If you’ve ever needed a quick phone charge during a flight, you know how helpful a power bank can be. But airlines have rules about these portable chargers—rules that are changing. Here’s what to know before packing one along.
General Rules (What Applies on Most Flights)
Carry-on only. Power banks must go in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. That’s a safety rule from groups like the FAA, TSA, IATA and others.
Size matters (watt-hours, Wh):
Up to 100 Wh: generally allowed without approval.
100–160 Wh: usually allowed, but you must get airline permission—often limited to one or two banks.
Over 160 Wh: not allowed at all.
These limits keep the cabin safe from battery fires or overheating.
Airline-Specific Rules (Now or Soon)
Here are some current or upcoming rules from major airlines and regions:
Emirates
From October 1, 2025, you’re allowed only one power bank under 100 Wh in your carry-on.
You cannot use it onboard—that means no charging your phone or charging the power bank itself.
It must be stored in your seat pocket or under your seat—not in the overhead bin.
Singapore Airlines (and Scoot)
Starting April 1, 2025, you can’t use power banks during flight.
Southwest Airlines (USA)
Since May 28, 2025, using a power bank to charge a device while it’s stowed out of sight (like in an overhead bin) is banned. You must keep it visible—on your tray table or in a seat pocket.
Other Airlines in Asia / Global
Many Asian carriers now ban power-bank use during flight and may require them to be kept with you—not in overhead bins. These include:
AirAsia, EVA Air, Thai Airways, China Airlines, Air Busan, Starlux Airlines, Tigerair Taiwan, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Greater Bay Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana, Air India, Qatar Airways, Jeju Air, T’Way Air, Air Premia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, VietJet, KLM, and others.
Australia / CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority)
Power banks are allowed only in your carry-on. Batteries over 160 Wh are banned except for medical devices.
Why the Rules Are Getting Tighter
Some recent incidents underline the risks:
A KLM flight in August 2025 had to deal with smoke when a power bank caught fire mid-flight. No one was hurt—but it was a scary reminder of the risks.
Airlines like Southwest and Emirates have stepped up safety policies after seeing more battery-related events.
What You Can Do Before Your Trip
Find your power bank’s Wh rating (if it’s in mAh, convert it:
mAh × voltage ÷ 1000).Check your airline’s current rules—they vary and evolve fast.
Limit to one power bank under 100 Wh for airlines like Emirates, if using them on one of their flights.
Keep your power bank visible when using it, especially on airlines like Southwest.
Store it in your seat pocket or under the seat—not in overhead bins—for planes like Emirates.
Be ready to follow no-use rules: some airlines don’t allow charging power banks—or using them—while the flight is in the air.
Keeping charged on a flight takes a bit of planning—but with these rules in mind, it’s easy and safe. Need a simple checklist or a compact power bank recommendation that fits current rules? I’d be happy to help.
For more travel tech tips, visit Fitcation HQ.
Adrenaline junkie with a passion for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and finding unique ways to stay active. Expect stunning scenery, challenging workouts, awesome travel tips and a whole lot of fun. Let’s get sweaty and explore the world together!
