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Quick answer
Power banks must go in your carry-on, never checked luggage. Under FAA rules, batteries up to 100 watt-hours are allowed, 101–160Wh need airline approval (two spares maximum), and anything above 160Wh is forbidden. A 10,000mAh bank is roughly 36–37Wh and a 20,000mAh bank roughly 72–74Wh. From our research: the Anker Nano 10K is a compact daily pick, the UGREEN Nexode 20000 130W suits laptops, and the Anker 737 (86.4Wh) is the high-power option.
Airline rules for power banks
- Carry-on only. FAA and TSA rules say spare lithium batteries and power banks are not allowed in checked bags.
- Up to 100Wh: allowed for personal use.
- 101–160Wh: requires airline approval, with a limit of two spare batteries per person.
- Over 160Wh: not allowed on passenger aircraft.
The FAA also notes that many airlines have stricter limits, so check your airline’s policy, especially on international flights. Some airlines also restrict using power banks during the flight.
How to convert mAh to Wh
Use this formula: Wh = mAh x voltage / 1000. Most power banks use cells with a nominal voltage of 3.6–3.7V.
| Capacity | Approx. Wh at 3.6–3.7V | Typical status on flights |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | 36–37 Wh | Allowed in carry-on |
| 20,000 mAh | 72–74 Wh | Allowed in carry-on |
| 27,000 mAh | About 100 Wh | At the limit; check the printed rating |
The Wh rating printed on the power bank itself is what counts. If it isn’t printed, airline staff may refuse it.
How we chose
Research-based, not hands-on tested. Specifications are from the manufacturers; we note where they don’t publish a figure. How we choose gear.
Comparison table
| Power bank | Best for | Capacity | Wh (maker) | Max output | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Nano Power Bank 10K (30W, built-in cable) | Phones, everyday carry | 10,000 mAh | Not published; under 100Wh per Anker | 30W | 215 g | Check price |
| UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W | Laptop plus phone | 20,000 mAh | 72 Wh | 130W combined, 100W single port | About 480 g | Check price |
| Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) | Power-hungry laptops | 24,000 mAh | 86.4 Wh | 140W | About 630 g | Check price |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Our research-based picks
Anker Nano Power Bank 10K (30W, Built-In USB-C Cable)
Best for: Keeping a phone charged on long travel days
Why it stands out: A built-in USB-C cable means one less cable to pack, and 30W from USB-C can fast-charge most phones.
- Capacity10,000 mAh
- PortsBuilt-in USB-C cable, 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A
- Output30W USB-C; 24W combined
- Weight215 g
- Size104 x 52.3 x 26 mm
What we like
- Built-in cable doubles as a strap
- Small display shows remaining charge
Keep in mind
- Output drops when charging two devices
- Anker doesn't print a Wh figure on its product page, though it lists the model as under 100Wh for flights
UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W
Best for: Charging a laptop and phone together away from outlets
Why it stands out: Up to 100W from one USB-C port and 130W across two, with a published 72Wh rating that sits comfortably under the 100Wh limit.
- Capacity20,000 mAh / 72 Wh
- Ports2 USB-C, 1 USB-A
- Output100W (C1), 30W (C2), 22.5W (A); 130W combined
- Recharge65W input
- Weightabout 480 g
What we like
- Laptop-class output
- Wh rating clearly published
- Display shows charge level
Keep in mind
- Heavy at roughly 480 g
- A similarly named built-in-cable version has different specs, so check the model
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
Best for: Larger laptops and long days off-grid
Why it stands out: Up to 140W output from a single USB-C port and an 86.4Wh rating, still under the 100Wh carry-on threshold.
- Capacity24,000 mAh / 86.4 Wh
- Ports2 USB-C, 1 USB-A
- Output140W max
- Recharge140W via USB-C
- Weightabout 630 g
What we like
- Very high output
- Smart display
- Under 100Wh for most airlines
Keep in mind
- Heavy and bulky
- Full 140W needs a compatible cable and device
- An Amazon listing notes it lacks China 3C certification, which matters on flights within China
FAQ
Can I bring two power banks?
For batteries under 100Wh, US rules don’t set a specific limit for personal use, but airlines may. For 101–160Wh batteries, the limit is two spares with airline approval.
Can I use a power bank during the flight?
Rules vary by airline, and some now restrict in-flight use. Check your airline’s current policy.
Also useful: our travel adapter guide and the international travel checklist. Official rules: FAA PackSafe: lithium batteries and TSA: power banks.
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
