Power Bank Flight Checker

Convert the printed label to watt-hours, then compare the result with current IATA and U.S. FAA rules. Above 100Wh, do not assume airline approval is enough.

What does the label show?

mAh and voltsWatt-hours (Wh)

Capacity (mAh)

Nominal voltage

Most lithium-ion power banks use 3.7V nominal cells. Use the value printed on your label if it differs.

Usually carry-on OK

37Wh is at or below the common 100Wh carry-on limit.

Carry it in hand baggage, protect it from short circuit, do not recharge it onboard, and confirm your airline. IATA limits personal power banks to two.

37⁠Wh

Formula: mAh x V / 1000
Result: Usually carry-on OK
Pack: Carry-on

Methodology

This compares current IATA and U.S. FAA guidance, not every national or airline rule. Rules can be stricter and can change; this is a packing screen, not legal or dangerous-goods advice.

How to read the label

If the label already shows Wh, use that number. If it only shows mAh, multiply mAh by the nominal voltage and divide by 1000. A 10,000mAh power bank at 3.7V is about 37Wh.

Common mAh to Wh examples

Use the voltage printed on your battery label when it differs from 3.7V. These examples use the common 3.7V lithium-ion cell voltage.

Label	Formula	Wh	Note
5,000mAh at 3.7V	5,000 x 3.7 / 1000	18.5Wh	Small phone backup pack; usually well below 100Wh.
10,000mAh at 3.7V	10,000 x 3.7 / 1000	37Wh	Common travel size; usually below the standard carry-on limit.
20,000mAh at 3.7V	20,000 x 3.7 / 1000	74Wh	Large phone/tablet pack; still usually within the 100Wh range.
27,000mAh at 3.7V	27,000 x 3.7 / 1000	99.9Wh	Near the common 100Wh ceiling; read the printed Wh label carefully.
40,000mAh at 3.7V	40,000 x 3.7 / 1000	148Wh	Above 100Wh: IATA 2026 says forbidden for power banks; U.S. FAA may allow with airline approval.

2026 IATA and U.S. FAA threshold screen

The two sources agree at or below 100Wh and above 160Wh, but differ for power banks above 100Wh. Use the stricter result unless your full route is confirmed.

Wh range	Rule of thumb	Packing action
100Wh or less	IATA: up to two personal power banks. FAA: normally allowed.	Hand baggage only; protect terminals; do not recharge onboard; confirm the airline.
Above 100Wh to 160Wh	IATA 2026 table: power bank forbidden. U.S. FAA: up to two may be possible with airline approval.	Do not rely on approval alone. Prefer 100Wh or less, or confirm every carrier and jurisdiction.
Above 160Wh	Outside normal passenger baggage under both screens.	Use a smaller battery. Do not bring it unless a qualified carrier gives route-specific instructions.

Carry-on, not checked

Power banks must be in hand baggage and protected from short circuit. IATA 2026 adds a maximum of two personal power banks and says not to recharge them onboard; airline and national rules may be stricter.

Device-specific battery notes

Camera and drone batteries Check each spare pack separately. Protect exposed terminals and confirm drone or camera-kit limits with the airline.

Laptop and USB-C power banks High-output USB-C packs can sit close to 100Wh even when the mAh number looks normal. Prefer the printed Wh rating.

CPAP travel batteries Treat the Wh screen as only one step. Also check medical-device, airline approval, and in-flight use policies before travel.

Phones, tablets, handheld consoles Most 10,000-20,000mAh packs are below 100Wh, but the printed label still wins over marketing capacity.

Airline and route caveat

IATA changed its power-bank guidance on 31 March 2026, while current U.S. FAA rules still describe 101-160Wh power banks as potentially approvable. This checker shows that conflict instead of inventing one universal answer. Confirm every operating carrier and the jurisdictions on your route.

USB chargers abroad · Add it to a trip checklist

Need runtime, not airline limits?

For CPAP, camping, or outage gear, estimate device runtime with a power station runtime calculator before you choose a battery size.