Planning to fly with your power bank? Airline regulations around lithium batteries can be confusing, with different limits, carry-on requirements, and approval processes. This guide clarifies exactly what power banks you can bring on Australian domestic and international flights, how to calculate whether your power bank meets the limits, and what to do at security screening.
These regulations exist because lithium batteries pose fire risks in aircraft cargo holds where crew cannot respond to problems. By understanding the rules, you can travel confidently with your portable power.
The Fundamental Rule: Carry-On Only
Before discussing capacity limits, understand this absolute requirement: power banks must always travel in your carry-on luggage, never in checked bags. This applies to all airlines, all routes, and all power bank sizes.
This rule exists because lithium battery fires in the cabin can be quickly identified and managed by crew members using appropriate fire suppression techniques. The same fire in an aircraft cargo hold could be catastrophic. Security screening may remove power banks found in checked luggage, and you may face penalties.
Power banks must ALWAYS go in your carry-on bag. Never pack them in checked luggage. This is a universal aviation safety requirement, not an optional guideline.
Capacity Limits Explained
Airlines regulate power banks based on their energy capacity measured in watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp hours (mAh). This is important because watt-hours account for both capacity and voltage, giving a true measure of stored energy.
Under 100Wh: Unrestricted (Most Power Banks)
Power banks with capacity under 100Wh are allowed without restriction. You can carry multiple units and don't need airline approval. This category includes the vast majority of consumer power banks up to approximately 27,000mAh.
Almost every power bank marketed for smartphones falls well under this limit. A typical 10,000mAh power bank has approximately 37Wh, and even large 26,800mAh units sit just under 100Wh at approximately 99Wh.
100-160Wh: Airline Approval Required
Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval and are limited to two units per passenger. This range includes larger power stations and some high-capacity laptop power banks.
To get approval, contact your airline before your flight. Most airlines handle this through their customer service or at check-in. Approval is generally granted without difficulty, but having it documented avoids potential issues at security.
Over 160Wh: Prohibited
Power banks exceeding 160Wh cannot be carried on commercial aircraft in any form. This includes most larger portable power stations. If you need such high-capacity power at your destination, you'll need to purchase or rent locally.
- Under 100Wh (~27,000mAh): Allowed in carry-on, no restrictions
- 100-160Wh: Allowed with airline approval, maximum 2 units
- Over 160Wh: Prohibited on aircraft
- All sizes: Must be in carry-on, never checked bags
How to Calculate Watt-Hours
Most power banks display capacity in milliamp hours (mAh), not watt-hours. To determine whether your power bank meets airline limits, you'll need to convert mAh to Wh using this formula:
Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000
Where V is the battery's nominal voltage. Most lithium batteries operate at 3.7V nominal voltage, though some use 3.6V or 3.8V. If the voltage isn't specified, 3.7V is a safe assumption.
Worked Examples
10,000mAh power bank:
(10,000 × 3.7) ÷ 1000 = 37Wh
Well under 100Wh - allowed without restriction
20,000mAh power bank:
(20,000 × 3.7) ÷ 1000 = 74Wh
Under 100Wh - allowed without restriction
26,800mAh power bank:
(26,800 × 3.7) ÷ 1000 = 99.16Wh
Just under 100Wh - allowed without restriction (this is the maximum airline-approved size)
30,000mAh power bank:
(30,000 × 3.7) ÷ 1000 = 111Wh
Between 100-160Wh - requires airline approval, limit 2 units
Many premium power banks are rated at exactly 26,800mAh because this is the maximum capacity that stays under the 100Wh unrestricted limit. It's not a coincidence - manufacturers design to this specification for airline compliance.
What About Power Stations?
Larger portable power stations designed for camping or emergency backup often exceed airline limits. A typical 500Wh power station is well over the 160Wh prohibition threshold and cannot be carried on any flight.
If you need significant portable power at your destination, options include:
- Shipping the power station via freight (special dangerous goods handling required)
- Purchasing or renting at your destination
- Using multiple smaller power banks that individually meet limits
At Security Screening
During security screening, you may be asked to remove power banks from your bag for separate x-ray scanning, similar to laptops. This is standard procedure and nothing to worry about.
What Security Officers Check
Security personnel verify that your power bank is a genuine commercial product, not a disguised prohibited item. They may check the labelling for capacity ratings and ensure the device shows no signs of damage or tampering.
Helping the Process Go Smoothly
To speed through security:
- Keep power banks in an easily accessible pocket of your carry-on
- Be prepared to remove them if asked
- Ensure capacity labelling is visible and legible
- If your power bank exceeds 100Wh, have your airline approval documentation ready
International Considerations
Australian airline regulations align with International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines, which most countries follow. However, some variations exist:
United States: FAA rules match IATA guidelines closely. Under 100Wh allowed freely, 100-160Wh with airline approval.
European Union: Follows IATA guidelines. Some low-cost carriers may have additional restrictions.
China: Currently allows power banks up to 100Wh without restriction but prohibits any power bank exceeding 160Wh. Between 100-160Wh is grey area that varies by airline.
India: Has implemented restrictions on power bank capacity that sometimes differ from IATA. Verify current rules before travel.
When flying internationally, verify regulations for all countries you'll transit through, not just your departure and arrival points. If in doubt, stick to power banks under 100Wh for hassle-free travel worldwide.
Damaged or Recalled Power Banks
Airlines prohibit damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries. If your power bank shows signs of physical damage, swelling, overheating, or has been subject to a manufacturer recall, do not bring it on an aircraft. Dispose of it properly and replace it before your trip.
Security personnel may confiscate power banks that appear damaged or unsafe, even if they meet capacity limits.
Summary: Travel-Ready Power Banks
For hassle-free air travel, the sweet spot is a power bank under 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh or less). These face no restrictions on any airline, don't require pre-approval, and are universally accepted worldwide.
Power banks in the 10,000-20,000mAh range offer excellent capacity for keeping phones and tablets charged during long flights while remaining compact enough for easy carry-on packing. These are ideal travel companions.
Whatever size you choose, remember the golden rule: carry-on only, never checked luggage. With that in mind, you can travel confidently knowing your power bank will make it through security without drama.
Looking for an airline-approved power bank? Check our product comparisons where we highlight which models meet travel regulations.