Can I charge a power bank on a plane?
- Last reviewed
- Ruleset
- 2026-05-15
- Reviewed by
- CertiWatt source integrity workflow
Short answer: No. Under the 2026 ICAO/IATA power-bank update, passengers must not recharge a power bank from aircraft USB, seat power, or another in-aircraft power supply during flight.
This is one of the clearest parts of the 2026 update. The restriction is about charging the power bank itself, including pass-through setups where aircraft power feeds the power bank.
Charging a phone from a power bank is a separate in-flight-use question and can depend on airline policy and phase of flight. Recharging the power bank from aircraft power is the part travelers should treat as prohibited.
Charge the power bank before you leave for the airport, keep it in cabin baggage, and do not connect it to aircraft power even if the seat has a USB outlet.
Rule summary
- Aircraft USB
- Do not use it to recharge a power bank.
- Seat power
- Do not use it to recharge a power bank.
- Pass-through
- Avoid aircraft-power-to-power-bank-to-phone chains.
- Before travel
- Charge compliant power banks before arriving at the airport.
Check your device
The final answer can change by model, airline, country, certification mark, label evidence, and recall status.
Check my flight ruleFAQ
Can I plug a power bank into the seat USB port?
No. The 2026 guidance says power banks must not be recharged from an in-aircraft power supply.
Can I charge my laptop from a power bank?
This is airline-sensitive and may be restricted, especially during taxi, take-off, and landing. Follow crew instructions.
Does this apply if the power bank is under 100 Wh?
Yes. The no-recharging rule applies to power banks as a category, not only to large-capacity models.
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.