Airline Power Bank Rules UK: Can You Fly With a Power Bank?
Yes — if it's under 100 Wh (≈ 27,000 mAh) and in your carry-on. Here's the complete UK guide to flying with power banks, including airline-by-airline rules, the Wh calculation formula, and which models are always safe.
✈️ The 3 Rules You Must Know
Under 100 Wh
Always allowed in carry-on. No approval needed. This covers 95% of consumer power banks.
100–160 Wh
Allowed with airline approval. Max 2 per person. Contact airline before travel.
Over 160 Wh
PROHIBITED on all commercial flights. No exceptions. Will be confiscated.
NEVER put power banks in checked luggage. This is prohibited on ALL airlines worldwide and can result in fines, confiscation, or criminal charges. Always carry in hand luggage.
Power Bank Capacity → Wh Conversion
Formula: Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1,000. Most power banks use 3.7V cells.
| Capacity (mAh) | Voltage | Watt-hours (Wh) | Airline Status | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 3.7V | 18.5 Wh | ✅ Always allowed | Anker 621 Nano |
| 10,000 mAh | 3.7V | 37.0 Wh | ✅ Always allowed | Anker 523 / UGREEN 10K |
| 20,000 mAh | 3.7V | 74.0 Wh | ✅ Always allowed | UGREEN 20K 145W |
| 25,000 mAh | 3.63V | 90.75 Wh | ✅ Always allowed | UGREEN 25K 200W |
| 26,800 mAh | 3.7V | 99.16 Wh | ✅ Just under 100 Wh | Anker 737 PowerCore |
| 27,650 mAh | 3.63V | 100.37 Wh | ⚠️ Needs airline approval | Borderline — check label |
| 30,000 mAh | 3.7V | 111.0 Wh | ⚠️ Needs airline approval | Large power banks |
| 40,000 mAh | 3.7V | 148.0 Wh | ⚠️ Needs airline approval | Large laptop power banks |
| 50,000 mAh | 3.7V | 185.0 Wh | ❌ PROHIBITED on flights | Exceeds 160 Wh limit |
Airline-by-Airline Rules
| Airline | Under 100 Wh | 100–160 Wh | Over 160 Wh | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With approval (2 max) | ❌ Prohibited | Must be in hand luggage. Cannot be checked. |
| easyJet | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With prior approval | ❌ Prohibited | Contact easyJet before travel for 100–160 Wh. |
| Ryanair | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With airline approval | ❌ Prohibited | Standard IATA rules. Hand luggage only. |
| Jet2 | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With approval | ❌ Prohibited | Max 2 power banks per passenger. |
| TUI Airways | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With approval | ❌ Prohibited | Standard IATA compliance. |
| Wizz Air | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With approval | ❌ Prohibited | Must be protected from short circuits. |
| Virgin Atlantic | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With approval (2 max) | ❌ Prohibited | Terminals must be protected with tape or case. |
| Emirates | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With approval | ❌ Prohibited | Standard IATA. Max 2 spare batteries. |
| Lufthansa Group | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With approval | ❌ Prohibited | Applies to Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels. |
| Delta / United / American | ✅ Carry-on only | ✅ With approval (2 max) | ❌ Prohibited | US carriers follow FAA rules (same limits). |
All airlines follow IATA regulations. Rules verified March 2026. Always check your airline's current policy before travel.
Our Top Airline-Safe Power Banks
UGREEN 25,000 mAh 200W
90.75 Wh ✈️
- 200W output — charges any laptop
- 90.75 Wh — comfortably under 100 Wh
- LED display shows remaining Wh
- Recharges in 75 minutes
Anker 737 26,800 mAh
99.16 Wh ✈️
- 99.16 Wh — maximum airline-safe
- 140W output — fast laptop charging
- Smart Digital Display
- ActiveShield 2.0 safety
UGREEN 20,000 mAh 145W
72 Wh ✈️
- 72 Wh — well under airline limit
- 145W output — charges most laptops
- Lighter than competitors (400g)
- Great for frequent flyers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
NO — never. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are PROHIBITED in checked/hold luggage on all airlines worldwide. This is an IATA safety regulation, not airline-specific. Power banks must always go in your carry-on/hand luggage. Violation can result in fines or confiscation.
How do I calculate the Wh of my power bank?
Formula: Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1,000. Most power banks use 3.7V cells. Example: 25,000 mAh × 3.7V = 92.5 Wh (airline safe). Important: check the Wh printed on your power bank label — manufacturers sometimes use different voltages. The Wh rating on the label is the official figure airlines use.
How many power banks can I take on a flight?
Under 100 Wh: Usually unlimited (but most airlines suggest max 2–4). 100–160 Wh: Maximum 2 per passenger, with airline approval. Over 160 Wh: Zero — completely prohibited. In practice, bringing 2 power banks under 100 Wh is always fine.
Do I need to declare my power bank at security?
UK airports: power banks should be removed from your bag and placed in the tray alongside laptops/tablets during security screening. You don't need to formally "declare" them, but making them visible speeds up the process and avoids secondary screening.
What happens if my power bank is confiscated?
Security staff will dispose of it — you won't get it back. This typically happens if: (1) the Wh rating isn't printed on the label, (2) the capacity exceeds limits, (3) the power bank is damaged or swollen, or (4) it was found in checked luggage. Always check Wh before travelling.
Are there any power banks that are always airline safe?
Yes — any power bank under 100 Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh at 3.7V) is universally allowed on all IATA-compliant airlines. Our recommended airline-safe picks: UGREEN 25,000 mAh 200W (90.75 Wh), Anker 737 26,800 mAh (99.16 Wh), and Baseus Blade 2 25,000 mAh (90 Wh).
What about flying within the UK vs internationally?
The rules are the same. IATA regulations apply to all commercial flights — domestic UK, European and long-haul. The 100 Wh / 160 Wh thresholds are universal. Individual airlines may be slightly stricter but never more lenient than IATA.
Can I use my power bank during the flight?
Generally yes — you can charge your phone or tablet from your power bank during the flight. Some airlines restrict use during takeoff and landing. A few (rare) airlines prohibit in-flight power bank use entirely — check your airline's specific policy if concerned.