Power Banks Must Fly in the Cabin
Lithium-ion batteries are banned from checked luggage due to fire risk — you must carry them in the cabin. And capacities over 100 Wh (~27,000 mAh) are blocked by most airlines from the cabin as well. Choose within these limits.
What to Check Before Buying
1. 100 Wh = 27,000 mAh (at 5 V output) Airlines measure capacity in Wh, not mAh. The formula:
Wh = mAh × V ÷ 1,000
Most power banks list mAh at 3.7 V cells with 5 V output. A 20,000 mAh pack is about 74 Wh — safely under the cap.
2. USB-C PD 45 W or higher For laptop or fast phone charging, aim for 45 W+. 65 W charges a MacBook Pro 14. Under 18 W is phone-only speed.
3. Ports — 2 × USB-C plus 1 × USB-A Minimum: one USB-C and one USB-A. Two USB-C ports let you charge laptop and phone at once.
4. Weight — 20,000 mAh is roughly 400–450 g Weight counts toward your cabin allowance. Look for under 400 g for comfortable carry.
Picks by Price Range
Airline Rules at a Glance
| Airline | Up to 100 Wh | 100–160 Wh | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Air (KE) | Allowed | Pre-approval | 2 |
| Asiana (OZ) | Allowed | Pre-approval | 2 |
| Jeju Air (7C) | Allowed | Pre-approval | 2 |
| JAL (JL) | Allowed | Pre-approval | 2 |
| ANA (NH) | Allowed | Pre-approval | 2 |
| AirAsia | Allowed | Not allowed | 2 |
Most airlines allow two packs up to 100 Wh in the cabin. Above 100 Wh needs prior approval. Checked is prohibited everywhere. See our prohibited carry-on guide.
FAQ
Q. Why do mAh numbers differ across listings? Cells are 3.7 V, output is 5 V — the mAh printed on the pack is not the same as mAh delivered. Airlines check the Wh number printed on the pack. If Wh is missing, security can refuse the battery.
Q. No Wh label — how do I check? Wh = mAh × V ÷ 1,000. 20,000 mAh × 3.7 V / 1,000 = 74 Wh. Most 20,000 mAh packs are safely within range.
Q. Can I pack it already charged? Yes. Security may ask you to remove it from your bag at screening.
Pair It With an Adapter
You'll also want a universal adapter — see our travel adapter guide.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.