Most airlines follow similar general rules for lithium-ion power banks: allowed in carry-on baggage, generally prohibited in checked baggage, with a watt-hour (Wh) capacity limit that determines whether approval is automatic, requires airline permission, or is banned outright.
| Watt-Hours | Typical Rule |
|---|---|
| Under 100Wh | Generally allowed without special approval |
| 100–160Wh | Often allowed with airline approval, sometimes limited in quantity |
| Over 160Wh | Commonly prohibited on passenger aircraft |
Watt-hours aren’t printed as prominently as mAh on most power banks, but can be calculated: Wh = (mAh × voltage) / 1000, using the battery’s nominal voltage (usually 3.7V for lithium-ion cells).
Before you fly
Always check your specific airline’s current policy — these are general industry norms, not universal rules, and enforcement varies by carrier and route.