Power banks are allowed in carry-on bags under TSA rules, but the battery capacity matters

Yes, you can bring a power bank through security and onto the plane in your carry-on bag. The TSA permits lithium-ion batteries — which is what power banks contain — in hand luggage. However, there are two hard limits: your power bank cannot exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh), and you can bring no more than two power banks per person.

Most everyday power banks fall well under this limit. A typical 20,000 mAh power bank is around 74 Wh. A smaller 10,000 mAh model is roughly 37 Wh. You will find the watt-hour rating printed on the device itself, usually on the back or bottom. If it is not listed, you can calculate it by multiplying the milliamp-hours (mAh) by the voltage (usually 3.7V for lithium batteries), then dividing by 1,000.

The reason for these rules is safety: lithium batteries can overheat or catch fire if damaged or short-circuited, and cargo holds are harder to monitor than passenger cabins. Checked baggage is where power banks are forbidden — they must stay in your carry-on where crew can respond if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Power banks under 100 watt-hours are permitted in carry-on bags; most common models meet this requirement.
  • You can bring up to two power banks per person, but they must stay in your hand luggage, never in checked bags.
  • The watt-hour rating is printed on the device; if you cannot find it, calculate it from mAh and voltage before you travel.
  • Some airlines have stricter rules than the TSA, so check your specific carrier's website before packing.

How to find the watt-hour rating on your power bank

The watt-hour number should be visible somewhere on your power bank — usually stamped on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment. Look for "Wh" next to a number. You may also see "mAh" (milliamp-hours) and voltage listed separately.

If the label is worn or missing, you can work it out yourself. Multiply the mAh by the voltage (almost always 3.7V for lithium power banks), then divide by 1,000. For example: a 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V equals (20,000 × 3.7) ÷ 1,000 = 74 Wh. As long as your result is under 100 Wh, you are within TSA limits.

Write down the watt-hour number before you leave home. If TSA or your airline asks, you will have the answer ready.

Why checked baggage is off-limits for power banks

Power banks cannot go in your checked suitcase under any circumstances, according to TSA and international aviation rules. Checked baggage sits in an unpressurized cargo hold where temperature and pressure fluctuate, and where a fire cannot be monitored or fought quickly.

If a lithium battery overheats or catches fire in the cargo hold, crew members cannot reach it. In the cabin, where your carry-on sits, crew can see and respond to a problem within seconds. This is why the rule is absolute: hand luggage only, every time.

If you forget and pack a power bank in checked luggage, it will be confiscated at the checkpoint. Do not try to retrieve it after you have checked your bag — tell a TSA officer or airline staff member when ready so they can remove it safely.

What happens if your power bank exceeds 100 watt-hours

If your power bank is rated above 100 Wh, you cannot bring it on a commercial flight in the United States. The TSA will confiscate it at the checkpoint, and you will not get it back. There is no exception process or special permission you can request.

Very large power banks — those rated 100 to 160 Wh — are sometimes permitted on international flights under different rules, but this varies by airline and destination country. Check your airline's website before you pack anything over 100 Wh. Most airlines do not allow them, and the safest assumption is that anything above 100 Wh stays home.

If you own a high-capacity power bank and need it for a trip, consider shipping it to your destination or buying a smaller one that meets the limit.

Airline rules that are stricter than the TSA

The TSA sets the federal floor, but individual airlines can impose tighter restrictions. Some carriers limit you to one power bank instead of two. Others require you to declare power banks at check-in, even though they go in your carry-on. A few airlines ask that power banks be kept in your personal item (purse or small backpack) rather than a larger carry-on roller bag.

Before you pack, visit your airline's website and search for "power bank," "portable charger," or "lithium battery" in their baggage policy. Call their customer service line if the policy is unclear. It takes five minutes and prevents a problem at the airport.

Common carriers like Delta, United, American, and Southwest all permit power banks under 100 Wh in carry-on bags, but the exact rules differ. International carriers vary widely, so check early if you are flying abroad.

How to pack your power bank safely

Keep your power bank in your personal item or carry-on bag where you can access it easily if asked. Do not pack it at the very bottom of a large suitcase where it might get crushed or damaged during handling.

If possible, store it in a small pouch or case to prevent the charging ports from being damaged and to keep it away from metal objects (coins, keys, jewelry) that could cause a short circuit. A damaged battery is a fire risk, so handle it carefully.

Charge your power bank fully before you leave home. If it arrives at the airport with a very low charge, it may have been damaged in transit, and you should not use it. Discard it safely at home or at an electronics recycling center, not in a regular trash bin.

International travel with power banks

Rules outside the United States vary by country and airline. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets guidelines that most airlines follow, but some countries have their own stricter limits. Canada, the UK, Australia, and the EU generally follow the same 100 Wh limit as the TSA, but always confirm with your specific airline before you travel.

Some countries prohibit power banks entirely on flights, or allow them only in carry-on bags with special declaration. If you are flying to or from a country outside North America or Western Europe, contact the airline at least a week before your trip and ask about their lithium battery policy in writing. Keep that email confirmation with you at the airport.

When flying internationally, pack your power bank in your carry-on, not your checked bag, regardless of what you think the rules are. This is the safest choice and the one most likely to get you through security without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring two power banks if they are both under 100 watt-hours?

Yes. The TSA allows up to two power banks per person in carry-on baggage, as long as each one is under 100 Wh. If you are traveling with a partner, each of you can bring two. Check your airline's policy to confirm they do not have a lower limit.

What if my power bank does not have a watt-hour label?

Calculate it from the mAh and voltage printed on the device. Multiply mAh by 3.7V, then divide by 1,000. If you cannot find either number, contact the manufacturer or assume the power bank exceeds the limit and leave it home. Do not guess at the airport.

Will TSA confiscate my power bank if I forget to declare it?

TSA does not require you to declare power banks — they are permitted items. However, if a screener finds one during X-ray or physical inspection, they will ask about it. If it is under 100 Wh, you can bring it through. If it exceeds 100 Wh, it will be confiscated. Honesty at the checkpoint is always the safest approach.

Can I use my power bank to charge devices during the flight?

Yes. Once you are through security and on the plane, you can use your power bank to charge your phone, tablet, or other devices. Some airlines have USB ports in seats, but power banks are a reliable backup. Make sure it is fully charged before boarding.

What should I do if my power bank gets damaged before a trip?

Do not bring a damaged power bank on a flight. A cracked case, swollen battery, or leaking fluid means the battery is unsafe. Dispose of it at an electronics recycling center or a retailer that accepts old batteries (Best Buy, for example). Buy a replacement if you need one for your trip.