Power banks and lithium batteries

A lithium battery in the cargo hold is a risk aviation works hard to minimise. Power banks and spare cells fly with you in the cabin — not as a formality, but because the crew can shut one down and cool it on the spot. Let's map out where the line runs between "no questions asked", "with permission" and "not allowed".

In short

In short: power banks and spare lithium batteries go in the cabin only — never in checked baggage. Up to 100 Wh is usually unrestricted, 100–160 Wh generally needs airline approval, and above 160 Wh isn't accepted. Capacity in Wh ≈ (mAh × V) / 1000. Always check your carrier's rules before departure — your fare and booking details are in "My bookings".

01 / WhyWhy batteries can't go in checked baggage

When damaged or short-circuited, lithium-ion cells can enter thermal runaway — a self-sustaining overheat that produces smoke or fire. In the cabin this is spotted at once: the crew is trained and equipped to douse and cool a device within seconds. In a sealed cargo hold no one sees the source, and it can't be reached in flight. So the rule shared by carriers is simple: power banks and any spare lithium batteries stay in the cabin.

"Spare" is the key wordThe hold ban targets batteries not installed in a device: power banks, loose cells, spare batteries for cameras and laptops. If a battery is built into a gadget (phone, laptop, headphones), the gadget itself can usually be checked — but it's almost always safer and easier to keep it with you.

02 / LimitsCapacity limits: three zones

Aviation rules use capacity in watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours. Most consumer power banks fall into the first zone, but larger models of 25,000 mAh and up are worth checking in advance. Below are the typical thresholds; an individual carrier may set its own terms.

Capacity	Allowed?	Condition
Up to 100 Wh	Yes, in the cabin	Usually no quantity limit
100–160 Wh	Generally yes	Often with airline approval, usually up to 2 units
Above 160 Wh	No	Not accepted on passenger flights

Check the labelMany makers print the Wh rating directly on the power bank's casing, next to the mAh figure. If it's there, go by it — that spares you any argument at the check-in desk.

03 / CalculationHow to convert mAh to Wh

If the power bank lists only milliamp-hours, you can work out the watt-hours with the formula Wh ≈ (mAh × V) / 1000. For a typical lithium cell the voltage is 3.7 V (unless the label says otherwise).

Find the mAh and voltage

For example, 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V. If the voltage isn't shown, assume 3.7 V.

Multiply them

20,000 × 3.7 = 74,000.

Divide by 1000

74,000 / 1000 = 74 Wh — that's the first zone, no restrictions.

Quick rule of thumbAt 3.7 V the 100 Wh threshold works out to roughly 27,000 mAh. Almost every pocket power bank up to 20,000 mAh sits comfortably in the first zone.

04 / PackingHow to carry them safely

Pack power banks and spare batteries in your cabin bag only — never in a suitcase you check in.
Protect the terminals from shorting: original packaging, a case, or taped-over contacts.
Don't carry swollen, damaged or overheating batteries — they won't be accepted for transport.
Many airlines restrict charging devices from a power bank during the flight — check with the crew.

If your bag is gate-checkedSometimes cabin bags are gate-checked (a full cabin or a small aircraft). Before that, take out the power bank and batteries and keep them with you in the cabin — this applies even to forced gate-checking.

05 / CheckWhere to confirm the limits for your flight

The thresholds above are typical, but the carrier has the final say: some cap the number of batteries in the 100–160 Wh zone or require advance approval. Open "My bookings", find your flight and check the airline's rules against your booking reference. Still unsure? Message us at @sales_travel_bot or call 8 800 1000-646, and we'll help confirm your specific carrier's terms.

06 / FAQFrequently asked

How many power banks can I bring?

For devices up to 100 Wh there's usually no fixed limit, as long as the quantity is reasonable for personal use. For the 100–160 Wh zone a cap often applies — typically up to two units and with airline approval. Confirm the exact number with your carrier.

What if the power bank has no Wh marking at all?

Work it out yourself with (mAh × V) / 1000, assuming 3.7 V unless stated otherwise. If the result lands near a zone boundary, it's best to clear the item with the airline in advance.

Can I check a laptop with a lithium battery?

A battery built into a device is treated more leniently than a spare one, so technically the gadget can be checked. Even so, we recommend carrying laptops and similar electronics in the cabin — it's safer and reduces the risk of damage.

What happens if a battery ends up in checked luggage?

If it's found during screening, the suitcase may be opened and the battery removed, and your departure delayed. To avoid this, always move power banks and spare cells into your cabin bag before you drop off your luggage.

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