Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane? FAA Lithium Battery Rules
Spare lithium batteries and power banks follow FAA PackSafe rules. Here is what they say.
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Power banks are spare lithium ion batteries in FAA terms. The FAA says all lithium ion batteries can overheat and go into thermal runaway, which is why the rules keep them in the cabin where crews can respond.
The rules at a glance
| Battery | Carry-on | Checked | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power bank or spare lithium ion, up to 100 Wh | Yes | No | No FAA quantity limit for personal use |
| Spare lithium ion, 101 to 160 Wh | With airline approval | No | Two spares per person |
| Spare lithium metal, up to 2 g lithium | Yes | No | Personal use |
| Spare lithium metal, 2 to 8 g | With airline approval | No | Two spares per person |
Protect the terminals
The FAA requires battery terminals to be protected from short circuit. Options it lists: keep batteries in retail packaging, tape over the terminals, use a battery case or sleeve, or put each one snugly in a plastic bag or pouch.
Airlines can be stricter
The FAA notes that many airlines set tighter limits on how many power banks each passenger can bring, regardless of watt-hours. Check your carrier before you fly.
Packing a carry-on? See our best carry-on luggage picks and the TSA liquids rule.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. The FAA says spare lithium batteries, including power banks and battery charging cases, must be in carry-on baggage only.
How do I find the watt-hour rating?
Newer batteries have it marked. If not, the FAA says to multiply the battery voltage by its amp-hour (Ah) rating.
What if my carry-on is gate-checked?
Remove all spare lithium batteries and power banks and keep them with you in the cabin, per the FAA.
