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Short answer: Yes — but a power bank must go in your carry-on bag, never checked luggage, because it contains a lithium-ion battery. Most consumer power banks are allowed without special approval, and the deciding factor is the battery’s watt-hour (Wh) rating, not its size.
The watt-hour rules (US TSA/FAA and most airlines)
- Under 100 Wh — allowed in carry-on, generally no airline approval needed. This covers almost every phone-charging power bank.
- 100–160 Wh — allowed with airline approval, usually a maximum of two spares.
- Over 160 Wh — not permitted on passenger aircraft.
How to convert mAh to Wh
Power banks are labelled in mAh, but airlines care about Wh. The formula is:
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × battery voltage (lithium cells are 3.7 V).
So a common 20,000 mAh power bank is (20 × 3.7) = 74 Wh — comfortably under the 100 Wh limit. Even a large 26,800 mAh bank is about 99 Wh, still under the cap. Many power banks now print the Wh rating on the case.
Quick reference
| Capacity | Approx. Wh | Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Yes, carry-on |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Yes, carry-on |
| 27,000 mAh | ~100 Wh | Yes / borderline — check |
| Over ~43,000 mAh | >160 Wh | No |
Practical tips
- Keep power banks in your carry-on and, ideally, in a pouch so the terminals can’t short against keys or coins.
- Rules are set by aviation authorities and individual airlines and can change — confirm with your airline and the TSA/your national authority before flying, especially for international trips.
- Not sure how many charges your bank actually delivers on a trip? Use our Power Bank Calculator to plan.
Shopping for a travel-friendly bank under 100 Wh? See current options: Browse Power Banks on Amazon.