Can You Fly With a Laptop Power Bank? FAA Rules Explained
What the FAA says about flying with a laptop power bank: watt-hour tiers, carry-on only, airline approval and how to find your rating.
By GadgetsDiary Editorial Team
Updated November 12, 2026
Safety: Power banks contain lithium-ion cells. Use the cables the manufacturer supplies or recommends, keep the unit away from heat, never use a damaged or swollen battery, and follow the manual. This guide is general information, not a substitute for the manufacturer instructions or your airline policy.
Yes, in most cases, as long as the bank stays within the watt-hour limits and travels in your carry-on bag. The FAA publishes the rules, and airlines can add their own limits. This guide summarizes the FAA tiers; always confirm the details on the FAA PackSafe page and with your airline before you fly.
The FAA Rules in Brief
According to the FAA, lithium-ion batteries up to 100 watt-hours are permitted for personal use. Batteries from 101 to 160 watt-hours need airline approval, with a limit of two spare batteries per person. Batteries above 160 watt-hours are not allowed on passenger aircraft. Spare batteries, including power banks, must be carried on and cannot be checked.
| Watt-hour rating | FAA guidance |
|---|---|
| Up to 100Wh | Permitted for personal use |
| 101 to 160Wh | Airline approval required, two spare batteries per person |
| Above 160Wh | Not allowed on passenger aircraft |
Find the Wh Rating on Your Bank
The rating should be printed on the unit. If only milliamp-hours are shown, see our guide on converting mAh to Wh. Some listings state a Wh rating and an airline compliance claim, but that is the manufacturer wording and does not replace the airline policy.
Airlines Can Be Stricter
The FAA notes that many airlines set stricter limits on the number of spare batteries per passenger, regardless of capacity. Check your airline before you travel, including any rules on use during the flight.
Pack It Safely
Keep the bank in your carry-on bag, protect the ports from short circuits, and do not travel with a damaged or swollen battery. Large units such as power stations are above the allowed range, so see our portable power stations for non-flying use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. The FAA says spare lithium batteries, including power banks, must be carried on and cannot be checked.
Is a bank rated up to 100Wh always allowed?
The FAA permits it for personal use, but your airline may limit how many you can bring. Check the airline policy.
What if my bank is above 100Wh?
Between 101 and 160Wh you need airline approval and are limited to two spares. Above 160Wh it is not allowed on passenger aircraft.
Is a manufacturer airline claim enough?
No. The rating on the unit and your airline policy govern. Treat listing claims as a starting point.
Related Guides
Explore more in our Travel and Airline Power Banks category, the Power Banks hub and our guide on how to choose a travel power bank.
About the author
The GadgetsDiary editorial team compares portable power and charging products using manufacturer specifications and Amazon listing data. Read how we choose and rank products on our How We Review and Editorial Policy pages.