Flying with a power bank: IATA rules, Wh limits, safety — LymobileShop 2025 Guide

Flying with an external battery (power bank) has become common. But in 2025, the rules have become more precise in the face of the increase in incidents related to lithium batteries. Good news: traveling peacefully is simple if you respect 4 key principles: (1) calculate the capacity in Wh , (2) carry spare batteries in the cabin exclusively , (3) protect the terminals against short circuits, (4) check the limitations specific to your company (some impose additional rules). LymobileShop guides you step by step to be compliant everywhere and avoid any unpleasant surprises when boarding.

mAh → Wh: the conversion that changes everything

Regulatory thresholds are expressed in Wh (watt-hours) . Power banks often display mAh . The standard conversion from cells (≈3.7 V) is:

Wh = (mAh × 3.7) / 1000

• 10,000 mAh → ≈ 37 Wh (ok without special approval).
• 20,000 mAh → ≈ 74 Wh (ok without special approval).
• 26,800 mAh → ≈ 99.2 Wh (battery below the threshold ≤100 Wh).
• 30,000 mAh → ≈ 111 Wh (in the 100–160 Wh area → approval required depending on the company).

LymobileShop Tip: If you travel frequently, choose a power bank ≤100 Wh (e.g. 26,800 mAh ~ 99.2 Wh). This avoids approval procedures while maximizing the authorized autonomy.

Basic rules (IATA/ICAO, EASA, FAA)

The “core” doctrine is globally harmonized by IATA/ICAO and relayed by regional regulators (EASA for the EU, FAA for the USA):

• Powerbanks = “spare batteries” . They are not devices but stand-alone batteries; they must follow the spare battery regime. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Cabin only for spare batteries / power banks ( prohibited in the hold ). The terminals must be protected (case, individual bag, tape on the contacts if necessary). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Energy thresholds (IATA/ICAO general, summarized below):
  • ≤100 Wh : allowed in the cabin without special approval (this is the majority of smartphone power banks). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • 100–160 Wh : Often permitted in the cabin with airline approval and limited to 2 units per passenger. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • >160 Wh : prohibited for passengers (these capacities mainly concern “tools/pro video/EBike” batteries, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• If your cabin baggage is redirected to the hold at the gate , you must remove all power banks and spare batteries and keep them with you on board. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Quick summary: Cabin yes / hold no for power banks; ≤100 Wh = safe; 100–160 Wh = approval + max 2; >160 Wh = no. (Always check your airline's specific policy before departure.) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Variations by company (2025 examples)

Beyond the IATA/ICAO base, some companies/authorities apply additional rules : limit on the number of units ≤100 Wh, prohibition of recharging in flight, obligations of storage under the seat, etc. Here are some concrete and recent examples (summer 2025):

• Air France : 100–160 Wh spare batteries are permitted in the cabin only , upon approval , and limited to 2 units per person (including power banks). The website specifies the cases of equipment (PED) vs. replacement (spare). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• EASA (EU) : 2025 recall via a Safety Information Bulletin : power banks are spare batteries (not PEDs), prohibited in the hold , and passenger/crew awareness is reinforced. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• USA/FAA : PackSafe 2025 page: All power banks and spare batteries must be in the cabin with protected terminals . :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• South Korea (Korean carriers) : Following a series of incidents, rules will be tightened in early 2025 : quantity restrictions, a ban on in-flight refills , and strict storage requirements (on your person rather than in an overhead bin). Be sure to check your ticket if you're flying with a Korean airline. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Other airlines : some are announcing a ban on using power banks in flight (carrying in the cabin is OK but not for use during the flight); follow your carrier's instructions (e.g. policies announced in autumn 2025). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Conclusion: even if the IATA/ICAO database is stable, the airline always has the final say . Check your carrier's "dangerous objects/batteries" page a few days before departure (policies evolve).

LymobileShop Pre-Airport Checklist

Follow this checklist to be ready-to-fly, compliance and security-wise:

1. Choose the right capacity :
   • Easy travel : powerbank ≤100 Wh (e.g. 10,000–20,000 mAh, or 26,800 mAh ≈ 99.2 Wh).
   • Specific professional use (drone, camera): if you exceed 100 Wh, contact the company before purchase/departure (100–160 Wh = approval; >160 Wh = no). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
2. Prefer a secure model :
   • BMS protections (overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating, short circuit), CE/UKCA/UL standards, UN38.3 tests.
   • Robust hull, ventilation, precise display of % and possibly watts.
3. Protect the terminals :
   • Place the power bank in a separate case or bag; avoid contact with metal objects (keys, coins).
   • If you are carrying multiple cables/adapters, pack them in a separate bag.
4. Prepare the doc :
   • Keep a photo/sheet clearly showing the Wh (or mAh + voltage) to prove compliance.
   • For 100–160 Wh, keep the company authorization (email) handy. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
5. Anticipate cables :
   • A good quality USB-C PD (up to 60W) covers 99% of smartphones/tablets.
   • Need a laptop? Take a 5A cable (e-marker) if you plan to draw 100–140W. (Note: in the cabin, you can only use the power bank if the airline allows it.) :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Safety & boarding: the right behavior

• Never check in power banks (spare batteries). Only in the cabin. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Protected terminals : Avoid any risk of short circuit by storing the battery in a separate case. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• In-flight use : Depending on the airline, use may be authorized , restricted , or prohibited (e.g., transport OK but load prohibited in flight on certain routes). Follow the crew's announcements. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• If your cabin baggage is gate-checked (redirected to the hold at the gate): remove the power bank and keep it with you. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Temperature : Avoid prolonged exposure to heat (sun through the window) and store under the seat rather than in the trunk if the company requires it. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Thermal incident : if the battery heats up abnormally, disconnect it , place it in isolation, and notify the crew immediately (containment procedures available on board). :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

---

Take action with LymobileShop: our selection of external batteries ≤100 Wh (10,000–26,800 mAh), USB-C PD cables and additional solar solutions for traveling legally and safely.

LymobileShop FAQ

---

LymobileShop helps you choose the best ≤100 Wh power bank for flights, with tailored PD cables and personalized advice. Need advice based on your route and airline? Contact LymobileShop — we'll get back to you quickly.