Power bank rules on flights in 2026: which airlines ban using them
The short version
- Power banks go in your carry-on, never in checked bags, at every airline listed below.
- Many airlines now ban using or charging them in flight.
- Keep them where you can reach them (seat pocket or under the seat), not in the overhead bin, where several airlines now forbid them.
- Check the watt-hour (Wh) rating printed on yours. If it only shows mAh, Wh = mAh × volts ÷ 1000 (for example, 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V is 74 Wh).
Emirates
From 1 Oct 2025
One power bank under 100 Wh. No use on board and no charging from aircraft power. Not in overhead bins: seat pocket or under the seat. Never in checked bags.
Official source (checked 15 Oct 2026)
Qantas
From 15 Dec 2025
Up to two power banks, each up to 160 Wh, in carry-on. They can't be used or charged at any time in flight. Keep them within reach.
Official source (checked 15 Oct 2026)
Lufthansa Group
From 15 Jan 2026
Maximum two per person. No use and no charging on board. Not in overhead bins or checked bags. 100 to 160 Wh needs airline approval.
Official source (checked 15 Oct 2026)
Korean Air (and Asiana, Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul)
From 26 Jan 2026
Charging any device from a power bank is banned on domestic and international flights. Tape the terminals or bag each one separately. Keep it on you, in the seat pocket or under the seat, not in the overhead bin. (Official notice in Korean.)
Official source (checked 15 Oct 2026)
Singapore Airlines
From 15 Apr 2026
Maximum two. Up to 100 Wh without approval; 100 to 160 Wh needs approval; above 160 Wh not allowed. No charging from seat power and no charging devices in flight. Not in overhead bins.
Official source (checked 15 Oct 2026)
Japan Airlines (JAL)
From 24 Apr 2026
No more than two, each 160 Wh or less. No charging them from seat power and no using them to charge devices on board. JAL says the limit may drop to 100 Wh from January 2027.
Official source (checked 15 Oct 2026)
British Airways
Current rule
Power banks and spare batteries are forbidden in checked bags and must be in hand baggage, ideally your under-seat bag.
Official source (checked 15 Oct 2026)
Air Canada
Current rule
Anker models A1647, A1681 and A1689 are banned on board following a recall.
Official source (checked 15 Oct 2026)
US airlines not listed here (United, American, Delta, Southwest) did not publish a power-bank use ban on the pages we checked. Rules change often, so check your airline before you fly.