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. Power banks must be packed in your hand luggage as opposed to your check-in bags. 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.
   
   
2. You can bring up to two power banks onboard with a total capacity of 27,000mAh (100 Wh). 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: power banks under 100Wh are allowed in hand baggage without seeking prior airline approval, but the watt hour (Wh) must be clearly displayed on the portable charger, otherwise they may not be accepted onto the flight

Cathay Pacific: power banks under 100Wh are allowed in hand baggage without seeking prior airline approval, but the watt hour (Wh) must be clearly displayed on the portable charger, otherwise they may not be accepted onto the flight. In addition, power banks cannot be used during the flight, they cannot be charged with the in-seat power source, and they must be placed under the seat in front of you as opposed to the overhead locker for easy access.

EasyJet: passengers can bring a maximum of two power banks under 100Wh each onboard, and must be packed in hand baggage

Ryanair: power banks under 100Wh are allowed in hand baggage

Emirates: passengers may only bring one power bank under 100Wh onboard. In addition, power banks cannot be used during the flight, they cannot be charged with the in-seat power source, and they must be placed under the seat in front of you as opposed to the overhead locker for easy access.

Qantas: passengers can bring a maximum of two power banks under 160Wh each onboard. In addition, power banks cannot be used during the flight, they cannot be charged with the in-seat power source, and they must be placed under the seat in front of you as opposed to the overhead locker for easy access.

Thai Airways: power banks under 160Wh are allowed in hand baggage, with total quantity of batteries dependent on the Wh. In addition, power banks cannot be used during the flight.

Singapore Airlines: power banks under 100Wh are allowed in hand baggage without seeking prior airline approval. In addition, power banks cannot be used during the flight, they cannot be charged with the in-seat power source, and they must be placed under the seat in front of you as opposed to the overhead locker for easy access.

United Airlines: power banks under 100Wh are allowed in hand baggage.

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!