Going on a flight? Chances are you’ve packed a power bank to keep your phone, tablet or headphones charged along the way. But wait… can you actually take a power bank on a plane? And if so, where does it go - hand luggage or checked baggage?
It’s not always obvious what the rules are, and airline and airport security can be confusing. So, let’s clear things up. Yes - you can take a power bank on a plane from the UK. But there are a few important rules to follow, and they mostly come down to safety. Let’s break it all down so you can set off on your travels, with your tech and power bank ready for action.
Are power banks allowed on planes?
Yes, power banks are allowed on flights. But like we said, there are rules. In the UK (and in line with international safety standards), power banks need to go in your hand luggage. Not in your checked baggage.
The reason for this is because most power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or catch fire if something goes wrong. If that happens in the cabin, it can be dealt with quickly. If it happens in the cargo hold, it’s a lot harder to detect or respond to in time. So keep your power bank with you in the cabin.
Power bank capacity limits: how big is too big?
Power banks are measured in watt-hours (Wh), which tells you how much energy they store. And there are rules based on how powerful your power bank is allowed to be…
Power banks under 100Wh
These are completely fine to bring in your hand luggage and don’t require any extra approval. Most standard power banks - the ones you’d use to charge your phone or tablet - fall into this category.
Power banks between 101Wh and 160Wh
These are still allowed in the cabin, but you’ll need airline approval before you fly. Each passenger is usually allowed to carry up to two of these, as long as they’re protected and packed correctly. These larger chargers are often used by professionals for powering cameras, drones or other high-tech stuff.
Power banks over 160Wh
Power banks this powerful aren’t allowed on passenger planes. They’re considered too high-risk and are generally used for things like heavy-duty equipment or camping setups - not everyday travel.
How to safely pack a power bank for travel
Once you’ve checked the size and you're sure it’s allowed, here’s how to take care of your power bank while flying:
Keep it in your hand luggage – Never pack power banks in your checked suitcase.
Keep it cool – While it’s okay to use a power bank to charge your devices during the flight, make sure to overcharging or heating it up. And if you’re not using it, switch it off for peace of mind.
Protect the ports – Cover exposed terminals or keep it in a pouch or case so it doesn’t come into contact with metal items like keys or coins.
Check for damage – Don’t bring a power bank that’s swollen, cracked, or looks faulty. These can be a safety hazard.
Airline-specific rules on power banks
While most airlines follow the same basic safety rules, it’s worth checking with yours before you travel. Here’s what a few major UK airlines say:
British Airways. Allows power banks under 100Wh in hand luggage. Those between 101Wh and 160Wh need prior approval. Nothing over 160Wh is allowed.
Ryanair. Also allows power banks in hand luggage only. Batteries over 100Wh may require approval, and all spare batteries must be protected against short circuits.
easyJet. Permits power banks under 100Wh without issue. For anything larger, you’ll need to contact them in advance.
The best power banks to take on your travels
Looking for a travel-friendly power bank? Here are three options that meet airline rules and get the job done:
Belkin BoostCharge Pro
This 20,000mAh Belkin power bank is high-capacity model that’s great for keeping your devices charged on longer trips. Despite its large capacity, it stays within airline travel limits, so it’s easy to pack and take with you. And with two USB ports, you can charge two devices at once.
Goji portable power bank
The Goji 20,000 mAh power bank is a solid choice for staying charged on the go. With a large capacity, it can recharge your phone several times over. It also includes both USB-A and USB-C ports, so you can charge different devices easily.
Daewoo portable power bank
This Daewoo power bank offers 10,000 mAh of backup power—enough to keep your phone going when you’re away from a plug. Lightweight and simple to use, it’s a handy option for everyday travel and short trips.
Power bank FAQs
Why can’t power banks be in checked luggage?
The short answer to this question is: safety. Lithium-ion batteries can be unstable if damaged or exposed to high heat. If a fire starts in the cargo hold, the crew won’t know until it’s too late. That’s why all airlines require power banks to be packed in your hand luggage, where any issues can be spotted and dealt with quickly.
Do I need to take my power bank out at security?
Yes, you should. When you’re at the security checkpoint, you’ll usually be asked to take your power bank out of your bag and place it in a separate tray, just like your laptop or tablet. It helps security get a clear look and speeds things along.
Can I take multiple power banks on a plane?
Yes. Most airlines let you put more than one power bank in your hand luggage, but there’s usually a limit of around two or three. Just make sure none of them exceed the allowed sizes we mention above, and keep them within easy reach for security checks.
Need more help?
We’ve got a wide range of power banks and portable chargers to keep you powered up on your travels. If you’re having mobile charging issues, here’s how to get your phone charging again. If you’re looking for more advice on tech you’re allowed to travel with, here’s an article that deals with taking an electric razor on a plane.
