This guide is for anyone buying a power bank for air travel, or checking whether the one they own can fly.
The most important spec on a power bank for flying isn’t an “airline approved” label. It’s the battery’s watt-hour (Wh) rating, its condition, and the rules of your airline.
The quick answer
The FAA treats power banks as spare lithium batteries: they must travel in carry-on baggage only, never in checked bags.1 Batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed. From 101 to 160 Wh you need airline approval, with a limit of two spares per person. Batteries over 160 Wh are forbidden.1,2 Airlines can be stricter.
“TSA approved” isn’t a certification
There’s no official “TSA approved” stamp for power-bank models. For U.S. flights, the limits come from FAA hazardous-materials rules and your airline’s policy. Treat the phrase on a listing as marketing, and check the Wh rating instead.
mAh vs. Wh: how to read the label
Power banks usually advertise capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh), but the FAA sets limits in watt-hours. The conversion is:
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × nominal voltage (V)
For example, a 20,000 mAh pack at a nominal 3.7 V works out to 74 Wh. That’s an illustration, not a rating for any product. Use the Wh figure printed on the power bank whenever there is one; if there isn’t, you can’t be sure where it falls.
| Rating | FAA rule1,2 | Before you fly |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Allowed in carry-on | Protect the terminals and check your airline |
| 101–160 Wh | Airline approval required; two spares max | Get approval before the trip |
| Over 160 Wh | Forbidden | Leave it at home |
Features worth comparing
- A clear Wh rating. Pick a model with the capacity printed on the case.
- Output power. A USB-C port alone doesn’t mean it can charge a laptop. Check the wattage and USB Power Delivery support.
- Cables. Your cable and device also have to support the power mode you need.
- Size and weight. A bigger battery isn’t better if you won’t carry it.
- Safety information. Read the maker’s instructions on charging and storage.
Avoid damaged or recalled batteries
On September 24, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of NEWDERY power banks, model ZHX-PB22, because of fire and burn hazards.3 It’s a good reminder to check cpsc.gov/Recalls before you trust ratings alone. Don’t fly with a battery that is swollen, damaged or recalled.
If your carry-on gets checked at the gate
The FAA says all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from a bag that is checked at the gate or planeside, and kept with you in the cabin.1 Keep your power bank in a pocket or personal item so you can grab it quickly.
Before you fly
- Find the Wh rating on the label.
- Check your airline’s battery policy, including any connecting carrier.
- Pack it in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
- Cover or protect exposed terminals.
- Make sure it isn’t damaged or recalled.
Sources & method
How we researched this
- This is a research-based guide, not a hands-on product test.
- Every measurement and safety figure is attributed to the source it comes from. Where we give our own advice, we say so.
- We don’t rank or recommend specific products in this guide.
Sources
- PackSafe: Lithium Batteries, Federal Aviation Administration. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.
- Airline Passengers and Batteries, Federal Aviation Administration. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.
- NEWDERY Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.
Review history
- Published Nov 9, 2026.