Power banks, batteries and electronics on planes - 2026 rules
Power banks, spare batteries, laptops, cameras and drones on planes. 2026 rules including two-power-bank limit, 100 Wh and checked-baggage restrictions.
Why you can use this page to make a decision
This page combines a direct answer with airport, airline and primary-source rules. Safety answers are not influenced by partner content or advertising.
Major power-bank change from 27 March 2026
ICAO limited power banks to two per passenger and prohibited recharging them from aircraft power. Current IATA guidance says power banks above 100 Wh are forbidden as passenger baggage and power banks must always travel in the cabin.
Wh matters more than mAh
For lithium-ion batteries, Watt-hours are the key value. If only mAh and voltage are shown, calculate Wh as mAh × V ÷ 1000.
Installed vs spare batteries
A laptop or camera with an installed battery is treated differently from a power bank or spare battery. Spare batteries should travel in the cabin and be protected against short circuits.
Check in PreflightMate
Always check the official airport or airline source before travel. Rules can change and may be more restrictive.
What can I bring on a plane?
Power banks and batteries - three checks
For batteries, capacity is only one part of the answer; location in baggage and operator rules matter too.
- Check the Wh rating; if you only have mAh, use the PreflightMate calculator.
- Carry power banks and spare lithium batteries in the cabin and protect terminals from short circuit.
- Check airline-specific limits on quantity, use and charging on board.
Who prepares the answers
Content is prepared by the PreflightMate Research Desk from structured data and official sources. We do not present ourselves as an aviation authority or airline.
Automation helps format, compare and translate data. A rule marked verified must be linked to an official source; conflicts and exceptions remain visible.
A specific airport, airline, route, destination-country rule or a security officer may apply a more restrictive requirement.
Official source
European Commission - Aviation Security ↗
EASA - Dangerous goods when flying ↗
ICAO - Power bank restrictions 2026 ↗