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Yes, you can take a power bank on a plane – but the rules matter more than most people realise. Get it wrong and your power bank gets confiscated at security. Get it right and you sail through with everything you need to stay charged across a long-haul flight or a packed travel day.
This guide covers the current UK rules for flying with a power bank in 2026, how to check if yours is allowed, which specific banks pass the limit, and a few things that have changed this year that are worth knowing about.
As someone who travels regularly with a full kit of devices, I have been through enough airport security checks to know the questions that actually matter.
Can you take a power bank on a plane from the UK?
Yes. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) permits power banks in carry-on luggage provided they meet the capacity limits. They are banned from checked luggage on all flights – this is not a guideline, it is a hard rule enforced by every airline.
The reason is straightforward. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch fire. In the cabin, the crew can respond immediately. In the cargo hold, they cannot.
The 100Wh rule – what it means and why it exists
Airlines regulate power banks in watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours (mAh). This confuses a lot of people because power banks are sold and marketed in mAh.
The rules are clear:
| Watt-hours (Wh) | Status | Action needed |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100Wh | Allowed | No approval needed |
| 100Wh to 160Wh | Conditionally allowed | Airline approval required, max 2 per person |
| Over 160Wh | Banned | Not permitted on passenger aircraft |
The 100Wh limit exists because of battery chemistry, not just regulation. Lithium-ion cells use a flammable liquid electrolyte. The more watt-hours, the more of that material is inside. At 100Wh the risk is manageable in a cabin setting. Above that, it is not.
How to convert mAh to Wh for your power bank
Most power banks show their capacity in mAh. To check if yours is within the airline limit, use this formula:
Wh = (mAh divided by 1,000) multiplied by voltage
Most lithium-ion power banks use a nominal voltage of 3.7V.
| Power bank capacity | Wh at 3.7V | Airline status |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000mAh | 37Wh | Allowed, no approval needed |
| 20,000mAh | 74Wh | Allowed, no approval needed |
| 24,000mAh (Anker 737) | 89Wh | Allowed, no approval needed |
| 25,000mAh (Anker A1695) | 90Wh | Allowed, no approval needed |
| 26,250mAh (Anker Prime) | 99.75Wh | Allowed, no approval needed |
| 30,000mAh | 111Wh | Requires airline approval |
| 40,000mAh | 148Wh | Requires airline approval |
| 50,000mAh | 185Wh | Banned |
Good news for most travellers: every power bank we review on SmartGadgetKit – including the Anker 737, Anker A1695, Anker 87W 20K, CUKTECH 15 SE, and Anker Prime 26K – falls under the 100Wh limit and requires no airline approval.
One practical note: make sure the Wh or mAh rating is clearly printed on your power bank. If security cannot read the label, they can confiscate the device regardless of actual capacity.
UK airline rules at a glance
All major UK airlines follow the same core CAA framework, but some have specific additions:
| Airline | Under 100Wh | 100-160Wh | In-flight use |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Allowed | Approval required, max 2 | Permitted |
| easyJet | Allowed | Contact airline in advance | Permitted |
| Ryanair | Allowed | May require approval | Permitted |
| Jet2 | Allowed | Contact airline in advance | Permitted |
| Virgin Atlantic | Allowed | Approval required | Use only, not charging the bank |
Always check your specific airline before travelling. Rules can change and some carriers have tightened policies following incidents in 2025 and early 2026.
Flying back to the UK from abroad
The UK CAA rules apply to flights departing the UK. On the return journey, the rules of the country you are flying from apply. In most cases they are similar, but there are exceptions worth knowing.
If you are flying back from the US, the FAA and TSA rules apply. Power banks under 100Wh are permitted in carry-on, matching UK rules. Check with your specific airline before travel.
If you are flying back from parts of Asia, several carriers have tightened in-flight power bank rules following the Air Busan fire in January 2026. Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways now restrict or ban the use of power banks during flights. They must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat, not in overhead lockers. You can still carry them, but you cannot use them to charge devices until the crew permits it.
The safest approach regardless of route: keep your power bank under 100Wh, carry it in your hand luggage, protect the terminals, and check your specific airline policy before every trip.
What has changed in 2026
A fire on board an Air Busan flight in January 2026, linked to a lithium battery, prompted several airlines to tighten their in-flight power bank rules. The main changes:
Some Asian carriers including Singapore Airlines and Emirates now restrict or ban the use of power banks during flights. They must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat rather than in overhead lockers.
Airlines now require power banks to have clearly visible capacity markings. Unmarked devices may be confiscated regardless of actual capacity.
For UK-originating flights, the CAA rules remain the same. But if your journey involves a stopover or connection through affected regions, check the specific airline policies for each leg.
EU rules for power banks on flights
EU rules follow the same IATA framework. Under 100Wh is permitted in carry-on without approval. 100Wh to 160Wh requires airline approval. Over 160Wh is banned. Most EU airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and Wizz Air follow this standard.
How to pack your power bank for a flight
Always carry-on only. Power banks must never go in checked luggage. If security finds one in your hold bag it will be removed and you may not get it back.
Check the label is readable. Security need to verify the capacity. If the Wh or mAh marking is faded, scratched, or missing, your bank may be refused.
Protect the terminals. Keep the power bank in a pouch or its original packaging to prevent metal objects in your bag from bridging the contacts and causing a short circuit.
Take it out at security. Like laptops, power banks usually need to go in a separate tray at the security checkpoint. Have it accessible rather than buried in your bag.
Do not recharge it on board. Plugging your power bank into the aircraft USB port to recharge it is prohibited on most airlines. You can use it to charge your devices, but not charge the bank itself.
Official UK guidance
The UK Civil Aviation Authority publishes guidance on carrying lithium batteries on flights.
UK travellers can check the CAA safety advice (https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers-and-public/before-you-fly/baggage/safety-advice-on-what-to-pack/).
For hand luggage restrictions at UK airports, GOV.UK also publishes the official rules (https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/electronic-devices-and-electrical-items).
Power banks that pass the airline limit
Every power bank we have reviewed on SmartGadgetKit falls within the 100Wh carry-on limit. If you are shopping for a travel-friendly option, these are worth a look:
Anker 737 Power Bank (140W, 24,000mAh) Best Overall
Anker Power Bank (20K, 87W, Built-In USB-C Cable) Best Value
Anker A1695 Laptop Power Bank (25,000mAh, 165W) TRAVEL PICK
For the full comparison, see our Best power banks for 2026 guide
If you are specifically looking for a power bank that can charge a laptop, see our Best laptop power banks for 2026 guide
Frequently asked questions
Can you take a power bank on a plane in the UK?
Yes. Power banks are allowed on UK flights in carry-on luggage. They must not go in checked baggage. The UK CAA requires them to be under 100Wh for automatic acceptance, or between 100Wh and 160Wh with airline approval.
Can I take a 20,000mAh power bank on a plane?
Yes. A 20,000mAh power bank at 3.7V equals approximately 74Wh, which is well under the 100Wh limit. It is allowed on all UK airlines in carry-on luggage without any approval needed.
What is the maximum power bank allowed on a flight?
Up to 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh) without airline approval. Between 100Wh and 160Wh with airline approval, limited to two per person. Over 160Wh is not permitted on passenger aircraft.
Do power banks need to go in hand luggage?
Yes, always. Power banks must go in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. This applies to all airlines and all flights. A power bank found in hold baggage will be removed by security.
Can you use a power bank during a flight?
On most UK airlines, yes. You can use a power bank to charge your devices during the cruise phase of the flight. You cannot recharge the power bank itself from the aircraft USB port. Some carriers restrict use during takeoff and landing.
Can I take a 30,000mAh power bank on a plane?
A 30,000mAh bank at 3.7V equals approximately 111Wh, which is above the standard 100Wh limit. You would need airline approval in advance, and the airline is not required to grant it. Most people in this situation are better served by a 26,000 to 27,000mAh model which stays just under the limit.
What happens if you put a power bank in checked luggage?
It will likely be removed by security scanning before the flight. You may not get it back. In some airports it may result in a delay while your bag is searched. Power banks are prohibited in hold baggage on all commercial flights due to fire risk.
How do I convert mAh to Wh for my power bank?
Multiply the mAh by the voltage (usually 3.7V for lithium-ion) and divide by 1,000. For example, a 20,000mAh bank: 20,000 multiplied by 3.7 divided by 1,000 equals 74Wh. If the Wh rating is printed on the bank already, use that number directly.
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