Power bank Wh limits for flights
- Last reviewed
- Ruleset
- 2026-05-15
- Reviewed by
- CertiWatt source integrity workflow
Short answer: For 2026 passenger power-bank travel, 100 Wh is the practical upper limit to plan around. IATA passenger guidance limits travelers to two lithium-ion power banks not exceeding 100 Wh; the older 100-160 Wh approval band is now airline- and trip-sensitive for power banks.
Watt-hours are the aviation unit that matters because they measure stored energy. Many consumer power banks list mAh more prominently, but airline rules usually evaluate Wh.
To estimate Wh, multiply mAh by nominal voltage, then divide by 1000. For most lithium-ion power banks, nominal voltage is 3.7 V unless the product label or manufacturer spec says otherwise.
Use the printed Wh value when it exists. A printed or manufacturer-published value is easier for airport staff to verify than a passenger-calculated number, especially now that 2026 guidance treats power banks more specifically than ordinary spare batteries.
Rule summary
- Formula
- Wh = (mAh x V) / 1000.
- 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V
- About 37 Wh.
- 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V
- About 74 Wh.
- 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V
- About 99.9 Wh, near the common limit.
Check your device
The final answer can change by model, airline, country, certification mark, label evidence, and recall status.
Calculate a trip-specific verdictFAQ
Is mAh or Wh more important for flights?
Wh is the main aviation limit. Some jurisdictions also use mAh caps, so both values can matter depending on the trip.
Can I calculate Wh myself?
Yes, but airport staff may prefer a printed label or manufacturer specification page. CertiWatt uses catalog specs and label data where available.
Why are 27,000 mAh power banks common?
At 3.7 V, 27,000 mAh is about 99.9 Wh, just under the common 100 Wh threshold.
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.