Yes, the IATA allows power banks up to 100 Wh (corresponds to approx. 27,000 mAh). Powerbanks with a higher capacity may not be carried on the aircraft.
Should you pack your power bank in your carry-on or checked luggage?
Here’s what the rules are on airplanes. Are you planning a trip by plane and wondering whether you can bring your power bank in your carry-on or if it needs to go in your checked luggage? Here, you’ll find out the airlines’ rules regarding power banks on flights and which power bank models you can safely bring with you on flights.
Powerbank: hand luggage or suitcase? - This applies
If you’re traveling by plane and want to bring a power bank, you must follow your airline’s regulations. The following rules always apply to power banks on planes:
- Power banks may only be carried in your carry-on luggage.
- They are not allowed in checked luggage (suitcases).
- A maximum of two power banks per person is allowed.
- Maximum capacity per power bank, without approval: 100 Wh (≈ 27,000 mAh)
- Capacities between 100 and 160 Wh (≈ 27,000 to 43,000 mAh): only with prior airline approval
- Capacities over 160 Wh: not permitted, not even in carry-on luggage
- If the capacity is not clearly indicated, e.g., if the information is missing from the device, the power bank may be rejected at security screening.
Can you travel with a power bank in your suitcase?
You are not allowed to pack your power bank in your checked luggage. Power banks must always be carried in your carry-on luggage! If you have a power bank in your checked luggage, your suitcase may be opened at security and the power bank removed. This is because it is difficult to inspect a power bank inside a suitcase.
Can a power bank be carried in carry-on luggage?
You may carry up to two power banks in your carry-on luggage when traveling by plane. Each power bank may have a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 27,000 mAh. If the capacity exceeds this limit, you will need special permission; the maximum limit is 160 Wh. If your power bank exceeds this capacity, you should not bring it on the plane. You may have to leave it at the airport during security screening.
Airline policies on power banks
| Airline | Brief description of the provision | Official source |
| Lufthansa / Eurowings | Power banks ≤ 100 Wh: max. 2 spare batteries in carry-on luggage; 100–160 Wh: only with airline approval; general ban on charging in the overhead compartment | Lufthansa: Electronic devices and batteries |
| British Airways | Up to 2 spare batteries ≤ 100 Wh allowed in carry-on luggage; power banks without capacity specifications are prohibited; 100–160 Wh only with prior approval | British Airways: Restricted & prohibited items, batteries & devices |
| Emirates | Batteries (including power banks) must be carried only in carry-on baggage; prohibited in the overhead compartment; smart bags are permitted only if they have a removable battery and are completely turned off | Emirates: Dangerous Goods Policy & Cabin Baggage Rules |
| Qatar Airways | ≤ 100 Wh: no authorization required; 100–160 Wh: max. 2 spare batteries with airline authorization; >160 Wh prohibited; carry-on only | Qatar Airways: Restricted items, Banned Baggage Items |
| Ryanair | Devices with lithium batteries in carry-on luggage (≤ 160 Wh permitted for devices); max. 2 spare batteries ≤ 160 Wh; up to 300 Wh for mobility aid batteries, if applicable | Ryanair Help Centre: Batteries, Permitted Items on Board |
| Wizz Air | ≤ 100 Wh allowed in carry-on luggage; 100–160 Wh: max. 2 spare batteries with prior approval; generally not allowed in checked luggage | Wizz Air: Restricted items, lithium batteries |
| Air France / KLM | Spare lithium batteries are permitted only in carry-on luggage; ≤ 100 Wh do not require approval; >100 Wh require airline approval; ≤ 160 Wh permitted | Air France: Items permitted, restricted, or prohibited for your trip |
Differences between airlines regarding power banks
The regulations may vary depending on the airline. Most airlines accept power banks up to 100 Wh without further ado. With a special permit, power banks up to 160 watt hours are often also permitted.
Good to know: Some airlines allow powerbanks up to 160 Wh without additional approval. Check the regulations with the airline in good time before departure. However, you must still observe the airlines' individual regulations. We recommend not exceeding the 100 watt hours specified by the IATA, especially for international flights.
Battery power bank at the security checkpoint - what you should bear in mind
At the security check, you must remove your powerbank separately from your hand luggage and present it for inspection. Make sure that the power bank has no visible damage, as damaged devices may be excluded from carriage.
It should also be clear how much capacity the power bank has so that it can be checked. With most power banks, however, this is easy to read.
How many Powerbanks you are allowed to take in your hand baggage
You may carry a maximum of two power banks in your hand baggage. Each powerbank may not have more than 100 Wh. If you want to carry more than two power banks or devices with a higher capacity, you must apply for and obtain approval from the airline in advance.
Ledlenser Power Banks for Air Travel
Ledlenser offers power banks that you are allowed to carry in your carry-on luggage. The following models are suitable:
Flex3
The lightweight power bank has a capacity of 3,400 mAh and is equipped with an 18650 Li-Ion battery and weighs only 88 grams. This lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for short trips and everyday use. Like all Ledlenser power banks, it offers IP65 certification with protection against water and dust. It offers six functions in a robust housing, including a charge level indicator and protection against short circuits.
Flex5
Equipped with a 21700 Li-Ion battery, the Flex5 offers a capacity of 4,500 mAh. Its IP65 certification protects it from water and dust, and its charging time is 140 minutes. These features make the Flex5 a reliable companion when traveling, as it is very lightweight. It also offers a USB-C port. This enables faster charging.
Flex7
The Flex7 has two 18650 Li-Ion batteries with a combined capacity of 6,800 mAh. This power bank is ideal for multi-day hikes or camping trips. With a charging time of 240 minutes, a robust design and IP65 certification, it is safe and durable.
Flex10
With an impressive capacity of 9,000 mAh, the Flex10 provides the highest energy capacity in this series. It uses two 21700 Li-Ion batteries and is also IP65 certified. It is well suited for longer trips and charging multiple devices at the same time. It also has a USB-C port, which you can use to charge your devices and the power bank itself.
Benefits of Ledlenser Power Banks for Your Carry-On Luggage
- Under 100 Wh: You can carry Ledlenser power banks in your hand luggage without a permit, as they do not exceed the IATA limit of 100 Wh. This means you are always on the safe side, even when traveling internationally.
- Powerbanks with replaceable batteries for sustainability and flexibility: Ledlenser powerbanks are equipped with replaceable 18650 or 21700 Li-Ion batteries. These can be easily replaced, which significantly extends the service life of the power bank. This means that you can continue to use the power bank even if the batteries have exceeded their service life. You can also insert these rechargeable batteries directly into compatible Ledlenser lamps. This function promotes sustainability, as less electronic waste is produced and the power bank does not have to be disposed of.
- Robustness and protection against environmental influences: Ledlenser power banks are designed for outdoor use and therefore offer a high level of protection against dust and water (IP65 certification). This makes them ideal for activities such as hiking, camping or working in harsh conditions. The robust housing protects the internal components from shocks and the weather, so that the powerbank works reliably even in rugged conditions.
- Intelligent additional functions and versatility: These power banks are not just simple chargers. They offer additional functions such as an integrated charge level indicator that shows you the current battery level at all times. This prevents unpleasant surprises when you are out and about. They also have a low current option that allows you to charge devices with a very low charging current, such as Bluetooth headsets. All models are approved for air travel and can be carried in hand luggage without hesitation.
- Service from Ledlenser: We offer fast shipping, secure payment methods and personal service. Compared to other suppliers, we offer a generous 7-year guarantee on our products. By simply registering online, you can extend the statutory warranty of 2 years by a further 5 years. If a product is defective within this period, we will repair or replace it free of charge.
Conclusion: Ledlenser power banks - ideal for hand luggage
Powerbanks may only be carried in your hand luggage when traveling by air, as they pose a security risk in checked luggage. Make sure that your powerbank does not exceed the capacity limit of 100 watt hours to avoid complications at the security checkpoint.
Always follow the specific regulations of your airline to be on the safe side. During the security check, you must present your power bank separately and make sure that it is undamaged. The capacity should be clearly legible to avoid delays. You may carry a maximum of two power banks in your hand baggage, each up to 100 Wh. For more or larger powerbanks, approval from the airline is required.
Ledlenser offers you a selection of robust and reliable power banks that are ideally suited for air travel. The Flex3, Flex5, Flex7 and Flex10 models offer different capacities and useful additional functions that make them perfect for outdoor activities on vacation. Not only are they durable and protected against moisture and dust, they are also quick to charge and flexible to use. With these power banks, you are well equipped and can charge your electronic devices safely and securely.
Frequently asked questions and answers about power banks in hand luggage
Yes, most airlines accept power banks up to 100 Wh without further ado. Some airlines also allow powerbanks up to 160 Wh. With most airlines, however, you will need prior authorization. The regulations may vary depending on the airline.
Ledlenser power banks are robust, waterproof and dustproof (IP65 certification), have replaceable batteries for sustainability and flexibility and offer additional functions such as a charge level indicator and a low current option for charging devices with a low charging current. They also have less than 100 Wh.
Yes, power banks must be carried in your carry-on luggage. They are not permitted in checked luggage (suitcases).
You may carry a maximum of two power banks in your carry-on luggage, each with a capacity of up to 100 Wh. For more than two power banks or larger ones, you must obtain permission from the airline.
Du musst Deine Powerbank separat aus dem Handgepäck nehmen und zur Inspektion vorlegen. Die Powerbank sollte keine sichtbaren Beschädigungen aufweisen und die Kapazität sollte gut lesbar sein.
Charging your electronic devices on a plane is usually permitted. However, some airlines may have specific regulations.
