Can I use a power bank on a plane? UK CAA rules and airline restrictions
The short answer
The UK CAA says power banks must not be recharged on board and should not be used to charge other devices, with a maximum of two per person, from 27 March 2026. Whether you can use one in flight is down to your airline, so check before you fly.
What the CAA rules say
The CAA's dangerous goods page says its changes took effect on 27 March 2026, following an ICAO addendum to the Technical Instructions. For passengers and crew they cover power banks and spare batteries.
- A maximum of two power banks per person.
- Power banks must not be recharged on board the aircraft.
- They should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board.
- They must be carried in carry-on baggage and individually protected from short circuits, for example in original packaging, with terminals taped, or in a separate bag or pouch.
Capacity limits
Lithium-ion power banks up to 100 Wh need no operator approval, and those above 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh need operator approval. The CAA's Pack Right guidance says units over 160 Wh are prohibited in passenger baggage. If the rating is not printed on the case, the guidance says to use voltage times amp hours, or for mAh, voltage times mAh divided by 1000.
Airline policies
The CAA's passenger guidance says to check with your airline first if you want to use a power bank on a flight, and to keep it within easy reach. Crews may ask you to store it in the seat-back pocket instead of an overhead locker. The CAA official pages do not list which airlines ban in-flight use, so check your airline's own policy. They also do not cover US or EU regulator rules, so rules may differ on other airlines and routes.
If it overheats
The guidance says that if a power bank gets hot, switch it off, stop charging it and alert the cabin crew immediately. The stated aim of the changes is to reduce the likelihood and impact of thermal events involving lithium batteries. Rules change, so check the official page and your airline before you travel.
Sources: UK CAA: Changes to rules on lithium cells, batteries and power banks, UK CAA: Pack Right. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How many power banks can I take?
The CAA says a maximum of two per person.
Can I charge my power bank on the plane?
No. The CAA says power banks must not be recharged on board.
Can I use it to charge my phone in flight?
The CAA rules say power banks should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board, and guidance says to check your airline first.
Can I put a power bank in my checked bag?
No. The CAA says they must be carried in carry-on baggage.
What size is allowed?
Up to 100 Wh needs no approval, 100 Wh to 160 Wh needs airline approval, and over 160 Wh is prohibited in passenger baggage.