Can You Bring a Portable Charger on a Plane?
Portable chargers and power banks usually belong in carry-on baggage, not checked bags. Learn the 100 Wh rule, airline-approval range, and packing cautions.
Yes, you can usually bring a portable charger or power bank on a plane, but it must go in carry-on baggage or stay with you in the cabin. Do not pack spare lithium power banks in checked luggage. Most consumer power banks up to 100 Wh are allowed without airline approval; 101 to 160 Wh units usually need airline approval; larger units are generally not allowed.
Portable charger plane rules
Under 100 Wh
Usually yes
No
101 to 160 Wh
Usually airline approval required
No
Over 160 Wh
Usually no
No
Damaged, swollen, or recalled
No
No
Carry-on is gate-checked
Remove and keep with you
Do not leave it in the checked bag
Why checked bags are the problem
Portable chargers are spare lithium batteries. Cabin crews can respond faster to a battery issue in the cabin than inside a checked bag, so the rules put power banks with the passenger.
Pack a power bank for flying
- 1Check the Wh rating printed on the power bank.
- 2Keep the power bank in your carry-on or personal item.
- 3Protect ports and buttons from accidental activation or short circuit.
- 4Remove it before any gate-check or planeside-check situation.
- 5Leave damaged, swollen, overheated, or recalled power banks at home.
FAQ
Can a power bank go in checked luggage?
No for ordinary spare lithium power banks. Pack it in carry-on baggage or keep it with you in the cabin, and remove it if your carry-on bag is gate-checked.
What if my power bank is over 100 watt-hours?
Most travelers need airline approval for lithium-ion power banks over 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh, and larger units are generally not allowed as passenger baggage.
Can I use a damaged portable charger on a plane?
Do not bring a damaged, swollen, recalled, or overheating power bank. Battery damage is a fire risk and can make the item unacceptable in either bag.
Sources & method
We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.
- Airline Passengers and BatteriesFederal Aviation Administration · faa.govSupports that spare lithium batteries and power banks are carry-on items with watt-hour limits.
- Lithium Batteries in BaggageFederal Aviation Administration · faa.govSupports removing power banks from gate-checked bags and keeping them with the passenger in the cabin.