How Many mAh of Power Bank Allowed in Flight: [5K–30K mAh]
If you travel often, you’ve probably packed your power bank more carefully than your underwear. But what happens when you roll up to the airport and wonder: can you carry power banks on planes? Or more importantly: how many mAh of power bank allowed in flight?
These aren’t just travel-survival questions — they’re real safety concerns. Lithium batteries may be small, but they pack serious energy. Fortunately, rules exist. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from Wh (watt-hours) to how many power banks you can carry — and introduce a reliable travel power bank to make your journeys less stressful.
Table of Contents
Can You Carry Power Banks on Planes?
Yes — in most cases, you can bring a power bank on a plane, but with important caveats.
Why airlines regulate power banks? Airlines worldwide treat power banks (aka portable chargers) like lithium-ion spare batteries. According to the FAA, the IATA, and other aviation authorities, there are strict limits to how much stored energy you can bring onboard.
- In the U.S., lithium-ion batteries rated 0–100 Wh are allowed in carry-on bags.
- Batteries between 101–160 Wh typically need airline approval.
- Anything exceeding 160 Wh is generally prohibited.
Airline policies can vary, though. For example, some carriers (like Singapore Airlines starting April 2025) are tightening rules even more — banning in-flight charging of power banks.
Because of these risks — overheating, short circuits, and fire — power banks must usually be stowed in carry-on, not checked baggage.
What Is mAh vs. Wh
One of the biggest sources of confusion is the difference between mAh (milliamp-hours) and Wh (watt-hours).
- mAh is what most power banks are advertised with. It’s a measure of charge capacity relative to current.
- Wh, however, is what airlines care about. Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage. For lithium-ion power banks, the typical voltage is ~3.7V.
Example:
A 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V roughly equals:
Wh
Because airlines regulate by Wh, not mAh, you need to convert carefully — especially if the label doesn’t clearly show Wh.
How Many mAh of Power Bank Allowed in Flights
Here’s a practical look at common power bank sizes and whether they’re allowed on planes — based on typical airline rules.
1. Is 20,000 mAh Power Bank Allowed in Flight?
Generally yes. A 20,000 mAh power bank (~74 Wh) falls well under the 100 Wh limit. So, most airlines will allow one or more of these in your carry‑on without special approval.
2. Can I Bring 10,000 mAh Power Bank on Plane?
Absolutely. 10,000 mAh is only about 37 Wh (when converted), which is safely within the usual limits.
3. Is 30,000 mAh Power Bank Allowed in Flight?
It depends. A 30,000 mAh pack could be around 111 Wh (if 3.7V is assumed). That puts it in a gray area. Many airlines might require approval, because it crosses the 100 Wh mark.
4. Can I Bring 50,000 mAh Power Bank on Plane?
This is very risky. A 50,000 mAh battery would be over 185 Wh, way above the common 160 Wh maximum that some airlines will approve — but many will outright forbid.
If you want a power bank that is powerful yet compliant, check out the Charmast 20,000 mAh portable charger.
Why it’s great for travel:
- Built-in cables (USB‑C, Lightning, Micro) — no need to carry extra cords.
- Multiple outputs — charge more than one device.
- High capacity (~74 Wh): high enough for long trips, but under most airline limits, meaning it’s airline-friendly when carried in your hand luggage.
Charmast 20000mAh Slim Power Bank with Built in Cables
22.5W fast charging| 6 outputs, 3-in-1 cables| Works with Virtually All Your Devices
What Is the Largest Power Bank Allowed on Flights?
Given standard rules:
- 100 Wh is the safe, no‑questions‑asked limit on most flights.
- Up to 160 Wh may be allowed, but only with airline approval.
- Over 160 Wh is typically banned.
So, in mAh terms — although this depends on the voltage of the pack — most safe consumer power banks stay beneath 27,000–30,000 mAh if labeled well.
How Many Power Banks Can You Carry on a Plane?
This is another common question, and the answer varies depending on how big your power banks are:
- For standard packs (≤100 Wh), many airlines allow multiple in carry-on. For example, Delta and others permit up to 20 under-100 Wh spare batteries.
- For higher‑capacity packs (101–160 Wh), airlines often limit that to two per passenger, and they must usually be approved in advance.
- Checked bags? Avoid. Airline regulations generally prohibit placing power banks in checked baggage due to fire risk.
Can You Charge Your Phone on a Plane?
Yes — but don’t assume it’s always allowed or wise.
- Some modern aircraft offer USB ports or even power outlets. However, not all airlines support in-flight charging via power bank.
- Several carriers, like Singapore Airlines, now prohibit the use of power banks onboard since April 1, 2025
- Even if your airline allows it, using your power bank during the flight adds some risk: heat buildup, cable strain, and possible conflict with airline policies.
Pro tip: Always put your power bank in “airplane mode” by turning it off or leaving it idle (if possible). Keep it safe and stored — and check your airline's policy before you fly.
How to Check if Your Power Bank Is Safe to Carry
You don’t have to guess whether your power bank is allowed on a plane — here’s how to check properly:
1. Look for the Wh rating
Many power banks list the Wh (watt-hour) rating directly. If not, use the formula: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage (V).
2. Check airline policy
Review your airline’s website for battery or power bank rules. Policies are changing more in 2025.
3. Carry-on only
Always pack your power bank in carry-on baggage — not in checked luggage.
4. Limit quantity
If your power bank is in the 101–160 Wh range, check whether you need airline approval for more than one.
5. Protect against short circuits
Avoid loose batteries — keep your power bank in its original case or in a pouch.
6. Avoid in-flight charging on certain airlines
Some airlines may prohibit turning on or charging power banks during flight. Confirm ahead.
Conclusion
Travel may be unpredictable, but your power bank rules don’t have to be. As you plan your next trip, keep the key takeaways above in mind:
If you want a reliable, travel-safe option, consider the Charmast 10,000mAh and 20,000 mAh portable charger. It’s got serious capacity, built-in cables (so no messy cords), and is compact enough to fly with — but powerful enough to keep your devices alive through long layovers or multi-day trips.