Updated for New Rules — April 24, 2026

Can You Bring That Power Bank on a Plane?

Instantly convert mAh to Wh and check carry-on eligibility.
Also shows how many times it can charge your iPhone.

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Wh ⇔ mAh Conversion Formula

Wh = mAh × V (voltage) ÷ 1000

The standard voltage for lithium-ion batteries is 3.7V. If no voltage is printed on your battery, use 3.7V. For example, 20,000mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = 74Wh.

Charging loss is typically around 20%. Effective capacity = battery capacity × 0.8

✈️ Power Bank Carry-on Rules (From April 24, 2026)

The following rules are based on ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) international standards. These are adopted by aviation authorities and airlines worldwide, though some airlines may have additional restrictions.

Capacity	Carry-on	Details
100Wh or less	OK	No declaration required — up to 2 allowed
100–160Wh	Approval Required	Must declare to airline — up to 2 allowed
Over 160Wh	Prohibited	Not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage

⚡ "Power Bank" vs. "Spare Battery"

Power Bank: A portable charger designed to charge other devices (e.g., Anker, Baseus). Limited to 2 units regardless of capacity.

Spare Battery: A removable lithium-ion battery (e.g., camera battery, drone battery). No quantity limit for batteries under 100Wh.

FAQ

Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?

No. Power banks with lithium-ion batteries cannot be placed in checked luggage. They must always be carried in your hand luggage.

How do I calculate Wh if only mAh is shown?

Most power banks have a standard voltage of 3.7V. Use: mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = Wh. For example, 20,000mAh = 74Wh. Enter the value in the calculator above for instant conversion.

What changed on April 24, 2026?

Power banks are now limited to 2 per passenger. Charging from or to a power bank during flight is prohibited. Violations may result in penalties under aviation law. Charging from built-in seat USB ports or outlets is still permitted.

What if my battery exceeds 160Wh?

Batteries over 160Wh cannot be carried on or checked in. Consider purchasing or renting at your destination.

Can I still charge my phone during the flight?

Charging from a power bank is now prohibited, but you can still charge from the seat's built-in USB port or power outlet.

📖 Complete Guide to Flying with Power Banks

What are Wh and mAh?

Power bank packages prominently display numbers like "10,000mAh" or "20,000mAh," but airlines use "Wh (watt-hours)" as the standard for carry-on eligibility. mAh (milliamp-hours) measures electric charge, while Wh (watt-hours) measures energy. The formula is Wh = mAh × V (voltage) ÷ 1000, and standard lithium-ion batteries have a nominal voltage of 3.7V.

What are the new rules from April 24, 2026?

Based on new ICAO technical guidelines, power bank carry-on rules have been significantly tightened. The maximum number of power banks is now limited to 2, and using or charging power banks during flight is completely prohibited. Charging from built-in seat USB ports or outlets remains permitted.

Pre-travel Checklist

Check the Wh rating of your power banks. Under 100Wh: carry up to 2 without declaration. 100–160Wh: prior airline approval required. Always place power banks in carry-on luggage and cover terminals with tape as recommended.

📋 Sources & About

Sources:

ICAO Technical Instructions — Doc 9284, Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air

Japan MLIT — Guidelines on Dangerous Goods in Carry-on and Checked Baggage

IATA — Lithium Battery Guidance Document

About: This site is operated by an independent developer. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information on aviation battery regulations, but always defer to your airline's specific policies.

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