an in-aircraft power supply.
A lithium-ion power bank between 101 and 160 Wh may require airline approval and is subject to quantity restrictions. Power banks over 160 Wh are generally not permitted on passenger aircraft.
No. Power banks are spare lithium batteries and must be carried in carry-on baggage. Turning one off does not make it acceptable for checked baggage.
The updated 2026 IATA passenger guidance says power banks should not be stored in overhead lockers. Follow your airline's specific instructions for where to keep yours.
No. U.S. FAA rules, TSA screening requirements, international aviation guidance,and individual airline policies can differ. For an international trip, check the airline operating your flight and the rules that apply to your route.