The short answer: yes, you can take your power bank on a plane — but only in your carry-on luggage, and up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) without having to ask anyone for permission. Almost every common power bank, up to and including 27,000 mAh, falls well within that limit. This article explains the rule, translates mAh to Wh with a simple table, and walks you through the airport process — so that the security check is a formality rather than a surprise.
The rule in one table
| Capacity (mAh) | Watt-hours (Wh) | Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | ±37 Wh | ✔ Yes, carry-on — no permission required |
| 20,000 mAh | ±74 Wh | ✔ Yes, carry-on — no permission required |
| 27,000 mAh | ±97-100 Wh | ✔ Yes, carry-on — no permission required |
| 30,000+ mAh | >100 Wh | ⚠ Only with airline permission (up to 160 Wh, max. 2 units) |
| — | >160 Wh | ✘ Forbidden on board |
All Strex power banks — from 12,000 to 27,000 mAh — stay under 100 Wh and are therefore allowed in the cabin as standard.
Why Wh and not mAh — and how to convert it
Aviation rules use watt-hours because that is the actual energy content (mAh says nothing without the voltage). The conversion uses one formula: Wh = mAh × 3.7 volts ÷ 1000. A 27,000 mAh power bank: 27,000 × 3.7 ÷ 1000 ≈ 99.9 Wh — just under the limit, and that is exactly why 27,000 mAh is the practical maximum for travelers. Good news: almost every power bank has the Wh value printed on the label, so you usually don't even need to calculate it — at security, what's on the label counts.
Why checked luggage is forbidden territory
The rule becomes logical once you know the reason: lithium batteries that become damaged or short-circuit can get hot and catch fire. In the cabin, this is immediately noticed and extinguished; in the cargo hold, it is not — which is why power banks and loose batteries (including that spare battery for your action camera) must always be in your carry-on, never in your checked luggage. If you check in a suitcase that accidentally contains a power bank, it may be removed during baggage screening — and you will rarely see it again.
Practice at the airport: 4 habits
- ✔ Place the power bank loosely in the security tray — just like your laptop; this saves you from a manual secondary bag check
- ✔ Protect the ports — in a case or pocket, not loose among your keys; a short circuit is exactly what the rules are trying to prevent
- ✔ Do not bring a swollen or damaged power bank — that should be disposed of as chemical waste anyway, not in an airplane (or your bag)
- ✔ Above 100 Wh? Arrange it before departure — request permission from the airline, not the security officer; rules can vary slightly by airline and country, so check in advance if in doubt
On board: charging is allowed, use common sense
Charging your phone or tablet from your power bank during the flight is permitted and completely normal — just keep the device within reach (so not charging in the overhead bin, where a problem would go unnoticed). Some airlines ask you not to use power banks during taxiing, takeoff, and landing; the crew will inform you when this is the case. For long flights, this is the moment a large power bank proves its worth: a 27,000 mAh model charges a phone four to five times — enough for the flight out, the layover, and the first day without a European plug.
Frequently asked questions
How much mAh can a power bank have for the plane?
Up to approximately 27,000 mAh (±100 Wh) is allowed in carry-on luggage as standard, without permission. Between 100 and 160 Wh — roughly 27,000 to 43,000 mAh — a maximum of two units is allowed, with permission from the airline. Anything above that is forbidden.
Is a power bank allowed in checked baggage?
No, never — power banks and loose lithium batteries are required to be in carry-on luggage. The reason is safety: an overheating battery is noticed and extinguished in the cabin, but not in the cargo hold. This applies worldwide, for every airline.
How many power banks can I bring?
Under 100 Wh: several for personal use is generally not a problem — two or three power banks for a family will not attract attention. Some airlines have a maximum number; if you are traveling with a bag full of them (e.g., for a film production), check the airline's rules in advance.
Can I charge my phone with a power bank on the plane?
Yes, that is permitted and common. Keep the charging device within reach instead of in the overhead bin, and follow the crew's instructions during takeoff and landing. Furthermore: charging on board is exactly what you brought it for.
Looking for a travel-ready power bank that is allowed on board everywhere? Check out the Strex power banks — from the compact 12,000 mAh to the travel maximum of 27,000 mAh with wireless Qi charging. And don't forget the compact GaN charger for your destination.
