Are Power Banks Allowed in Flights? What Airlines Actually Allow in 2026
If you searched this, you are not curious. You are worried.
You are worried because someone at an airport told you a power bank was not allowed. Or you saw a viral post about confiscation. Or you heard Emirates, Singapore Airlines, or Jetstar quietly changed rules. And now you are wondering whether the power bank in your backpack will survive security or disappear into a plastic bin forever.
This guide exists to kill confusion.
Table of Contents
As of January 2026, power bank rules on flights have changed quietly, unevenly, and sometimes without proper passenger communication. Airlines now enforce restrictions differently. Airports interpret rules differently. And travelers still think in mAh, while aviation authorities think in Wh.
This article explains what is actually allowed, what gets stopped, and why power banks are suddenly such a problem in airports worldwide.
Why Power Banks Became a Flight Problem Suddenly
For years, power banks were ignored. Travelers carried them freely. Some even charged phones mid-flight without issues.
That changed in late 2024 and accelerated through 2025.
Multiple lithium battery fire incidents occurred worldwide. Some involved power banks overheating in cabin bags. Others involved low-quality or counterfeit battery packs sold online. A few incidents caused smoke in overhead bins, forcing emergency landings.
Airlines noticed a pattern: power banks were the most unpredictable lithium devices onboard.
Unlike phones or laptops, power banks:
- Have no shutdown logic
- Often lack quality certification
- Are frequently overcharged
- Are sometimes mislabeled
So regulators responded quietly.
The result is what you see now: bans on usage, stricter quantity limits, and inconsistent enforcement across airlines and countries.
The One Rule That Never Changed (But People Still Break)
This rule is universal:
Power banks are NEVER allowed in checked luggage.
Not in the United States. Not in Europe. Not in Asia. Not anywhere.
If a power bank is found in checked baggage:
- It may be removed without notice
- Your bag may be delayed
- You may be called for inspection
This is not optional. This is aviation safety law.
If your carry-on is force-checked at the gate, you must remove the power bank first. Many travelers forget this and lose their devices.
The Real Confusion: mAh vs Wh (This Is Where People Get It Wrong)
Most travelers ask:
“How many mAh power bank is allowed in flight?”
Airlines do not care about mAh.
They care about Watt-hours (Wh).
The global aviation limit is:
- Up to 100 Wh: Generally allowed in cabin
- 100–160 Wh: Airline approval required (usually max 2)
- Over 160 Wh: Completely banned
Here is the problem: most power banks only show mAh.
Simple conversion:
Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000
Most power banks are ~3.7V.
Example:
- 20,000 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 74 Wh (allowed)
- 30,000 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 111 Wh (restricted)
If your power bank does not clearly state Wh, security staff may assume the worst.
What Is Actually Allowed on Flights in 2026
Across most airlines and countries, this is the reality:
- Carry-on only
- Maximum 100 Wh without approval
- Usually 1–2 power banks per passenger
- Must be switched off during flight
However, many airlines now go further.
Several major carriers explicitly ban using power banks during flight, even if the device itself is allowed to be carried.
This distinction matters.
Airlines That Now Ban In-Flight Power Bank Usage
As of 2026, many airlines allow you to carry a power bank but not use it.
This includes:
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- Jetstar
- Qantas
- Air India
Cabin crew announcements now commonly state:
“Power banks must not be used or charged during the flight.”
This rule exists because overheating events often happen during active charging.
If you are planning a long flight and relying on a power bank instead of seat power, plan again.
Why Some Airports Are Confiscating Power Banks
Confiscation usually happens for four reasons:
- No visible Wh rating
- Capacity exceeds airline limit
- Too many power banks
- No certification (especially in China)
Security staff are trained to make fast decisions.
If your device creates doubt, it is easier to remove it than argue with you.
Airports in Singapore, Malaysia, China, and parts of the Middle East are particularly strict.
What Travelers Should Do Before Flying
Before you pack:
- Check Wh rating on your power bank
- Carry no more than two
- Do not rely on using it mid-flight
- Keep it easily accessible
If you are planning complex itineraries or long layovers, tools like FlyFono AI Trip Planner can help structure flights and airport time more efficiently, reducing reliance on battery-heavy setups.
Choosing airlines with reliable onboard power also matters. If flexibility is important, consider guides like cheapest flexible flights to avoid getting stuck with restrictive carriers.
Hotels, Charging, and Planning Ahead
If you are worried about battery life at destination, planning accommodation smartly helps.
Some travelers rely on tricks like charging devices at hotels or lounges. Guides such as free hotel perks or finding cheapest branded hotels can indirectly reduce how much you depend on carrying large power banks.
External Official Guidance (Authoritative Sources)
For official confirmation, refer to:
These sources set the baseline. Airlines then add stricter rules on top.
Bottom Line So Far
Power banks are not banned everywhere.
But they are no longer ignored.
Carry fewer. Carry smaller. Do not use them in flight. And never assume yesterday’s rule applies today.
Are Power Banks Allowed in Flight? Airline Rules Explained Clearly
Before looking at individual airlines, let us answer the main question directly.
Are power banks allowed in flight? Yes, power banks are allowed in flight on most airlines, but only under strict conditions that many travelers still misunderstand.
In 2026, asking whether power banks are allowed in flight is no longer a simple yes-or-no question. Airlines now separate carrying a power bank from using a power bank during the flight.
This difference is where most confusion — and confiscation — happens.
Are Power Banks Allowed in Flight by Airline?
If you are asking whether power banks are allowed in flight, airline choice matters more than ever.
| Airline | Are Power Banks Allowed in Flight? | In-Flight Use | Quantity Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Yes (carry-on only) | No | 1 (≤100 Wh) |
| Singapore Airlines | Yes | No | Up to 20 (≤100 Wh) |
| Jetstar | Yes | No | 2 maximum |
| Qantas | Yes | No | 2 maximum |
| Air India | Yes | No | 2 maximum |
| United Airlines | Yes | Restricted | 2 (≤160 Wh) |
| Lufthansa | Yes | No | 2 with approval |
| Qatar Airways | Yes | Restricted | 2 maximum |
Even when power banks are allowed in flight, many airlines strictly prohibit charging phones or laptops using them during the journey.
Are Power Banks Allowed in Flight by Country?
Another reason travelers keep asking whether power banks are allowed in flight is inconsistent airport enforcement.
Singapore
Yes, power banks are allowed in flight from Singapore, but only in carry-on baggage and with no in-flight usage.
Malaysia
Power banks are allowed in flight from Malaysia, but security regularly checks size, quantity, and labeling.
United Arab Emirates
Power banks are allowed in flight from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but Emirates and flydubai ban in-flight use.
India
In India, power banks are allowed in flight but usage is completely banned onboard, and quantity is capped at two.
China
Power banks are allowed in flight only if they carry CCC (3C) certification. Unmarked devices are confiscated.
United States and Europe
Power banks are allowed in flight under IATA rules, but must stay in carry-on luggage and remain under 100 Wh.
Are Power Banks Allowed in Flight Based on mAh?
Many travelers still believe power banks are allowed in flight based on mAh. That assumption causes problems.
Airlines judge whether power banks are allowed in flight using watt-hours, not mAh.
| mAh Rating | Wh Approx. | Are Power Banks Allowed in Flight? |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | ~37 Wh | Yes |
| 20,000 mAh | ~74 Wh | Yes |
| 30,000 mAh | ~111 Wh | Restricted |
| 40,000 mAh | ~148 Wh | Rarely |
Why People Still Ask: Are Power Banks Allowed in Flight?
People keep asking whether power banks are allowed in flight because enforcement is inconsistent.
Power banks are allowed in flight in theory, but confiscated in practice when:
- No visible Wh label exists
- Too many power banks are carried
- Airline bans in-flight use
- Local certification is missing
FAQs: Are Power Banks Allowed in Flight?
Are power banks allowed in flight in 2026?
Yes, power banks are allowed in flight in 2026, but only in carry-on luggage. Most airlines allow power banks under 100Wh, while larger power banks require airline approval or are banned entirely.
Why are power banks not allowed in checked baggage?
Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage because lithium batteries pose a fire risk in the cargo hold. If a power bank overheats in checked luggage, the crew cannot access it quickly, which is why aviation authorities require them to be carried in the cabin only.
Are power banks allowed in flight on all airlines?
No, power banks are not allowed in flight the same way on all airlines. While most airlines allow passengers to carry power banks, many airlines now ban using or charging power banks during the flight.
How many power banks are allowed in flight per passenger?
Most airlines allow one or two power banks per passenger in carry-on luggage. Carrying more than two power banks can lead to additional screening or confiscation at airport security.
How many mAh power bank is allowed in flight?
Airlines do not measure limits in mAh. They use watt-hours (Wh). A 20,000 mAh power bank is usually allowed in flight because it equals about 74Wh, which is under the 100Wh limit used by most airlines.
Are 30,000 mAh power banks allowed in flight?
A 30,000 mAh power bank is often restricted in flight because it typically exceeds 100Wh. Some airlines may allow it with prior approval, while others ban it completely.
Can power banks be used during flight?
On many airlines, power banks cannot be used during flight even if they are allowed to be carried. Airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Air India ban in-flight use due to safety concerns.
Why are power banks being confiscated at airports?
Power banks are confiscated at airports when they exceed size limits, lack clear Wh labeling, exceed quantity limits, or do not meet local certification requirements. Confiscation is common in Singapore, China, India, and the UAE.
Are power banks allowed in flight from Singapore?
Yes, power banks are allowed in flight from Singapore, but only in carry-on baggage. Airlines flying from Singapore strictly ban in-flight usage and may confiscate power banks without visible Wh ratings.
Are power banks allowed in flight from India?
Yes, power banks are allowed in flight from India, but only in carry-on luggage. Indian aviation authorities ban using power banks during the flight and limit passengers to a maximum of two units.
Are power banks allowed in flight from China?
Power banks are allowed in flight from China only if they have CCC (3C) certification. Power banks without this certification are frequently confiscated at Chinese airports.
What happens if airport security takes your power bank?
If airport security confiscates your power bank, it is usually not returned. Airlines and airports are not responsible for confiscated lithium batteries, and passengers rarely receive compensation.
Is it safe to carry power banks on flights?
Yes, it is safe to carry power banks on flights if you follow airline rules. Carry them in your cabin bag, avoid oversized units, and never use them during flight if the airline bans it.
What is the safest power bank to carry on a flight?
The safest power bank to carry on a flight is one under 20,000 mAh with a clearly printed Wh rating from a reputable brand. Smaller power banks face fewer issues at airport security.
Should I carry a power bank or rely on seat charging?
If possible, rely on seat charging instead of a power bank. Many airlines now ban using power banks during flight, making onboard USB or AC outlets the safer option.
Final Verdict: Are Power Banks Allowed in Flight?
Yes, power banks are allowed in flight — but only if you respect airline rules, country enforcement, and size limits.
If you are still unsure whether power banks are allowed in flight on your route, assume stricter enforcement and pack accordingly.