Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Power bank rules in air travel change regularly. We update this article on an ongoing basis – for binding information, please check lufthansa.com or your airline's website before your flight.
Can I actually bring my power bank on the plane? And if so, how big can it be – and where should it go? The short answer: Yes, almost every standard power bank is allowed – but only in your carry-on luggage, never in checked luggage. Since 15 January 2026, the Lufthansa Group has significantly tightened the rules for the entire group (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels). In this guide, we explain all the current power bank rules for 2026, show you how to convert milliamp-hours (mAh) into watt-hours (Wh), and what to watch out for at the gate and on board.
Power banks in carry-on luggage 2026 – the key rules
Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries and are therefore classified as dangerous goods. Uniform IATA rules apply worldwide for passenger air travel, though individual airlines can be stricter. The three most important basic rules apply everywhere:
- Only transport in carry-on luggage – never in checked luggage
- Max. 100 Wh (approx. 27,000 mAh) allowed without approval
- 100–160 Wh requires prior airline approval at most airlines (some airlines such as Ryanair don't accept power banks over 100 Wh at all), over 160 Wh is generally prohibited
Why never in checked luggage? If a power bank overheats or short-circuits in the cargo hold, the crew cannot react. In the cabin, on the other hand, a fire can be extinguished immediately.
Power bank capacity: converting mAh to Wh
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Convert mAh to Wh in 5 seconds.
Rule of thumb: mAh ÷ 270 ≈ Wh
Most power banks have their capacity listed in milliamp-hours (mAh). Airlines, however, calculate in watt-hours (Wh). The conversion formula is simple:
Formula: mAh × volts ÷ 1000 = Wh
Most power banks use 3.7 V lithium-ion cells. This gives us a rule of thumb:
mAh ÷ 270 ≈ Wh (at 3.7 V)
Example calculation
- 10,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 37 Wh → allowed
- 20,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 74 Wh → allowed
- 27,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 99.9 Wh → just barely allowed
- 30,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 111 Wh → only with airline approval
- 45,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 166 Wh → prohibited
Many modern power banks now have the Wh value printed directly on the casing – saving you the calculation. Check it before heading to the gate.
Table: power banks by capacity
| Capacity | Wh (at 3.7 V) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18.5 Wh | ✓ Allowed |
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | ✓ Allowed |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | ✓ Allowed |
| 26,800 mAh | 99.2 Wh | ✓ Allowed |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | ⚠ Only with airline approval |
| 40,000 mAh | 148 Wh | ⚠ Only with airline approval |
| 50,000 mAh | 185 Wh | ✗ Prohibited |
New Lufthansa Group rules since 15 January 2026
For safety reasons, the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines) has significantly tightened its rules. As of 15 January 2026, the following applies:
- Max. 2 power banks per person
- Carry in hand luggage only, never in checked luggage
- Storage only on your person, in the seat pocket, or under the seat in front of you – NOT in the overhead bin
- Charging and use on board prohibited – also applies to e-cigarettes
- Exception: power banks for approved medical devices
Applies to: Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines. Other European airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet now also allow a maximum of two power banks per person. Since 27 March 2026, this limit has applied worldwide under the ICAO dangerous goods regulations, and charging power banks on board is prohibited.
Power bank rules compared across major airlines
| Airline | Max. Wh without approval | Max. quantity | Use on board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa Group | 100 Wh | 2 units | ✗ Prohibited |
| Ryanair | 100 Wh | 2 units (anything larger than 100 Wh is not accepted at all) | Charging devices allowed, except during taxiing, take-off and landing; the power bank itself may not be charged |
| easyJet | up to 160 Wh (according to easyJet without approval) | 2 units | ✗ No charging of other devices |
| British Airways | 100 Wh | 2 units | Only from the seat pocket or under the seat, do not charge via the seat power outlet |
| Emirates | 100 Wh | 1 unit | ✗ Prohibited (since 1 October 2025) |
| Qatar Airways | 100 Wh | 2 units | Charging the power bank is prohibited |
How to transport your power bank correctly
1. Store it correctly
- Always in your carry-on luggage, never in checked luggage
- On your person (trouser pocket, inside jacket pocket) or under the seat in front of you
- DO NOT store it in the overhead bin
- Cover the contacts (for larger power banks with exposed terminals) or keep in original packaging
2. Label it correctly
For power banks without a printed Wh value, a small sticker with the Wh calculation is recommended – this makes checks at the gate easier:
- Wh value clearly visible (either printed or via a label)
- For power banks between 100–160 Wh: contact the airline before departure and obtain approval
- Keep a receipt or proof of purchase handy if the power bank is new
3. Pack it correctly
The safest option is a carry-on bag or a small backpack with its own electronics compartment. Many business trolleys now even have a built-in USB charging compartment with an external power bank connection – ideal for travellers who work a lot while on the go.
What happens if your power bank is flagged at the gate?
If inspectors discover a power bank that violates the rules, there are three possible scenarios:
- Capacity over 160 Wh: the power bank is confiscated and disposed of properly. No replacement.
- Capacity 100–160 Wh without approval: usually the power bank is returned if you keep it in your carry-on luggage and don't use it. However, some airlines confiscate it in this case too.
- Too many units (e.g. 5 × 20,000 mAh with Lufthansa): you must dispose of the additional devices at the airport or hand them to acquaintances.
It's best to check the capacity beforehand, so there's no discussion at the gate.
Which power bank is worth it for air travel?
From an aviation rules perspective, the ideal travel power bank has:
- Capacity: 10,000–20,000 mAh (37–74 Wh) – comfortable enough for 2–5 phone charges, well below the 100 Wh limit
- Wh value printed directly on the casing (saves you the calculation at the gate)
- USB-C Power Delivery for fast charging of smartphones, tablets and laptops
- Compact dimensions, so it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket
- Certification: TÜV, UL or CE for better quality control
Large 40,000 mAh or 50,000 mAh models are intended for camping or emergency power at home – clearly too big for air travel.
What about other electronics in carry-on luggage?
The 100 Wh rule doesn't just apply to power banks, but also to other devices with lithium batteries:
- Laptops: average 50–90 Wh → allowed
- Tablets, smartphones, e-readers: well under 100 Wh → allowed
- Cameras and drone batteries: usually under 100 Wh → allowed, secure batteries individually
- E-cigarettes: carry-on luggage only, never in checked luggage, use on board prohibited
- Model-building batteries: often over 100 Wh – obtain approval beforehand
Power banks & liquids – what fits in your carry-on luggage
A power bank in your carry-on luggage is just one part of the overall packing puzzle. The key rules at a glance:
- Liquids: max. 100 ml per container, all in a 1-litre bag – see our liquids in carry-on luggage guide
- Carry-on luggage dimensions: vary by airline – see Lufthansa, Ryanair, Eurowings
- Airport procedures: check-in, security check and boarding – step by step in our airport guide
Frequently asked questions about power banks in carry-on luggage
Can I take my power bank in my carry-on luggage?
Yes, power banks up to 100 Wh (approx. 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) may be carried in your carry-on luggage. Power banks between 100 and 160 Wh require airline approval at most airlines (some airlines such as Ryanair don't accept them at all), and over 160 Wh they are generally prohibited. Under no circumstances may a power bank go in checked luggage.
How many power banks am I allowed to bring?
For the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels), a maximum of 2 power banks per person has applied since 15 January 2026. Ryanair and easyJet also allow a maximum of two power banks per person. Since 27 March 2026, this limit has applied worldwide under ICAO regulations.
How do I convert mAh to Wh?
The formula is: mAh × volts ÷ 1000 = Wh. For standard lithium-ion cells at 3.7 V, a rule of thumb applies: mAh ÷ 270 ≈ Wh. A 20,000 mAh power bank therefore has around 74 Wh and is easily allowed.
Can I use my power bank on board?
With the Lufthansa Group, using and charging power banks as well as e-cigarettes on board has generally been prohibited since 15 January 2026. With Ryanair, you may use it to charge your devices, except during taxiing, take-off and landing; easyJet prohibits charging other devices on board. Since 27 March 2026, under ICAO regulations, you may not charge the power bank itself anywhere on board.
Where should I store the power bank correctly on the plane?
On your person (trouser pocket, jacket pocket), in the seat pocket in front of you, or in your carry-on luggage under the seat in front of you. Never in the overhead bin – the crew cannot react quickly there in the event of a fire.
What happens if my power bank is too big?
Power banks over 160 Wh are confiscated at the gate and disposed of properly. For 100–160 Wh, try requesting approval from the airline before your flight first. Without approval, confiscation can occur here too.
