Flying & Travelling with a Power Bank

Flying & Travelling with a Power Bank

Travelling without a Power Bank? Not a chance. From airports to road trips and long-haul flights, keeping your mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices charged is a must.

But then comes the catch. You've packed your bags, you're heading to the airport, and you suddenly wonder... can I actually bring this Power Bank on the plane?

Airlines have rules, and Power Banks can be a bit tricky. With terms like lithium-ion batteries, watt hours, and aviation safety floating around, it's easy to get confused. That's why we've created this guide.

At Cygnett, we design portable Power Banks that are perfect for travel and personal use. And we've got answers to all your questions about flying with rechargeable power sources, so you can power up your adventures without the drama.

Can you take Power Banks on planes?

Yes, you can! But with limits. Airline approval for Power Banks depends on their capacity and how they're packed.

Most airlines and aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), follow the same basic rules: Power Banks must go in your carry-on baggage only, never in your checked bags.

But as tech gets better and batteries become more powerful, new rules are constantly popping up around Power Banks. The tricky part is that the rules aren't the same everywhere. Airlines are all taking different approaches, and policies are shifting almost monthly. Some carriers have stricter watt-hour limits. Others ask you to remove Power Banks from carry-on bags. A few even restrict charging cables left attached mid-flight.

There's no one-size-fits-all rule for flying with Power Banks. So, before you fly, always check your airline's latest policy. It'll save you the hassle at security and help avoid your Power Bank getting confiscated.

An increasing number of airlines are also banning the use of Power Banks in-flight. So make sure to top up your devices before boarding. If you’re already onboard, keep your Power Bank in an easy-to-reach spot in your carry-on so you can charge as soon as you land.

Why are Power Banks not allowed in checked baggage?

Power Banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which are classified as dangerous goods under aviation safety regulations. These batteries can overheat, explode, and pose fire risks, especially in the cargo hold where they can't be monitored during the flight.

The cargo area of a plane has limited access, and no one onboard can react quickly to an overheating Power Bank in checked luggage. That's why global regulations mandate that these battery-powered items stay in carry-on bags, where crew can respond quickly in case anything goes wrong.

What Power Banks can you take on a flight?

This all comes down to battery capacity, measured in watt hours (Wh) or milliamp-hours (mAh). Airlines use Wh as the standard.

Here's how it works:

- Under 100Wh: Most airlines will let you bring these in your hand luggage with no questions asked.

- Between 100Wh and 160Wh: You'll usually need airline approval, and only a limited number are allowed.

- Over 160Wh: Not allowed on passenger flights at all.

To figure out how many watt-hours your Power Bank has, use this formula:

Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000

Most Power Banks list the voltage (usually 3.7V) on the label. For example, a 20,000mAh Power Bank at 3.7V equals 74Wh, which is allowed in your carry-on luggage.

Cygnett's Power Banks under 27,000mAh are all under the 100Wh limit, so you're good to go for most airlines.

How Many Power Banks can you take on a plane?

According to IATA and CASA regulations:

- You can carry up to two Power Banks between 100Wh and 160Wh. But you must get airline approval before flying.

- You can bring multiple if they are each under 100Wh, but the total number may still be capped by the airline. Most Australian airlines (like Qantas and Jetstar) limit passengers to a total of 20 spare batteries, including power banks, for personal use.

Some carriers may have their own caps on how many spare batteries or portable chargers you can bring. Always double-check the limit for carry-on bags with your airline.

How do you pack a Power Bank for air travel?

Here are some safety precautions to take when packing your Power Bag for air travel:

- Carry-on only: Never put Power Banks in checked bags.

- Plastic bag or pouch: Pop it into a protective pouch or a clear plastic bag to prevent dust or damage.

- Avoid metal contact: Keep it separate from keys, coins or anything that could cause a short circuit.

- Prevent Damage: If possible, place it in a separate compartment to protect it from being crushed or punctured.

- No loose cables: Disconnect any devices and avoid leaving USB cables plugged in.

- Keep the label visible: Make sure the label showing mAh or Wh is easy to read. Some airport staff may ask to see it.

- Do not use in-flight: A growing number of carriers now ban the use of Power Banks during the flight, even in aeroplane mode.

- Keep it in view: Certain airlines now require Power Banks to remain visible at all times, not tucked into stowed cabin luggage.

Does the wattage of a Power Bank matter when flying?

Yes, but let's clear up the confusion. People often mix up wattage (W) and watt-hours (Wh).

- Wattage refers to how fast a Power Bank can output power (think USB ports, fast charging).

- Watt-hours is about how much energy the battery can store (that's what airlines care about).

A Power Bank with higher wattage typically needs more internal cells to safely handle fast charging speeds. That can mean a larger battery and a higher watt-hour rating.

So if you're buying a high-wattage Power Bank to charge laptops or tablets, it's important to check the label to make sure the Wh doesn't exceed airline limits.

What is the best Cygnett Power Bank for international travel?

Cygnett has a stack of options that are carry-on approved and meet global aviation guidelines. Here are some top picks:

Thumboost Power Bank 5K + USB-C Cable Combo: Lightweight, compact, and comes with a built-in USB-C cable. Great for mobile phones and smaller devices like earbuds and smartwatches.

MagSlim 10K Wireless Power Bank: Perfect for MagSafe-compatible devices. Approved for carry-on and keeps you cable-free.

Encore 10K Power Bank: Compact and stylish with 45W fast charging and a premium LCD display. Approved for carry-on, perfect for everyday travel.

Encore 20K Power Bank: High-capacity with 65W power output, ideal for charging phones, tablets, and even small laptops on the go.

HighPWR 27K Laptop Power Bank: Delivers 140W and can charge up to 3 devices at once. Built for business trips and long-haul travel. Still fits in your carry-on bag with ease.

Do I need to declare my Power Bank at airport security?

In most cases, no. Power Banks for personal use under 100Wh don't need to be declared at security checks.

But you should:

- Keep them accessible for inspection

- Know the specs (Wh or mAh)

- Follow your airline's declaration rules, especially for anything over 100Wh

Some airports may ask questions about lithium-ion batteries or request to see how they're packed. Be friendly, show your Power Bank, and you'll breeze through.

What happens if you accidentally leave a Power Bank in checked luggage?

Airlines take this seriously. If a Power Bank is found in your checked luggage, it may be:

- Removed by airport security

- Reported to the airline

- Delayed or denied at check-in

In some cases, it can lead to missed flights or a warning from the airline.

To avoid this, make sure to:

- Always double-check your bags

- Use a checklist before heading to the airport

- Pack all portable Power Banks in your carry-on bags only

- It's also smart to label your Power Bank and keep it in an easy-access spot.

New rules for flying with a Power Bank to/from China

China has recently introduced new CCC rules for Power Banks. Starting 28 June 2025, all Power Banks on flights to or from the country must have a CCC mark clearly printed on the unit.

Keep in mind that the CCC logo is not the same as the CE logo. Also, many Power Banks made in China for export do not have the CCC mark. That includes most Power Banks carried by international visitors. So, do not assume your device is fine just because it says "Made in China".

Unfortunately, our current Cygnett Power Banks do not yet carry this certification. So, if you're planning to travel to China soon, it's better to leave your Power Bank at home as it will likely be confiscated at the airport.

Find your perfect flight-friendly Cygnett Power Bank today

Travelling is stressful enough, but staying charged shouldn't be. At Cygnett, we've made it easy to choose from a wide range of carry-on approved Power Banks that meet global aviation safety standards.

Whether you're hopping on a short domestic flight or prepping for a big overseas adventure, we've got the portable power you need to keep your devices going.

So, travel smart and stay charged with Cygnett's portable Power Banks. Bon voyage, jetsetter!