A Guide to Bringing Power Banks on Airplanes

Recent news about a fire onboard South Korea’s Air Busan flight has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of power banks during air travel. Following the incident, several airlines have tightened their restrictions on portable chargers, with Air Busan banning them completely.

While portable chargers are often seen as a travel essential, they can pose fire hazards if not properly handled. This guide provides an overview of the general rules and regulations surrounding portable chargers on flights. However, since airline policies vary, it’s always best to check with your airline and the specific regulations of the country you’re flying to and from.

Also read: What You Can and Cannot Bring into Singapore: A Guide for Travellers in 2025

Rules and regulations

Power banks or rechargeable battery packs are treated as spare lithium batteries. With the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, they are typically not allowed in checked baggage. Instead, they must be carried in your hand luggage (carry-on) and brought with you on your flight. However, even in your carry-on, portable chargers are subject to certain limitations.

Here are the general rules to follow:

• Allowed Capacity:

Most airlines allow power banks below 100Wh (watt-hours) to be carried onboard without prior approval.

• Larger Batteries:

Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh usually require airline approval before you board. Power banks over 160Wh are typically banned from flights altogether.

• Quantity Limits:

Airlines often limit the number of power banks you can carry to two per passenger.

• Usage Onboard:

While using a power bank to charge your devices is usually permitted, charging the power bank itself on the plane is often prohibited.

Different airlines have slightly different rules, so it’s always important to check directly with your airline before your flight. For example, Singapore Airlines allows power banks with up to 100Wh without prior approval, where  100Wh-160Wh requires airline permission. The airline permits battery-operated devices (laptops, watches) to be left in checked-in luggage though it is not recommended. However, the battery size cannot exceed 100Wh. These devices must also be completely switched off and not left in hibernation or sleep mode, with the battery left installed in the equipment during check-in.

How to calculate if your power bank is allowed

With airline regulations using the watt-hour (Wh) rating, the next tricky thing is to calculate your power bank’s watt-hour (Wh) rating. Most power banks list their capacity in milliampere-hours (mAh), so you will need to convert it to the watt-hour rating.

You will need to know the voltage of your power bank for this calculation. Most power banks will have these details inscribed on the power bank itself. You can check your power bank or search online for your product specifications. Afterwards, use this simple formula to convert:

• Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × Voltage (V)

For example, if your power bank is 20,000mAh with a voltage of 3.7V:

• (20,000 ÷ 1000) × 3.7 = 74Wh

Since 74Wh is below 100Wh, this power bank is safe to bring on board without special permission.

Power bank safety and storage tips

To avoid safety risks and travel disruptions, follow these precautions to take care of your power bank and use it safely on your travels.

• Buy quality power banks

Avoid cheap, uncertified brands when buying your power bank. Poorly made power banks are at higher risk of overheating and exploding. Choose ones that meet airline safety standards and certifications like UL, CE, or FCC.

• Store power banks appropriately while travelling

Keep your power banks in a protective case to prevent damage. When storing them in your carry-on bag, make sure they are easily accessible in case security asks to inspect them. Don’t pack them with metal objects like keys or coins that could cause a short circuit.

When storing your power banks at home, avoid extreme temperatures such as leaving them in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

Also read: Why Travel Insurance Isn’t a Waste of Money: A Guide

With phones playing such a crucial role in our travels, power banks are lifesavers that keep our devices powered and information accessible. Although portable chargers are a travel essential, they must be handled with care. Understanding airline regulations can save you from unnecessary hassles at the airport. By following these guidelines, you can travel safely and stay powered up throughout your journey!