🔋 Can you bring Power bank / lithium-ion battery on a plane?
Cabin only (never checked)
The rule in detail
Up to 100Wh (typically 10,000–20,000mAh) — up to 5 per person in the cabin. 100Wh to 160Wh — up to 2 with prior airline approval. Above 160Wh is not permitted at all. Because of the fire risk, these must never go in checked baggage.
Why the rule is written this way
It is classified as Carry-on only because if it travels in the hold, no one can react when something goes wrong down there. In the cabin, crew can see the first sign of trouble and act on it.
Do not put it in your suitcase — move it into your cabin bag. The safest moment to do that is before you hand the suitcase over at the check-in desk.
What actually happens at the airport
- Check-in desk — this is the point of no return for your suitcase. Anything that may only travel in the cabin cannot be retrieved after this step.
- Security screening — if the X-ray flags a shape, the bag is opened. Most problem items are caught here.
- Extra check at the gate — on some routes there is one more inspection.
Confiscated items are rarely returned. If you are unsure, confirm the specification before you leave home.
Capacity in Wh = (mAh × 3.7V) / 1000
Other items in the same class
The items below are also classified as Carry-on only. Quantity and volume limits differ per item, so check each rule separately.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Lighter / matches | One in the cabin, on your person (not checked) |
| E-cigarette (vape / heated tobacco) | Cabin only (not checked) |
Frequently asked questions
- Power bank / lithium-ion battery — can I take it in the cabin?
- Cabin only (never checked). Up to 100Wh (typically 10,000–20,000mAh) — up to 5 per person in the cabin. 100Wh to 160Wh — up to 2 with prior airline approval. Above 160Wh is not permitted at all. Because of the fire risk, these must never go in checked baggage.
- Is there anything else to watch out for with Power bank / lithium-ion battery?
- Capacity in Wh = (mAh × 3.7V) / 1000