Lithium Batteries on Planes: Rules for Power Banks, Laptops, Vapes & Spare Batteries

Checked and updated: August 2026

Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, power banks, wireless headphones and even electric toothbrushes have one thing in common: many contain lithium batteries.

You can normally take these everyday devices on a plane, but where you pack them matters.

Power banks and spare lithium batteries must travel in the cabin rather than in checked luggage. There are also limits on battery capacity, and following changes introduced in 2026, there are tighter rules around how many power banks you can carry and what you can do with them during the flight.

Individual airlines can impose even stricter requirements.

So before putting a power bank in your bag, here's what you need to know.

Lithium Battery Rules on Planes: The Quick Answer

For most travellers, the key rules are straightforward:

• Power banks must be carried in cabin baggage, not checked luggage.

• Spare lithium batteries must also remain in the cabin.

• Under current international rules, passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks, although individual airlines can allow fewer.

• A power bank of up to 100Wh is normally the simplest category.

• Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh may require airline approval — and some airlines don't accept power banks above 100Wh at all.

• Power banks over 160Wh are not permitted as normal passenger baggage.

• Do not recharge your power bank during the flight.

• Many airlines also prohibit using a power bank to charge your phone or another device onboard.

• Damaged, swollen or defective batteries should not be taken onto an aircraft.

And one easily overlooked rule:

If your cabin bag is taken from you at the gate and placed in the hold, remove your power bank and any spare batteries first.

Why Are Airlines Tightening Lithium Battery Rules?

Lithium-ion batteries store a considerable amount of energy in a relatively small package.

They're generally extremely reliable, which is why billions of them are used in everyday electronics. But if a battery is damaged, defective, overheated or short-circuited, it can enter something known as thermal runaway.

The battery's temperature rises rapidly and can result in smoke, extreme heat or fire.

This matters particularly on an aircraft.

During 2025 and 2026, several significant aviation incidents involved lithium batteries or power banks, including fires in aircraft cabins and overhead lockers.

In July 2025, for example, a 37Wh power bank inside a passenger's backpack caught fire in an overhead locker on a Virgin Australia flight approaching Hobart. Cabin crew extinguished the fire and the aircraft landed safely.

The important detail is the size of the battery.

At just 37Wh, it was considerably below the standard 100Wh limit.

Battery capacity limits therefore don't mean that a battery cannot fail. Instead, they form part of a wider system designed to reduce and manage the risk.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority reported in July 2026 that reports involving overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices had nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025.

That doesn't mean your personal risk of experiencing a battery fire has doubled.

There isn't sufficiently consistent worldwide data to make that claim.

It does, however, help explain why regulators and airlines have tightened their requirements.

What Changed for Power Banks in 2026?

This is probably the most important recent development.

On 27 March 2026, the International Civil Aviation Organization introduced new international provisions covering power banks.

Among the changes:

Passengers are limited to a maximum of two power banks.

And:

Passengers must not recharge their power banks during the flight.

Individual airlines can impose tighter rules.

Some now permit only one power bank, some limit power banks to 100Wh, and many have prohibited passengers from using a power bank to charge another device during the flight.

There are also airlines that no longer want power banks stored in overhead lockers, preferring them to remain accessible in a seat pocket, under-seat bag or with the passenger.

This creates an important distinction:

Carrying a power bank isn't the same as using one

A power bank may be perfectly acceptable to bring onto an aircraft but still be prohibited from use during the flight.

The safest approach is therefore:

Pack it correctly, keep it accessible and check your airline's current rules before using it onboard.

Can You Put a Power Bank in Checked Luggage?

No.

A power bank is treated as a spare lithium battery and must travel in the aircraft cabin.

It should not be packed in your checked suitcase.

The reason isn't that a battery is incapable of catching fire in the cabin.

It's that smoke, overheating or fire can be detected much more quickly in the passenger cabin, allowing trained cabin crew to respond.

A battery overheating unseen inside baggage in the aircraft hold presents a different problem.

What if your cabin bag is put in the hold at the gate?

This is an important exception to watch for.

On busy flights, airlines sometimes ask passengers to surrender cabin bags at the boarding gate so they can be placed in the hold.

Before handing over your bag, remove:

• power banks

• spare lithium batteries

• e-cigarettes and vapes where permitted

• any other items your airline specifies must remain in the cabin

Don't assume that because the bag started its journey as hand luggage, everything inside it can remain there when it is moved to the hold.

What Does the 100Wh Power Bank Limit Mean?

Airlines and aviation authorities normally classify lithium-ion batteries according to watt-hours (Wh).

You'll often see power banks marketed using mAh, or milliamp-hours, instead.

The conversion is:

Wh = volts × mAh ÷ 1,000

Whenever possible, use the actual Wh figure printed on your power bank.

As a rough illustration, assuming a typical nominal cell voltage of 3.7V:

Power Bank	Approximate Capacity
10,000mAh	37Wh
20,000mAh	74Wh
27,000mAh	99.9Wh
30,000mAh	111Wh

That final example is important.

A 30,000mAh power bank isn't automatically permitted simply because 30,000mAh sounds like an ordinary consumer capacity.

At 3.7V, it would be approximately 111Wh and therefore above the normal 100Wh threshold.

Always check the manufacturer's actual Wh rating.

Can I Take a 20,000mAh Power Bank on a Plane?

Normally, yes.

A typical 20,000mAh power bank using a nominal 3.7V battery is approximately:

74Wh

That puts it below the normal 100Wh threshold.

It must still be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked luggage and remains subject to your airline's quantity, storage and onboard-use rules.

Can I Take a 30,000mAh Power Bank on a Plane?

This is more complicated.

If the battery operates at a nominal 3.7V:

30,000mAh ≈ 111Wh

That puts it into the 100–160Wh category.

Under general battery rules, some batteries in this range can be accepted with prior airline approval.

However, several airlines now impose an absolute 100Wh maximum for power banks.

So don't assume a 30,000mAh power bank will be accepted.

Check its actual Wh rating and then check the rules of your operating airline.

100Wh vs 160Wh: A Simple Guide

Up to 100Wh

Normally the easiest category for passengers.

Power banks still need to remain in cabin baggage and comply with airline quantity, storage and use restrictions.

More than 100Wh but no more than 160Wh

These may require advance approval from your airline.

Some airlines permit them under certain conditions, while others impose a 100Wh maximum specifically for power banks.

Over 160Wh

These are generally not permitted as normal passenger baggage.

There are separate provisions for certain mobility aids and medical equipment, so travellers using these should contact their airline for specific guidance.

Can You Use a Power Bank During a Flight?

Don't assume that you can.

The international rules introduced in March 2026 prohibit passengers from recharging the power bank itself during the flight.

The UK CAA additionally advises that power banks should not be used to charge portable electronic devices onboard.

Many airlines have gone further and expressly prohibit using a power bank to charge your phone, tablet or laptop during the flight.

Policies aren't identical across every airline, so the simple rule is:

Take your power bank with you, but check your airline's policy before plugging anything into it onboard.

Where aircraft USB or power sockets are available, use them only in accordance with the airline's instructions.

Where Should You Keep Your Power Bank During the Flight?

This is another area where airline policies are changing.

Historically, telling passengers to put a power bank in their hand luggage was usually sufficient.

Increasingly, airlines want power banks to remain readily accessible.

Depending on the airline, that can mean:

• in a seat pocket

• in a small bag beneath the seat

• on your person

• somewhere immediately accessible rather than buried in an overhead bag

Several airlines now specifically prohibit storing power banks in overhead lockers.

The logic is simple: if a battery begins overheating, cabin crew need to locate and access it quickly.

Check your airline's storage requirements before departure.

Which Everyday Travel Items Contain Lithium Batteries?

More than you might think.

Common examples include:

• mobile phones

• tablets

• laptops

• e-readers

• power banks

• wireless earbuds and charging cases

• Bluetooth headphones

• smartwatches and fitness trackers

• handheld games consoles

• digital and mirrorless cameras

• action cameras

• drones

• spare camera and drone batteries

• Bluetooth speakers

• electric toothbrushes

• electric shavers

• hair clippers

• rechargeable beauty devices

• electronic luggage scales

• baggage trackers

• smart luggage

• e-cigarettes and vapes

• some medical devices

Most small electronic devices with their battery safely installed are straightforward to travel with.

Spare batteries and power banks receive much stricter treatment.

Can You Put a Laptop in Checked Luggage?

Sometimes — but cabin baggage is generally the better option.

International rules can permit many electronic devices with batteries installed to travel in checked baggage provided they are:

• completely switched off

• protected against accidental activation

• protected from damage

However, individual airlines can impose stricter requirements.

Some require laptops to remain in cabin baggage.

If possible, keep laptops, tablets, cameras and other valuable battery-powered electronics with you and check your airline's policy.

Can You Take Spare Camera or Laptop Batteries?

Generally, yes — but they belong in cabin baggage.

Spare lithium batteries must not be placed in checked luggage.

They should also be protected against short circuits.

That can mean:

• leaving them in their original retail packaging

• using an individual battery case or protective pouch

• covering exposed terminals with non-conductive tape

Don't leave loose batteries amongst coins, keys or other conductive objects.

Larger batteries above 100Wh may require airline approval.

Can You Take an Electric Toothbrush or Shaver on a Plane?

Normally, yes.

Small rechargeable personal-care devices such as electric toothbrushes, shavers and hair clippers are generally permitted.

Because their batteries are installed inside the device, they aren't treated in quite the same way as a loose spare battery or power bank.

As with other rechargeable electronics, the device should be in good condition and protected from accidental activation.

Can You Take a Vape on a Plane?

This requires particular care.

Where permitted by the airline and destination, e-cigarettes and vapes normally have to be carried in the cabin or on your person.

They must not be placed in checked luggage.

They should be protected against accidental activation and must not be recharged onboard.

But aviation battery rules aren't the only consideration. Some airlines prohibit them completely, and possession of vaping products may also be restricted or illegal at your destination.

So check both your airline's rules and the laws of the country you're visiting.

What About AirTags and Baggage Trackers?

Small baggage trackers aren't the same thing as a large power bank built into a suitcase.

Tiny permanently installed batteries can fall within specific aviation exceptions.

For example, some smart luggage tags and trackers use batteries far below the capacity of a conventional rechargeable power bank.

These are generally straightforward to travel with, but check your airline's current smart-luggage policy.

Can You Take Smart Luggage on a Plane?

Usually — provided any substantial lithium battery or power bank can be removed.

If a smart suitcase has a removable power bank and the suitcase is checked into the hold, the battery will normally need to be removed and carried with you in the cabin.

Smart luggage containing a substantial non-removable lithium battery may not be accepted at all.

Before buying or travelling with smart luggage, check that its battery is removable and clearly labelled.

What If a Battery Is Swollen or Damaged?

Don't fly with it.

Warning signs can include:

• swelling

• unusual heat

• deformation

• leakage

• puncture or impact damage

• unusual smells

• a known safety recall affecting the battery

A damaged lithium battery presents a much greater risk of thermal runaway.

Replace or safely dispose of it before travelling.

What Should You Do If a Battery Gets Hot on a Plane?

Tell cabin crew immediately.

Warning signs can include unusual heat, swelling, hissing, a strange smell, smoke or flames.

Don't wait to see whether it cools down by itself and don't try to hide the problem because you're worried about causing disruption.

Cabin crew are trained to deal with battery incidents.

Similarly, if your phone or another battery-powered device falls into the mechanism of an aircraft seat, don't move the seat to try to retrieve it - Tell the cabin crew.

A battery crushed inside a moving seat mechanism can be damaged and potentially enter thermal runaway.

Airline Power Bank Rules Can Be Stricter

International aviation rules provide the baseline, but airlines are allowed to introduce tighter restrictions.

That's why two passengers carrying identical power banks can encounter different requirements when flying with different carriers.

Current policies across major airlines include combinations of:

• one or two power banks maximum

• a 100Wh maximum

• approval requirements between 100Wh and 160Wh

• no overhead-locker storage

• no recharging the power bank onboard

• no using the power bank to charge another device

• requirements for the power bank to remain accessible

For example, airlines including Emirates and Etihad currently impose a one-power-bank limit of no more than 100Wh, while other carriers permit two.

Other airlines can accept certain batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh with prior approval.

Always check your operating airline's current policy before travelling.

This is particularly important if you're flying on a codeshare, connecting between airlines or travelling through a country with additional battery requirements.

Before You Fly: Lithium Battery Checklist

Before leaving for the airport:

1. Check the battery labelFind its Wh rating. If only voltage and mAh are shown, calculate the watt-hours.

2. Check your airlineLook at the number and capacity of power banks permitted, where they must be stored and whether they can be used onboard.

3. Put power banks in your cabin baggageNever put them in checked luggage.

4. Keep spare batteries in the cabinProtect exposed terminals against short circuits.

5. Keep power banks accessibleSome airlines no longer permit them in overhead lockers.

6. Remove batteries before gate-checking a cabin bagIf your bag is unexpectedly moved to the hold, take out your power bank and spare batteries first.

7. Check their conditionDon't travel with swollen, damaged, defective or affected recalled batteries.

8. Don't recharge your power bank during the flightAnd check whether your airline also prohibits using it to charge another device.

9. Tell cabin crew about problems immediatelyUnusual heat, swelling, smoke or smell should be reported straight away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a power bank on a plane?

Normally yes, but it must be carried in the cabin rather than checked baggage. Current international provisions set a maximum of two, although individual airlines can impose stricter limits.

Can a power bank go in checked luggage?

No. Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries and should remain in the aircraft cabin.

Can I take lithium batteries on a plane?

Yes, within the applicable size, quantity and packing limits. Spare batteries and batteries installed inside devices have different requirements.

Can I take a 20,000mAh power bank?

Normally yes. At a typical nominal voltage of 3.7V, a 20,000mAh power bank is approximately 74Wh and therefore below 100Wh. Always check the actual rating printed on the device.

Can I take a 30,000mAh power bank?

Possibly, but don't assume so. At 3.7V, 30,000mAh is approximately 111Wh. That exceeds the standard 100Wh threshold. Some airlines may accept it with approval while others prohibit power banks above 100Wh.

Can I use my power bank to charge my phone during the flight?

It depends on the airline. Current international rules prohibit recharging the power bank itself during the flight, while many airlines also prohibit using a power bank to charge another device. Check before flying.

Can I take spare camera batteries?

Generally yes, but spare lithium batteries must remain in cabin baggage and should be individually protected against short circuits.

Can I put my laptop in checked luggage?

Some airlines permit laptops with installed batteries in checked baggage if completely switched off and protected from damage and accidental activation. Others impose stricter rules. Cabin carriage is generally preferable.

Can I take an electric toothbrush on a plane?

Normally yes. Small rechargeable personal-care devices with batteries installed are generally permitted.

Can I take a vape on a plane?

Where permitted, vapes normally have to travel in the cabin or on your person and must not be placed in checked luggage or recharged onboard. Some airlines and destinations prohibit them, so check before travelling.

Can I take an AirTag in my suitcase?

Small baggage trackers generally contain batteries far below conventional power-bank capacities and can fall within specific provisions for small installed batteries. Check your airline's smart-luggage and tracker guidance.

Why can't power banks go in the hold?

The key issue is detection and response. If a lithium battery overheats or catches fire in the passenger cabin, trained cabin crew can identify and respond to it. A battery incident hidden inside checked baggage is considerably more difficult to detect and manage.

The CabinCleared Bottom Line

Lithium batteries are part of modern travel. The answer isn't to leave every rechargeable device at home — it's to pack them correctly.

The simplest rules to remember are:

Power banks and spare batteries stay with you in the cabin. Check the Wh rating. Keep them protected and accessible. Never travel with a damaged battery. Don't recharge a power bank onboard, and check your airline before using one during the flight.

Rules are changing more quickly than they used to, particularly for power banks.

CabinCleared checked this guidance in August 2026. Always confirm the latest requirements with your operating airline before departure.