Power banks must fly in your carry-on, never in checked baggage. Chargers up to 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh at 3.7V) need no approval. Between 100Wh and 160Wh you need airline permission, and above 160Wh they are not allowed on passenger aircraft at all.
Here is what you need to know about bringing Power Bank / Portable Charger through airport security. Power Bank / Portable Charger is allowed with conditions in carry-on bags — Must be under 100Wh (most personal chargers). Power banks must go in carry-on luggage, not checked bags. Most personal power banks under 27,000mAh are under 100Wh. TSA officers have the final say on what is allowed through the checkpoint. If you are unsure, check the TSA website or ask an officer at the airport.
Watt-hours, not physical size, decide what you can bring.
| Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100Wh (up to ~27,000mAh) | Allowed | Not allowed |
| 100–160Wh (~27,000–43,000mAh) | Airline approval required | Not allowed |
| Over 160Wh | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Unmarked capacity | May be refused | Not allowed |
| Damaged or swollen battery | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Electronic devices and batteries have specific TSA screening rules. In standard security lanes, laptops and large electronics must be removed from your bag. Lithium batteries under 100 watt-hours are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags when installed in devices, but spare lithium batteries must travel in carry-on luggage.
Yes, in your carry-on. Power banks under 100Wh — which covers nearly every phone charger — require no approval. They are prohibited in checked baggage because of the fire risk in the cargo hold.
Roughly 27,000mAh at 3.7V equals the 100Wh threshold, so chargers at or below that are fine. Between about 27,000mAh and 43,000mAh (100–160Wh) you need airline approval; larger batteries are not permitted.
Lithium-ion cells can overheat and ignite. A fire in the cabin can be reached and extinguished by the crew; one in the cargo hold cannot, so spare batteries must stay with you.
Power Bank / Portable Charger is allowed in carry-on bags with conditions. Must be under 100Wh (most personal chargers). Make sure to comply with all requirements before arriving at the checkpoint.
No, Power Bank / Portable Charger is not allowed in checked baggage.
Power Bank / Portable Charger is generally permitted, but a TSA officer may inspect it further. You might be asked to remove it from your bag for separate screening.
TSA rules apply at U.S. airports regardless of destination. However, your arrival country may have different import regulations for Power Bank / Portable Charger. Check the customs rules of your destination before packing.