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Power Banks for Flying: FAA, TSA and UK CAA Rules (2026)
By Balwant Singh Rawat · Published · Updated · Research-based (not yet hands-on tested)
Research-based travel guide. Rules summarised from FAA PackSafe, TSA, and UK CAA pages checked 5 November 2026. Airline policies can be stricter. We have not flight-tested the named Anker models for this article. Verify Wh on your unit’s label before you travel.
After the 2025–26 power-bank recall wave, “will this get through security?” is the right question. Pair this page with our power bank recall checker.
What are the US (FAA / TSA) rules?
From FAA PackSafe – Airline Passengers and Batteries and TSA lithium batteries:
| Battery size | Carry-on | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 Wh spare / power bank | Yes | No | Personal use; protect from short circuit |
| 101–160 Wh spare | Yes, with airline approval | No | Max two spares in this band |
| Over 160 Wh | No | No | Forbidden on passenger aircraft |
| Device with battery installed | Yes | Yes, if powered off and protected | Same Wh caps apply |
FAA: there is no numeric limit on under-100 Wh rechargeable batteries for personal use, but many airlines… may have stricter quantity and Wh limits
— check your carrier. Recalled or damaged batteries that may spark or overheat must not travel unless made safe.
What changed in the UK (CAA)?
The UK CAA published passenger rules effective 27 March 2026:
- Carry-on only
- Individually protected when not in use
- Must not be recharged onboard
- Should not be used to charge other devices onboard
- Maximum of two power banks per person
- Still ≤100 Wh without operator approval; 100–160 Wh needs operator approval
If you fly UK carriers or through UK airports after that date, plan for the two-bank cap even if US rules would allow more.
How do I read the Wh label?
FAA formula: Wh = V × Ah. If you only have mAh: Ah = mAh ÷ 1000. Example from FAA: 12 V × 8 Ah = 96 Wh.
Rough mAh → Wh at a typical 3.7 V cell voltage: 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 27,000 mAh ≈ 100 Wh. Always prefer the printed Wh over a napkin conversion — packs are not always a single 3.7 V cell equivalent.
Which power banks are realistic for flights?
Prefer models that:
- Print Wh ≤ 100 on the case (no airline pre-approval drama)
- Are not on a current CPSC / manufacturer recall list (checker)
- Have verifiable safety marks / listings (certification how-to)
- Have covered ports / a pouch so terminals cannot short in your bag
- Come from a brand that publishes flight guidance
Anker examples Anker itself lists as flight-eligible
Anker’s support article (Which Anker power banks are allowed on a flight?, updated 2025) says banks under 27,027 mAh (~100 Wh) are normally allowed, carry-on only, and names examples including:
- PowerCore Slim 10K PD (model 1245)
- 20,000 mAh models A1286 / A1647
- Nano 10K with built-in USB-C (A1259)
- Nano 5K foldable USB-C (A1653)
- 321 MagGo 5K (A1616)
- 25K 165W with built-in cables (A1695) — confirm Wh on the label; wattage (W) is charge speed, not Wh
- PowerCore III Elite 25600 / 735 Power Bank — Anker cites 25,600 mAh / 94.72 Wh
Anker: confirm with the airline before travel; guidelines change.
TODO: Anker affiliate tag. Anker Creators ~8% (verify).
Anker power banks (TODO: Creators tag) · Amazon US search: Anker power bank · Amazon UK search (TODO: tag)
Pre-flight checklist
- Read the Wh on your bank (photo it for the gate agent if you like)
- Run the model through the recall checker and CPSC
- Pack in carry-on, ports covered / separate pouch
- If cabin bag is gate-checked, FAA PackSafe says remove spare lithium batteries / power banks and keep them with you in the cabin
- If 101–160 Wh, email the airline for approval and bring only up to two
- UK / many international itineraries after 27 Mar 2026: assume max two power banks and no onboard recharge/use to charge other devices
- Never fly a swollen, cracked or recalled pack
ICAO has also moved to tighten power-bank carriage globally; airline manuals may get stricter than the FAA baseline — always read your carrier’s dangerous-goods page for that flight.
How we’ll verify
TODO: hands-on. Photograph Wh labels on 2–3 current Anker SKUs, confirm they match the support article, and note any airline-specific pages (BA, easyJet, Delta, United) that are stricter than FAA baseline.
Related: Power bank recall checker · How to check power bank safety certification · All gadgets
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. FAA PackSafe and TSA treat spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks as carry-on only. Checking them is not allowed.
How many power banks can I bring?
FAA: no numeric limit under 100 Wh for personal use, but airlines may be stricter; 101–160 Wh is limited to two spare batteries with airline approval. UK CAA (from 27 Mar 2026): maximum of two power banks per person.
How do I find the Wh rating?
It should be printed on the battery. If not: Wh = V × Ah. If the capacity is in mAh, divide by 1000 first (FAA PackSafe formula).
Can I use or charge a power bank on the plane?
US rules emphasise protecting against short circuits and accidental activation. UK CAA rules effective 27 March 2026 say power banks must not be recharged onboard and should not be used to charge other devices onboard. Always follow crew instructions and your airline’s policy.
What about recalled power banks?
FAA: damaged or recalled batteries that can spark or overheat must not be carried unless made safe. Check our recall checker and CPSC before you fly.
US allows many under-100 Wh banks — why do you say max two?
FAA does not set a numeric cap under 100 Wh for personal use, but airlines may. UK CAA rules from 27 March 2026 set a hard maximum of two power banks per person. If any leg is on a UK carrier or through UK rules after that date, plan for two.