Can I fly with a power bank? Common Questions about Power Banks on Planes

Power banks are every traveller’s best friend. They help us stay powered and connected when we’re on the move, ensuring our most important electronic devices such as phones, tablets and e-readers are charged up even without a power outlet. But can you take your power bank on planes? With increased headlines warning about the dangers and fire hazards of power banks on planes, more and more airlines are introducing new regulations regarding power banks. So, what are the latest rules? In this blog post, we summarise the latest air travel rules so you can travel safely and stress-free, while staying powered-up.

This blog post was last updated on 14th December 2025, and all information is accurate as of the post date.

What causes power bank fires?

Power banks are typically made with lithium-ion batteries, which are significantly more powerful than regular single-use alkaline batteries. This allows them to hold more power and energy, hence their ability to charge phones to full capacity (sometimes several times over) as well as charge multiple devices in one go. However, this increased power capacity also means a more significant reaction and fire risk if used incorrectly. Some reasons for power bank fires include:

• Overcharging: if a power bank is left plugged in even after it is fully charged, it can result in overheating, which can lead to fires and explosions. This is why users are advised to unplug power banks once they are fully charged to avoid overheating.
   
• Thermal Runway due to Damage: all batteries have positive and negative electrodes which are kept separate. However, if a power bank is damaged through accidents such as dropping or piercing, it can cause these electrodes to come in contact, causing short circuits and uncontrollable overheating also known as thermal runway. In turn, this can lead to overheating, explosions and fires. This is the same with power banks.
  
  
• Improper Storage: power banks should be stored in a cool, dry place, much like regular batteries. If they are stored in unsuitable environments such as humid or hot conditions, it can cause stress on the power bank, which increases the risk of overheating and subsequent fire.
  
  
• Low-Quality Power Banks: with so many power devices available on the market, it can be tempting to opt for low-cost power banks. However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for: cheap products often result in compromises in safety features, such as the omission of overcharge protection or thermal cut-off. With reputable battery brands such as GP, you are guaranteed that our batteries, whether single-use alkaline or portable chargers like power banks, have undergone rigorous testing and safety compliance, so you can use your power bank safely.

Airline rules with power banks

Specific regulations regarding bringing and using portable chargers on flights vary between airlines, but there are two general rules when it comes to travelling with portable power banks on a plane:

1. Under UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance, power banks must be carried in your hand luggage and must not be placed in checked baggage. Passengers may carry a maximum of two power banks per person. Power banks must be individually protected against short circuits when not in use and must not be recharged onboard the aircraft. This ensures that security can easily check your spare batteries, and the crew can react quickly should your power bank overheat in your cabin luggage, as they can manage the fire if it is in the cabin as opposed to the luggage compartment which is inaccessible. The CAA also advises that power banks should not be used to charge other electronic devices during the flight.
   
   
2. You can bring up to maximum two power banks onboard with a total capacity of 27,000mAh (100 Wh). Power banks up to 100Wh can generally be carried without airline approval. Power banks over 100Wh and up to 160Wh require approval from the airline. Always check your airline's own rules before travelling, as individual airlines may impose stricter restrictions. Make sure you check the power of your portable chargers before packing them in your hand carry baggage. All GP power banks have their mAh clearly labelled on the chargers themselves, so you know exactly what power you're packing.

Specific Airline Regulations on Power Banks Safety

Specific regulations regarding portable chargers vary from airline to airline, but here are some of the battery safety rules for the UK's most popular carriers, whether it's power, usage onboard the aircraft or number of power banks permitted per traveller:

British Airways: passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks, each not exceeding 100Wh. Power banks must be carried in the cabin, must clearly display their capacity rating, and should be stored in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front. Power banks must not be charged using the aircraft’s seat power supply.

Cathay Pacific: passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks. Power banks under 100Wh are permitted in cabin baggage and must not be placed in checked baggage or overhead compartments. They should be securely stored in cabin baggage under the seat in front. Power banks cannot be charged using in-seat power or used to charge personal electronic devices during the flight.

easyJet: passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks, each not exceeding 160Wh. Power banks must be individually protected and carried in cabin baggage only. They cannot be used to charge other devices while onboard, and easyJet recommends keeping them somewhere they can be monitored, such as on your person.

Ryanair: passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks, each not exceeding 100Wh. They must be carried on your person or in an under-seat cabin bag and must not be stored in an overhead locker or checked baggage. Power banks cannot be recharged onboard, but they may be used to charge personal electronic devices except during taxi, take-off and landing, or when instructed otherwise by the crew.

Emirates: passengers can carry a maximum of one power bank under 100Wh. The capacity rating must be clearly available. Power banks cannot be used to charge personal devices onboard and cannot themselves be charged using the aircraft’s power supply.

Qantas: passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks, each not exceeding 160Wh, in their carry-on baggage. Power banks cannot be used or charged at any time during the flight, including using in-seat power or USB ports. They should be kept within easy reach, such as in the seat pocket or under the seat in front; where this is not possible, they can be stored in a nearby overhead locker. Power banks over 100Wh and up to 160Wh require airline approval.

Thai Airways: passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks, each not exceeding 100Wh, in the cabin only. Power banks cannot be placed in checked baggage or overhead lockers and must be kept on your person or in an easily accessible location. They must be protected against short circuits and cannot be used or recharged onboard.

Singapore Airlines: passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks. Power banks up to 100Wh are permitted without prior approval, while those over 100Wh and up to 160Wh require prior airline approval. They must be carried in cabin baggage and kept in an easily accessible location, such as the seat-back pocket or under the seat in front, rather than in an overhead compartment. Power banks cannot be charged or used to charge personal devices during the flight.

United Airlines: power banks must be carried in cabin baggage and are not permitted in checked baggage. Lithium-ion batteries up to 100Wh are generally permitted without airline approval, while larger lithium-ion batteries up to 160Wh may be subject to additional restrictions. Passengers should check United Airlines’ latest battery requirements before travelling.

Airline regulations can change and may differ depending on your route or aircraft. Always check the latest safety and baggage requirements directly with your airline before travelling with a power bank.

Airline regulations can change and may differ depending on your route or aircraft. It is always advisable to check the specific safety regulations of your airline before taking your power bank onboard.

Quickfire Power Bank Q&As

Can I bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes, you can bring a power bank on a plane. However, for most airlines, power banks must be under 100Wh. Power banks over 100Wh may require additional checks with your airline. Please ensure you read the airline regulations before boarding.

Can I take multiple power banks on a plane?
It is best to check with your chosen airline. Some airlines have quantity restrictions, such as Qantas and EasyJet where each traveller can bring a maximum of two portable chargers, while Emirates only allows one portable charger per passenger.

Why can't power banks be in checked luggage?
If a power bank malfunctions, it can lead to an explosion and a fire. If the power bank is in the check-in bag, the fire cannot be dealt with as the cargo area is often inaccessible. This is why most airlines now require power banks to be packed in hand luggage, so any fires or emergencies can be easily spotted and dealt with immediately.

What is the difference between mAh and Wh?
Confusingly enough, most airline use Wh when talking about restrictions on power banks, but many power banks use mAh as the main unit. Wh (watt-hour) measures energy, while mAh (milliamp-hour) measures charge capacity. The airline restrictions tend to be set in Wh.

To convert mAh to Wh, the formula is:

(mAh × V) / 1000

As an example, the M2+ PowerBank 10,000mAh is 37Wh [(10000mAh x 3.7V)/1000], making it perfectly safe to bring on most planes.

Stay safely charged with GP power banks

GP is one of the world's leading experts in battery and power products. Our portable chargers are designed with safety, performance and convenience in mind, and our power banks have received multiple Red Dot Awards in recognition of their superior and outstanding design qualities.

• M2 Series PowerBank (obsolete): winner of Red Dot Award 2022
• M2+ Series PowerBank : winner of Red Dot Award 2024
• B+ Series PowerBank : winner of Red Dot Award 2025

Regardless of which version you prefer, all GP portable chargers are designed to keep you safely charged while on the move, making travel more convenient and stress-free. Key features of GP power banks include:

• The power capacity of GP power banks are always clearly displayed, meaning you know exactly how much power you are travelling with. This also helps with airline checks, without having to open the packaging or bringing the packaging to show proof of power when asked!
  
  
• GP power banks have at least 6 layers of safety protections (thermal, over-current, over-voltage and more), which reduces the fire risk of your power bank, giving you peace of mind
  
  
• GP power banks allow you to charge 3 electronic devices safely at the same time, making them a true power companion during your travels
  
  
• GP power banks consistently win Red Dot Awards, which recognise outstanding product design, meaning our power banks are not only safe and powerful, they are beautifully designed too!

Comparison of GP PowerBank Chargers

With GP power banks, you can rest assured that they comply with common airline requirements and are designed with multiple layers of safety protection. Remember to pack them in your hand luggage rather than check-in bags!