100-160Wh in 2026

Are 100-160Wh power banks still allowed in 2026?

Last reviewed: May 28, 2026
Ruleset: 2026-05-15
Reviewed by: CertiWatt source integrity workflow

Short answer: Do not assume a 100-160Wh power bank is allowed in 2026. IATA operator guidance notes a transition issue around 100-160Wh power banks, while passenger-facing guidance says travelers are limited to two lithium-ion power banks not exceeding 100 Wh. Check the airline before travel.

Older battery advice often said 100-160 Wh spare lithium batteries could travel with airline approval. The 2026 power-bank update makes that answer less reliable for standalone power banks.

IATA operator guidance notes that the addendum provides for 100-160 Wh power banks with operator approval, but also says this provision will not be carried into the 68th edition of the DGRs. Passenger-facing guidance is simpler: two lithium-ion power banks not exceeding 100 Wh.

For travelers, the practical answer is conservative. If your power bank is above 100 Wh, do not rely on generic articles. Check the airline, route, and exact model evidence before bringing it to the airport.

Rule summary

<= 100 Wh: Ordinary 2026 passenger power-bank band.
100-160 Wh: Airline- and transition-sensitive; do not assume allowed.
> 160 Wh: Prohibited on passenger aircraft.
Action: Get airline-specific confirmation before travel.

Check your device

The final answer can change by model, airline, country, certification mark, label evidence, and recall status.

Check an over-100Wh model

FAQ

Is a 120 Wh power bank allowed on a plane?

It needs airline- and route-specific review. In 2026, passenger-facing guidance no longer supports treating 120 Wh power banks as ordinary carry-on items.

Is a 30,000 mAh power bank over 100 Wh?

Usually yes at 3.7 V: 30,000 mAh is about 111 Wh. That places many 30K models outside the ordinary 2026 passenger band.

Should I ask the airline before flying with 100-160 Wh?

Yes. Bring manufacturer Wh evidence and get airline-specific guidance before travel.

Sources and evidence

This guide is reviewed against CertiWatt ruleset 2026-05-15. Active rule citations pass the source integrity release gate before deployment; trip-specific verdicts can still cite additional regulator, airline, manufacturer, or recall sources.

Informational only. Final decision rests with airline and security staff. Why we said this.