Power banks and lithium batteries on flights

Power banks, spare lithium batteries and e-cigarettes should not be placed in checked baggage. Carry them where the airline permits in the cabin and protect them from short circuit.

Pack them safely

Keep loose batteries in their original packaging or protect the terminals. A separate pouch or case helps prevent contact with metal objects. Protect devices from damage and accidental activation.

European aviation safety guidance says power banks and e-cigarettes should be carried on the person where possible, or in carry-on baggage with the same protection as spare batteries. It also advises against using a power bank to charge another device during the flight.

Check the watt-hour rating

Airline approval can depend on battery capacity. EASA guidance uses 100 Wh as the general limit for portable electronic-device batteries and up to 160 Wh only with operator approval. The airline may apply stricter handling or quantity rules.

If the label shows milliamp hours and voltage but not watt hours, use:

Wh = Ah × V

Divide mAh by 1,000 to get Ah. Do not rely on a calculation when the battery label is missing or unclear. Ask the operating airline.

Check every airline in the trip

A connecting itinerary can involve different carrier rules. Open each airline's dangerous-goods page, including the operating carrier if it differs from the seller. Cabin bags can be moved to the hold at the gate, so remove power banks and spare batteries before handing over the bag.