Power Banks on a Plane: What's Allowed?

Holiday booked, bags packed – and now the big question: can your power bank go on the plane, and if so, where does it belong? You're not alone. The rules for lithium batteries on board were tightened significantly worldwide in 2025 and 2026: what was perfectly fine last summer can now get confiscated at security. Here are the current rules from a Swiss perspective – including the new SWISS and Edelweiss regulations.

The basic rule: power banks always go in your carry-on

Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries. If they get damaged or short-circuited, they can overheat and catch fire – and in the cargo hold, such a fire would be noticed far too late. That's why one rule applies worldwide without exception: power banks and loose spare batteries belong exclusively in your carry-on baggage, never in your checked suitcase. Switzerland's Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) explicitly points this out too. If a power bank is found in checked baggage, it will be removed – and in the worst case, your suitcase misses the flight because of it.

Watt-hours decide: the 100 Wh and 160 Wh limits

What matters is not the mAh figure on the box but the stored energy in watt-hours (Wh). Internationally, IATA, ICAO and EASA define three tiers:

• Up to 100 Wh: allowed without approval – most airlines permit a maximum of 2 per person
• 100 to 160 Wh: only with prior airline approval, also limited to a maximum of 2
• Over 160 Wh: generally prohibited on passenger aircraft

Converting mAh to Wh – here's how

Most power banks state their capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh). With the usual cell voltage of 3.7 volts, the conversion is: Wh = mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000. The key values at a glance:

Rule of thumb: anything up to around 26,000–27,000 mAh stays below 100 Wh and is unproblematic with practically every airline.

SWISS and Edelweiss: the rules since 15 January 2026

The Lufthansa Group, which SWISS and Edelweiss belong to, tightened its rules as of 15 January 2026. On all flights, the following applies:

• Maximum of 2 power banks per person, carry-on baggage only
• No use on board: during the flight you may neither charge your phone from the power bank nor charge the power bank itself from the seat's power outlet (exception: essential medical devices)
• Not in the overhead bin: the power bank must go under the seat in front of you, in the seat pocket or on your person – so it's immediately accessible in case of an incident
• 100–160 Wh only with approval: such batteries must be registered with the airline in advance, at the latest 48 hours before departure

New in 2025/26: many airlines ban use on board

One of the triggers was a battery fire on an Air Busan aircraft in early 2025. Since then, Asian airlines in particular have tightened their rules massively: EVA Air, Korean Air, Asiana, Singapore Airlines and Scoot completely prohibit using and charging power banks on board, and in some cases they may no longer go in the overhead compartment either. Emirates has allowed only a single power bank under 100 Wh per person since October 2025 – with no use at all during the flight. And since 27 March 2026, a worldwide ICAO rule applies on top: a maximum of 2 power banks per person and no charging during the flight. Even so, the details still differ from airline to airline. So: check your airline's current rules before every departure – including for the return flight if you're flying with a different carrier.

Practical tips for security screening

1. The capacity must be legible: the Wh or mAh rating must be printed on the device and remain readable. Power banks with worn-off or missing labels can be confiscated.
2. Protect the terminals: secure the connectors against short circuits – the original packaging, a protective pouch or taped-over contacts are enough.
3. Leave faulty devices at home: swollen, damaged or overheating power banks don't belong on a plane – dispose of them properly (retailer or collection point).
4. Keep it accessible: at many airports you have to put the power bank in a separate tray – pack it at the top of your bag.
5. Charge everything beforehand: since you usually can't charge anything on board anymore, top up your power bank and phone at home or at the gate.

Which power bank should you buy for travelling?

For air travel you're best off with a model under 100 Wh – that means up to about 26,000 mAh. For a weekend trip, a compact 10,000 mAh power bank (37 Wh) that charges your smartphone about twice is plenty. For long journeys, or if you also power a tablet, a 20,000 mAh model (74 Wh) is the sweet spot – still well below the limit. When buying, make sure the Wh rating is clearly printed on the device, and budget roughly CHF 20–70 for a quality travel model. In our range of power banks from Anker, Baseus and co., the capacity is always clearly declared – and with 30 days to change your mind, you can calmly test whether the model suits your trip. You'll find matching charging gear among our cables, chargers & power banks.

Conclusion: fly relaxed with these 5 points

Power bank always in your carry-on, maximum 100 Wh (around 26,000 mAh), no more than 2 units, no using or charging on board – and briefly check your airline's rules before departure. Stick to that, and your travel battery will get through every checkpoint without any discussion.