Yes, power banks are allowed on a plane, but only in your carry-on bag. Under FAA rules, a spare lithium-ion battery such as a power bank may be carried in the cabin if it is rated at 100Wh or less, and it must never go in checked baggage. Batteries rated 101–160Wh need airline approval, with a limit of two spares. The four travel power banks compared below are rated from 38.5Wh to 99.2Wh, but airlines can set stricter limits on your flight.
The FAA Power Bank Rules at a Glance
The FAA treats power banks as spare lithium batteries. That means the limits apply to each battery’s watt-hour (Wh) rating, and the battery has to travel in the cabin with you.
| Situation | FAA rule |
|---|---|
| 100Wh or less | Allowed in carry-on baggage. This covers nearly all batteries used in everyday personal electronics. |
| 101–160Wh | Allowed only with airline approval, and no more than two spare batteries per passenger. |
| Checked baggage | Not allowed. If your carry-on bag is checked at the gate, take power banks out and keep them with you in the cabin. |
| Airline rules | Many airlines set stricter limits on how many power banks you can bring and on Wh ratings. Check your carrier before you fly. |
How to Read a Power Bank’s Wh Rating
Look for a figure in Wh on the label or the official spec sheet, not just mAh. Anker, for example, lists its MagGo 10K as 10,000mAh at 3.85V, which works out to 38.5Wh.
The same mAh number can mean different Wh ratings. UGREEN rates its 20,000mAh Nexode at 3.6V for 72Wh, while Baseus rates its 20,000mAh Adaman at 74Wh. Use the Wh figure the manufacturer publishes.
| Model | Rated energy | Weight | Max output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker MagGo 10K | 38.5Wh | 250g | 27W USB-C |
| UGREEN Nexode 20K | 72Wh | 420g | 100W USB-C |
| Baseus Adaman 20K | 74Wh | 447g | 65W |
| Baseus Amblight 26.8K | 99.2Wh | 501g | 65W |
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K): The Lightest Option
At 38.5Wh and 250g, the Anker MagGo 10K is the smallest and lightest model here. It offers 15W wireless output and up to 27W from its single USB-C port (9V at 3A).
It suits travelers who mainly need to top up a phone and want something that fits in a pocket or small bag.
UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 100W: For Laptops
UGREEN rates this model at 72Wh, with up to 100W from its main USB-C port. It weighs 420g and measures 139 x 80 x 26.5mm.
The 100W port makes it the strongest option here for charging a USB-C laptop on the go, while staying well under the 100Wh carry-on limit.
Baseus Adaman Power Bank 65W 20000mAh: A Middle Ground
Baseus lists the Adaman at 20,000mAh and 74Wh, with 65W output. It weighs 447g and has one USB-C and two USB-A outputs.
It has the same nominal capacity as the UGREEN but a lower maximum output, so it is better suited to phones, tablets and smaller laptops.
Baseus Amblight Power Bank 65W 26800mAh: Close to the Limit
Baseus rates the Amblight at 26,800mAh and 99.2Wh, just under the FAA’s 100Wh carry-on threshold. It weighs 501g and offers 65W output.
Because it sits so close to 100Wh, it gives the most capacity in this comparison but leaves no room if an airline applies a lower limit, so check your carrier’s rules first.
Before You Fly: A Quick Checklist
These steps follow the FAA rules above. Airline policies can be stricter, so the last step matters most.
- Find the Wh rating on the power bank label or the manufacturer’s spec page.
- Keep every power bank in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage.
- If your bag is checked at the gate, take the power banks out and keep them with you.
- For anything between 101Wh and 160Wh, get airline approval before your trip.
- Check your airline’s own limits on the number of power banks and their Wh ratings.
FAQ
Can I bring a 20,000mAh power bank on a plane?
Usually yes. The Wh rating depends on the battery voltage the manufacturer uses: UGREEN rates its 20,000mAh Nexode at 72Wh and Baseus rates its 20,000mAh Adaman at 74Wh, both under the FAA’s 100Wh carry-on limit. Check the label and your airline’s rules.
Can power banks go in checked luggage?
No. The FAA requires spare lithium batteries, including power banks, to travel in carry-on baggage only. If your bag is checked at the gate, remove the power bank and keep it with you in the cabin.
Is a 26,800mAh power bank allowed on a plane?
It depends on its Wh rating, not the mAh number. Baseus rates its 26,800mAh Amblight at 99.2Wh, just under the FAA’s 100Wh limit, so it can go in carry-on baggage unless your airline sets a lower limit.
How do I convert mAh to Wh?
Multiply the capacity in amp-hours by the rated voltage. Anker’s MagGo 10K, for example, is 10,000mAh (10Ah) at 3.85V, which is 38.5Wh. Use the Wh figure printed on the label or spec sheet when it is available.
Do airlines have their own power bank rules?
Yes. The FAA notes that many airlines set stricter limits on how many power banks each passenger may carry and on their Wh ratings, so check your carrier’s rules before every flight.
Related Guides
Editorial note: This comparison is based on manufacturer specifications and published data. We have not tested these products for this article, and it is not presented as a review. This article contains no affiliate or sponsored links.
Official Product References
- FAA PackSafe — Lithium Batteries
- Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) — Specifications
- UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 100W — Specifications
- Baseus Adaman Power Bank 65W 20000mAh — Specifications
- Baseus Amblight Power Bank 65W 26800mAh — Specifications
Specifications checked: October 21, 2026.
Image credits
- Featured image: An Anker PowerCore 10000mAh power bank (not one of the models compared). Photo: Saucy, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Resized and cropped for display.
