Can You Take a Power Bank On a Plane?

Travelling with power banks on flights? Here's what you need to know. This guide covers general rules, with special sections for European and Asian airlines. We also provide detailed 2025 regulations for China's airports and security checks. Let's explore these requirements in detail:

General Rules for Power Banks on Planes in 2026

You can take most power banks on planes, but they must be packed in your carry-on luggage and meet specific safety requirements. Airlines worldwide generally follow similar rules, with most allowing power banks up to 100Wh without prior approval. Some airlines allow larger capacity power banks (100-160Wh) with prior permission, while anything over 160Wh is completely banned. Here are the detailed regulations you need to know in advance:

Main Rules for Power Banks on Flights:

✔ Capacity Limits:

• ≤100Wh (27,000mAh): Allowed (no approval needed)
• 100-160Wh (27,000 mAh to 43,200mAh): Requires airline approval in advance
• >160Wh (43,200mAh): Strictly prohibited (cannot be carried at all)

*Watt-Hour (Wh) Calculation: If your power bank's capacity is in milliamp-hours (mAh), you can convert it to Wh by multiplying mAh by 3.7 and dividing by 1000 (e.g., a 20,000mAh power bank is 74Wh; a 10,000mAh power bank is 37Wh).

✔ Quantity Limits:

• Maximum 2 power banks per passenger
• Some airlines may have stricter limits

✔ Packing Rules:

• Must be in carry-on luggage - never in checked luggage
• Terminals must be protected (use original packaging or tape)

✔ Smart Baggage with Removable Batteries:

• Power banks in smart bags must be easily removable by passengers without tools.
• Bags with non-removable batteries will not be accepted in the cabin.
• Removed batteries must follow standard power bank rules (≤100Wh/approval for 100-160Wh).

✔ Certification Requirements:

• For Chinese domestic flights: Must have clear 3C certification mark
• No recalled models or power banks with damaged/missing labels
• 3C certification is China's mandatory safety standard for electronics

❌ In-Flight Restrictions:

• Must remain switched off throughout flight
• Cannot be used to charge devices
• Cannot be recharged using aircraft power

❌ Banned Power Banks:

• No 3C mark (for Chinese flights)
• Damaged/swollen batteries
• Recalled models
• Unclear capacity labels

Power Bank Rules for Major European Airlines

Most major European airlines allow power banks up to 100Wh in hand luggage only, with a limit of two per person. Batteries between 100-160Wh may be permitted with prior airline approval, while anything over 160Wh is completely banned. Passengers must protect the terminals from short circuits (using tape or original packaging) and remove batteries from smart luggage before flying.

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Power Bank Rules for Major Asian Airlines

Most Asian airlines allow power banks up to 100Wh in hand luggage, with some permitting 100-160Wh if approved in advance – power banks over 160Wh are prohibited. You can usually take 1-2 power banks, but must keep them in your carry-on luggage (never checked luggage) and protect the terminals from short circuits. Remember, you can't use power banks to charge devices during the flight, nor charge the power banks themselves onboard.

China Power Bank Rules for Flights in 2026

You can bring power banks on flights in China, but they must be carried in your hand luggage, not checked baggage. Starting from 28 June 2025, power banks without 3C certification, unclear markings, or those from recalled batches are banned on domestic flights. Additionally, damaged or swollen power banks are not allowed onboard. Here are the full rules:

Main Rules for Power Banks on Flights in China:

✔ 3C Certification (Domestic Flights):

• Power banks must have a clear 3C mark (China Compulsory Certification).
• No unclear, missing, or recalled models allowed.
• 3C certification ensures safety standards for electronics in China.

3C Certification mark

✔ Capacity Limits:

• ≤100Wh (27,000mAh): Allowed (no approval needed).
• 100-160Wh: Requires airline approval before travel.
• >160Wh: Prohibited (cannot be carried at all).

✔ Max Quantity:

• Maximum 2 power banks per passenger.

✔ Carry-On Only:

• Never in checked luggage – must stay in your hand baggage.

❌ Prohibited Usage In-Flight:

• Power banks must remain switched off at all times during the flight.
• You cannot use power banks to charge any electronic devices while onboard.
• You cannot recharge your power bank using the aircraft's power outlets or USB ports.

❌ Banned Power Banks:

• No 3C mark, unclear labels, or recalled models.
• No damaged, swollen, or leaking power banks.

China Airport Security Check for Power Banks

When I went through security at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in July 2025 with my Anker 10,000mAh (37Wh) power bank, I noticed some new verification steps:

Although my power bank has a clear 3C certification mark, the security personnel still asked me to:

1. Open WeChat and scan their QR code
2. Carefully enter my power bank's details:

Product Information/产品信息

• 3C Certification (3C认证标识): Yes/No
• Capacity (容量标识): 10,000 mAh
• Brand (品牌): Anker
• Model Number (型号): A1688

*China Airport Power Bank Verification Steps in 2025

The security personnel helped when I wasn't sure about some details ("All the information is printed on your power bank"). After submitting, I got instant results:

✅ Approved: You can bring your power bank on board.
❌ If rejected: Options would have included:

• Leaving it behind (voluntary surrender)
• Postal service (mail it home)
• Free temporary storage (up to 7 days)
• Picked up by friends/family

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Note: Always check your airline's latest rules before flying.

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