Can I bring a power bank on a plane?

Safety concerns and regulatory responses

Recent incidents of lithium‑battery fires in cabins have prompted airlines and some national authorities to tighten rules for portable chargers. Regulators and carriers are moving to restrict or ban certain types of power banks because they can overheat and, in rare cases, ignite; one cabin fire caused a significant flight delay and drew renewed scrutiny.

What the changing rules mean for your packing Restrictions vary by country and airline. Some carriers already limit the size (measured in watt‑hours) of power banks permitted in carry‑on, and a few national regulators have announced plans to ban them on certain flights. Typically, power banks are prohibited in checked baggage because fires in the hold are harder to manage.

Practical tips for travellers

• Keep them in carry‑on: airlines that still allow power banks generally require they be carried in the cabin, not checked.
• Know the capacity limits: check your airline’s rules for maximum watt‑hours; large external batteries are the most likely to be restricted.
• Avoid damaged units: do not pack swollen, dented, or otherwise compromised chargers.
• Protect the terminals: cover exposed contacts to prevent shorting, and switch the device off for the flight.
• Confirm before you fly: read both airline and destination country guidance ahead of departure, since rules can change quickly in response to safety events.

If you depend on a power bank for long travel days, plan alternatives—extra device charge, portable solar with airline approval, or renting a charger at your destination—because a unit you bought last month may be subject to new limits by the time you travel.