Travel Guide — 2026
Airplane Safe
Power Banks
FAA Rules, TSA Tips & Best Picks Under 100Wh
Don't get your power bank confiscated at airport security. Here are the exact rules and the best airline-safe power banks for 2026.
Our Top Picks: Buy Now
Current prices from official US stores · Affiliate links — supports SmartGear Outlet at no extra cost
FAA Power Bank Rules (2026)
Under 100Wh (≤27,027mAh)
No restrictions. Carry-on only. No quantity limit (practical).
100-160Wh (27,028-43,243mAh)
Requires airline approval. Limit 2 per person. Carry-on only.
Over 160Wh (>43,243mAh)
Prohibited on passenger aircraft. Period.
Critical Rule: Carry-On ONLY
Power banks must ALWAYS be in carry-on luggage. Never put them in checked bags. This is a strict FAA/IATA safety requirement with no exceptions.
How to Calculate Wh
Formula: Wh = mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1,000
10,000mAh37Wh✅ Allowed
20,000mAh74Wh✅ Allowed
25,000mAh92.5Wh✅ Allowed
27,000mAh99.9Wh✅ Allowed
30,000mAh111Wh⚠️ Needs approval
Sweet Spot: 25,000mAh (92.5Wh) — maximum capacity under the 100Wh FAA limit.
Best Airline-Safe Power Banks
#1🏆 Best for Travel
UGREEN 25000mAh 200W
$90
4.8/5
Capacity: 92.5Wh
Output: 200W total
Charges: iPhone 16: 5x, MacBook Air: 1.4x
Airline: ✅ Under 100Wh
#2
Baseus 25000mAh 140W
$70
4.7/5
Capacity: 92.5Wh
Output: 140W total
Charges: iPhone 16: 5x, MacBook Air: 1.4x
Airline: ✅ Under 100Wh
#3
Anker Prime 20000mAh
$110
4.7/5
Capacity: 71.4Wh
Output: 200W total
Charges: iPhone 16: 4x, MacBook Air: 1x
Airline: ✅ Under 100Wh
#4
UGREEN 20000mAh 145W
$55
4.7/5
Capacity: 72Wh
Output: 145W total
Charges: iPhone 16: 4x, MacBook Air: 1.1x
Airline: ✅ Under 100Wh
TSA Security Tips
Keep power bank in carry-on bag (never checked luggage)
Ensure Wh rating is visible on the power bank label
Turn off the power bank before going through security
If questioned, show the Wh rating — most TSA agents know the 100Wh rule
For 100-160Wh, have airline approval printed or on your phone
International flights: check local airline rules — some Asian carriers cap at 100Wh total
Airplane Power Bank FAQ
Can you bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes — under 100Wh with no restrictions (carry-on only). 100-160Wh needs airline approval. Over 160Wh is banned.
What is the FAA Wh limit?
Under 100Wh: allowed. 100-160Wh: airline approval, max 2. Over 160Wh: prohibited.
How do I calculate Wh?
Wh = mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000. So 25,000mAh = 92.5Wh (under the 100Wh limit).
Can power banks go in checked luggage?
Never. All lithium battery power banks must be carry-on only. Strict FAA/IATA rule.
What if TSA finds a large power bank?
Under 160Wh: may pass with airline approval. Over 160Wh: confiscated.
Are laptop power banks airline safe?
Most 20-25K mAh (74-92.5Wh) are under 100Wh. The 25,000mAh sweet spot maximizes capacity within FAA limits.