What Size Power Bank in mAh Is Allowed on Planes? UK & EU Rules Explained (2026)

You’re about to fly from Heathrow, and your 20,000mAh power bank is sitting in your bag. Is it going to sail through security, or get confiscated?

Following ongoing concerns over lithium battery safety, airlines have continued to tighten their rules in recent years. The good news: most standard power banks are still perfectly fine to fly with. You just need to know the limits and the one critical rule that catches people out.

Infographic by UGREEN. Please credit and link to the original article when used. Original article: https://uk.ugreen.com/blogs/power-bank/what-size-power-bank-in-mah-is-allowed-on-planes

The Quick Answer: What’s the Limit?

The universal rule across UK and EU airlines:

• Under 100Wh: Allowed without approval
• 100-160Wh: Allowed with airline approval (maximum 2 per person)
• Over 160Wh: Prohibited on passenger flights

In mAh terms (at standard 3.7V):

• Under ~27,000mAh: Allowed
• 27,000-43,000mAh: Needs airline approval
• Over ~43,000mAh: Not allowed

Bottom line: Your 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh power bank is fine. A 50,000mAh power bank is not.

Why Airlines Use Wh (Not mAh)

Power banks are marketed in mAh because bigger numbers sound more impressive. Airlines regulate in Wh because it measures actual energy—which is what matters for safety.

The formula to convert: Wh = (mAh × 3.7) ÷ 1000

If your power bank only shows mAh, multiply by 3.7 and divide by 1,000 to get the Wh rating. In practice, airlines rely on the labelled Wh rating. Power banks under roughly 27,000mAh at 3.7V typically fall below the 100Wh limit.

The One Rule That Catches Everyone Out

Power banks must ALWAYS go in your carry-on luggage. Never in checked bags. Ever.

This applies to every airline worldwide with no exceptions. Get this wrong, and your bag may be flagged, delayed, or not loaded at all. The power bank will likely be removed, and you may receive a warning.

Why so strict? Lithium batteries can undergo thermal runaway, in other words rapid overheating that leads to fire. In the cabin, crew can respond immediately. In the cargo hold, a fire could spread undetected before anyone knows there’s a problem.

This rule has become increasingly important following multiple lithium battery fire incidents reported globally over the past decade. A power bank in an overhead bin overheated, and the resulting blaze engulfed the aircraft. All 176 people on board evacuated safely, but the incident prompted airlines worldwide to review their policies.

UK Airline Rules at a Glance (2026)

British Airways

• Maximum 100Wh without approval
• Up to 2 batteries between 100-160Wh with prior approval
• Limit of 15 devices with batteries per passenger
• Up to 20 spare batteries allowed
• Hand luggage only

EasyJet

• Maximum 100Wh
• Limit of 15 devices per passenger
• Maximum 2 spare lithium batteries
• Terminals must be protected (taped or in original packaging)
• Hand luggage only

Ryanair

• Maximum 100Wh
• Up to 20 spare lithium batteries or power banks permitted
• Limit of 15 devices per passenger
• Must remove battery from overhead locker if using smart luggage
• Hand luggage only

Jet2

• Maximum 100Wh without approval
• 100-160Wh requires airline approval
• Up to 20 spare batteries in cabin baggage
• Maximum 15 PEDs per person
• Hand luggage only

Virgin Atlantic

• Maximum 100Wh
• Up to 2 spare batteries (100-160Wh) with approval
• May use power bank to power devices, but charging restrictions apply
• Explicitly prohibits power banks in checked baggage

EU Airline Rules (2026)

Lufthansa (includes Eurowings)

Lufthansa implemented significant changes in May 2025, becoming the first major European airline to restrict in-flight power bank use. Key rules:

• Maximum 100Wh without approval
• Limit of 15 devices per passenger
• Maximum 2 spare batteries
• No longer allowed in overhead lockers - must be under seat or on your person
• No in-flight charging permitted
• In some cases, passengers may be asked to show proof of capacity or specifications if labelling is unclear.

These restrictions followed the Air Busan incident and align with rules already adopted by several Asian carriers.

KLM

• Maximum 100Wh
• Up to 15 devices allowed
• Up to 20 spare batteries under 100Wh permitted
• Country-specific restrictions may apply (e.g., no e-cigarettes into India)

Air France

• Maximum 100Wh
• Maximum 2 spare or external batteries per passenger
• Hand luggage only

Why Rules Have Tightened in 2026

The Air Busan fire in January 2025 was a turning point. Investigation confirmed a defective power bank caused thermal runaway—a chain reaction where battery insulation fails, temperatures spike rapidly, and fire breaks out. The aircraft was destroyed, though fortunately, all 176 people evacuated with only minor injuries.

In response, aviation safety authorities in Europe have repeatedly highlighted the growing number of lithium-powered devices carried by passengers and the associated fire risks. Airlines have been encouraged to improve passenger awareness and reinforce safe handling guidelines for power banks and other lithium battery devices.

Key recommendations from EASA:

• Power banks should be kept where they can be monitored (on the person, in seat pocket, or under the seat)
• Power banks should not be charged or used to charge devices during flight
• Airlines should train staff on lithium battery risks and emergency procedures

Many airlines have since implemented stricter rules. Several airlines, including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates, have introduced stricter restrictions on in-flight power bank use, particularly around charging and storage.

What this means for you:

• Keep your power bank accessible (not buried in an overhead bin)
• Some airlines may ask you to keep it under the seat
• Check your specific airline’s policy—rules are evolving rapidly

What Gets Your Power Bank Confiscated?

Security staff look for several red flags:

• No visible capacity label (Wh or mAh must be readable)
• Damaged or swollen battery (even minor damage is grounds for rejection)
• Capacity over 100Wh without approval
• Attempting to check it in hold luggage
• Unbranded or uncertified power banks (look for CE or UL markings)

How to avoid problems:

• Choose power banks with clear labelling showing Wh or mAh
• Keep original packaging if possible
• Know your power bank’s Wh rating before you travel
• Have the conversion ready if only mAh is shown

Can You Use Your Power Bank During the Flight?

It depends on the airline—and this is where 2026 brought the biggest changes.

Generally permitted (during cruise, not takeoff/landing):

• British Airways
• EasyJet
• Ryanair
• Jet2

Restricted or banned:

• Lufthansa (from May 2025): No charging power banks, must be visible
• Emirates (from October 2025): Complete in-flight ban
• Singapore Airlines (from April 2025): Complete in-flight ban
• Cathay Pacific: No overhead storage, no use during flight

Best practice: Check your airline’s current policy before flying. If in doubt, keep your power bank switched off and stored in your seat pocket or under the seat in front of you.

How to Get Approval for Larger Power Banks (100-160Wh)

If you need a power bank between 100Wh and 160Wh:

1. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure
2. Provide the exact Wh rating and battery specifications
3. Some airlines have online registration forms (British Airways, Lufthansa)
4. You may need to show documentation at check-in
5. Maximum 2 batteries in this range per passenger

Note: For most travellers, this isn’t necessary. A 26,000mAh power bank (96Wh) is under the limit and provides plenty of charging capacity for multiple devices.

FAQs About Carrying Power Banks on Airplanes

Is a 20,000mAh power bank allowed on flights?

Yes. A 20,000mAh power bank equals approximately 74Wh at 3.7V, well under the 100Wh limit. It’s allowed on all UK and EU airlines in your carry-on luggage.

Is a 10,000mAh power bank allowed on flights?

Yes. At 37Wh, it’s comfortably under the limit and one of the most travel-friendly sizes available.

Can I take 2 power banks on a plane?

Yes, for power banks under 100Wh there’s typically no strict limit on quantity—though some airlines cap at 15-20 devices or batteries total. For 100-160Wh power banks, the limit is 2 per passenger with prior approval.

What happens if my power bank doesn’t show the Wh rating?

If security can’t verify the capacity, they may confiscate it. Choose power banks with clear labelling, or carry documentation showing the specifications. You can calculate Wh yourself: mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000 = Wh.

Can I charge my phone with a power bank during the flight?

On most UK airlines (BA, EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2), yes—during cruise phase. However, Lufthansa and several Asian and Middle Eastern carriers have banned in-flight use entirely in 2025. Always check your airline’s policy before flying.

Why can’t power banks go in checked luggage?

Lithium batteries can catch fire if damaged or short-circuited. In the cabin, crew can respond immediately with fire suppression equipment. In the cargo hold, a fire could spread undetected and become catastrophic. This is a universal rule with no exceptions.

Is there a limit on how many power banks I can carry?

For power banks under 100Wh, most airlines allow multiple units. British Airways allows up to 20 spare batteries, Ryanair up to 20, Jet2 up to 20. For 100-160Wh power banks, the maximum is 2 per passenger with approval.

The Bottom Line

Most power banks—anything up to 27,000mAh or 100Wh—are fine to fly with. The rules are straightforward:

1. Always carry-on, never checked - This is non-negotiable
2. Keep the capacity label visible - Security needs to verify the Wh rating
3. Check your airline’s specific rules - In-flight use policies are changing rapidly
4. Keep it accessible - Some airlines now require storage under the seat rather than in overhead bins

UGREEN power banks clearly display both mAh and Wh ratings, making airport compliance simple. All standard capacity models fall well under the 100Wh limit, so you can focus on staying connected rather than worrying about regulations.