Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane? 2025 Rules Explained
Power banks are an essential companion for modern travelers. Whether you’re on a long flight, in an airport terminal, or heading to your next adventure, having reliable power for your devices is non-negotiable. But before you toss your portable charger into your suitcase, you might wonder: can you bring a power bank on a plane? What does mAh mean, and how does it affect your travel?
This article breaks down everything you need to know—from airline safety regulations to understanding mAh and watt-hours—and introduces you to VRURC, a brand known for fast-charging, compact, and travel-ready power banks.
Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane? TSA & FAA Rules
The short answer is yes—you can bring a power bank on a plane, but with specific restrictions. Both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allow power banks in carry-on luggage only. They must not be placed in checked baggage due to fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries.
If you're wondering, can you take a large power bank on a plane, the answer is yes, you can take a large power bank on a plane as long as it stays within the approved watt-hour limits. A 20,000mAh power bank, for example, is typically allowed, making "is 20000mah power bank allowed in flight" or even higher mAh power bank a definite yes.
If you're a frequent flyer or digital nomad, VRURC power banks offer peace of mind. Including 20000mAh power banks and more, VRURC ensures you never face a dead phone mid-journey. These portable chargers are built for travel—slim enough to fit in your pocket but powerful enough to keep you connected.
Why You Can't Put Power Bank in Checked Luggage
Putting your power bank in checked baggage is a serious mistake. Airline safety guidelines prohibit this because lithium batteries pose a thermal runaway risk when damaged or exposed to heat.
If a battery overheats or ignites in the cargo hold, it may go undetected until it causes serious harm. Since passenger cabins have fire detection and suppression systems—and trained personnel—keeping power banks in carry-ons allows flight crews to act swiftly if something goes wrong.
Security will confiscate any power bank found in checked luggage. To avoid inconvenience, always pack your chargers in your carry-on bag.
Understanding Watt-Hours (Wh) and mAh for Power Banks
To understand travel limitations, it's important to know how battery capacity is measured. Manufacturers usually list capacity in mAh (milliampere-hours). This measures the amount of charge a battery can hold, but it doesn’t tell the full story.
Airlines rely on watt-hours (Wh) to regulate battery limits. To convert:
Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000
Most lithium-ion batteries operate at 3.6V–3.7V. For example:
- 10,000mAh → 37Wh
- 20,000mAh → 74Wh
So when asking "what size power bank can I take on a plane", the watt-hour value is what truly matters. VRURC power banks often come with clear labeling to show both mAh and Wh, making airport security checks stress-free.t
What Size Power Bank Can I Take on a Plane?
The most common question flyers ask is: what size power bank can I take on a plane?
In terms of mAh:
- Up to 27,000mAh (≈100Wh): No airline approval needed.
- 27,000mAh–43,000mAh (≈100–160Wh): Requires airline approval.
- Above 43,000mAh (≈160Wh): Not allowed on planes.
As a reference, most consumer power banks (including high-capacity models) fall well within the safe 27,000mAh limit. If your charger doesn’t list Wh, use the formula above to calculate.
For worry-free travel, consider VRURC power banks. Their best-selling models are designed to stay well within size limits while delivering high-speed charging.
How Many Power Banks Can You Bring on a Plane?
TSA and FAA guidelines allow you to bring more than one power bank in your carry-on, but there are limits:
- Unlimited number of power banks under 100Wh.
- Up to two power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh with airline approval.
- No power banks above 160Wh.
So when it comes to how many power banks can you bring on a plane, your total depends on their capacity. For travelers carrying multiple devices, having two or three compact VRURC power banks under 100Wh offers flexibility and full compliance.
Some airlines may enforce stricter rules or require capacity labeling, so check their specific policies before flying.
How to Bring a Power Bank on a Plane
Do Power Banks Need to Be Turned Off on the Flight? Although there's no universal requirement to turn off power banks during a flight, most airlines ask passengers to:
- Turn off the power bank during takeoff and landing.
- Avoid charging devices while sleeping.
- Follow crew instructions at all times.
Keeping your power bank in standby or powered-off mode when not in use reduces overheating risks and conserves battery.
VRURC power banks come with smart protection features, like auto shutoff and temperature control, offering safety for both you and fellow passengers.
FAQs about Bring a Power Bank on a Plane
What happens if I bring a power bank in checked luggage?
It will likely be confiscated by airport security. Lithium batteries in the cargo hold pose fire risks, so TSA and FAA strictly prohibit them in checked bags.
How to calculate watt-hours if only mAh is listed?
Use this formula: Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000
If the voltage is not listed, assume 3.7V for lithium-ion batteries. For example, 10,000mAh at 3.7V = 37Wh.
Do power banks need to be turned off on the flight?
It’s recommended but not mandatory. Turning it off during takeoff, landing, and periods of inactivity is a good practice.
Conclusion
So, can you bring a power bank on a plane? Absolutely—as long as it complies with TSA and FAA rules. The key is knowing what size power bank can I take on a plane, how to calculate Wh, and how many you're allowed.
Avoid placing chargers in checked bags, understand your power bank’s capacity, and choose a brand built for safe travel.
VRURC offers compact, efficient, airline-compliant power banks that keep your devices alive wherever you go. Designed for people who need reliable power on the move, VRURC chargers are TSA-ready and built with your safety in mind—like the 5000mAh portable charger for quick top-ups and the versatile 10000mAh power banks for everyday use.
Fly smarter. Stay charged. Travel with VRURC.
