Power Banks on Planes in 2026: Carry-On Rules, Limits and Where to Pack Them
Power banks are still allowed on planes, but the rules tightened in 2026. Many airlines now ban storing them in the overhead bin, and some ban using them on board at all. Here’s what changed, what the major rules say, and how to pack so you don’t have to dig through your bag at the gate.
Last checked: 3 October 2026, on the official sources linked below. Airline rules differ and change. Always check your airline’s current dangerous-goods page before you fly.
The baseline rules (US and international)
- Power banks are carry-on only, never checked. The US FAA says spare lithium batteries, including power banks and portable chargers, must be carried on and protected from short circuits (FAA PackSafe).
- Capacity: up to 100 Wh is allowed. 101–160 Wh needs airline approval (max two spares). Over 160 Wh is forbidden on passenger aircraft (FAA).
- New in 2026: an ICAO addendum effective 27 March 2026 separates power banks from other spare batteries, limits passengers to two power banks, and prohibits recharging a power bank in flight (IATA guidance on the ICAO addendum).
Working out watt-hours: Wh = volts × amp-hours. For a 20,000 mAh bank at 3.7 V, that’s 20 Ah × 3.7 V ≈ 74 Wh. Most banks print the Wh rating on the casing, so check it before you pack.
Airline examples (as of 3 October 2026)
| Airline (official source) | Where it must go | Use on board |
|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa Group (incl. SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, Eurowings) | On your person, seat pocket, or carry-on under the seat. Not in the overhead bin. Max 2. Over 100 Wh needs approval | Not allowed (no charging devices, no charging the bank), since 15 Jan 2026 |
| Ryanair | On your person or in the under-seat bag. Not in overhead-locker bags. Max 2 power banks, each 100 Wh or less | May charge your devices except during taxi, take-off and landing. Never recharge the bank on board |
| easyJet | Carry-on only, individually protected, max 2. easyJet recommends keeping them on your person | Not allowed on board |
US airlines follow FAA rules plus their own policies. Several carriers have added their own power-bank restrictions, so check the dangerous-goods or “batteries” page of the airline you’re flying.
How to pack electronics in a cabin backpack
- Power banks go in a pocket you can empty in seconds, or straight into your jacket or personal item. If your main bag goes in the overhead bin (or gets gate-checked), the power bank has to come out first.
- Protect the terminals: original packaging, a small pouch, or tape over exposed contacts. Ryanair and easyJet both ask for individual protection.
- Keep the laptop and tablet near the top for security screening. Our airport security tips explain how to do this without unpacking compressed clothes.
- Charge before you fly. With in-flight power-bank use banned on some airlines, a full phone at boarding matters more than it used to.
- Cables and plugs can go anywhere. The restrictions are about lithium batteries, not chargers or cables.
Packing tip for the Airbag Lite
The Airbag Lite is a carry-on backpack (48 × 32 × 10 cm packed, so check your airline), and on most airlines it travels in the overhead bin. Pack it with your power bank and anything you need in flight in an outer pocket or your personal item, so you can take them out before stowing it. Compressed clothes stay sealed in the main section. The Air Pump Lite is included with the bag. More answers are in the FAQ.
FAQ
Can I put a power bank in my checked bag?
No. FAA rules and the airlines above require power banks to be carried in the cabin.
How many power banks can I bring?
Under the ICAO addendum effective 27 March 2026, the limit is two per passenger, and Lufthansa Group, Ryanair and easyJet all apply a two-bank limit.
Is a 20,000 mAh power bank allowed?
Usually, yes. At a typical 3.7 V that’s about 74 Wh, under the 100 Wh threshold. Confirm the Wh rating printed on your bank.
Sources checked 3 October 2026: FAA PackSafe “Airline Passengers and Batteries”, IATA guidance on the ICAO power bank addendum (27 March 2026), Lufthansa Group “Power banks on board” (12 Jan 2026), Ryanair Help Centre “Permitted Items On Board”, easyJet “Dangerous Goods & Prohibited Articles”. This is general information, not safety or legal advice. PackLite Gear is not affiliated with any airline listed.
Before you fly: cabin bag limits vary by airline, so check yours in our 2026 airline cabin bag size chart. Related: What to Know at Security When Packing Compressed Clothes.