Can I Take a Power Bank on a Plane?
Apower bankis an ideal travel companion if you have a long journey ahead, but what are the rules on taking a power bank on a plane?
Power banks shouldnotbe carried in your hold (checked) luggage, but it is fine to carry amaximum of twopower banks in your hand (carry-on) luggage. Each must be individually packed andno greater than 100Wh, which is around 27,000mAh.
Some airlines will allow you to take power banks up to 160Wh in your hand luggage, thoughanything over 100Wh must be approvedby the airline. 160Wh is around 43,000mAh.
It’s important that the specifications of your power bank areprinted clearly on the device, or that you retain its original packaging. If it’s an older device be sure to check that this information has not been worn away – if the airline cannot verify its specification it may confiscate the device.
How many Wh is my power bank?
The Wh rating is rarely specified on a power bank’s casing, but you can work out this figure by multiplying the mAh rating by the nominal voltage (usually 3.7V), then dividing this by 1000. You can also automate this calculation usingthis free site.
It’s unlikely that you’ll pack anything greater than 160Wh for the simple fact that you’ll also be restricted on weight. However, it is possible to buypower banks designed for laptopsthat are even greater than 160Wh.
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Author: Marie Black, Editorial Director, International
Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for almost 20 years, covering all types of consumer tech from smartphones and their accessories to smart home gear. These days she manages our international editorial teams and leads on content strategy, having witnessed first-hand Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.
