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Power banks on flights

Power banks on flights (from April 20, 2026) — 2 per person, 160Wh max, no in-flight use

Since April 20, 2026, passengers may carry up to two power banks, each 160Wh (about 43,000mAh) or less. Charging a power bank, or using one to charge another device, is banned during the flight, and power banks cannot go in checked baggage. The rule was proposed by South Korea's transport ministry and adopted by ICAO as an international standard, so it applies on international routes too.

Power bank rules changed in both 2025 and 2026, so older articles that say "up to five" are out of date. Rechecked on 2026-10-01 against the Korean government announcement.

Current rule (effective April 20, 2026)

  • Quantity — up to 2 per person

  • Capacity — 160Wh (about 43,000mAh) or less each; above 160Wh is not allowed in the cabin

  • In-flight use — charging the power bank and using it to charge other devices are both prohibited

  • Checked baggage — not allowed; carry it with you

South Korea's proposed safety standard was adopted on March 27, 2026 as an amendment to ICAO's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284) and took effect on April 20. Before that, the international rule had no count limit for batteries under 100Wh, and Korea's domestic rule allowed five.

How many Wh is my power bank?

If the label shows Wh, use that. If it only shows mAh:

  • Wh = mAh × rated voltage (V) ÷ 1000

  • Use the rated voltage printed on the product, usually 3.6–3.85V.

At 3.7V:

  • 10,000mAh → about 37Wh

  • 20,000mAh → about 74Wh

  • 27,000mAh → about 100Wh

  • 43,000mAh → about 159Wh (matching the government's "160Wh ≈ 43,000mAh")

Common 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh units are far below 160Wh, so for them the limit that matters is "two per person".

Things people get wrong at the airport

  • Batteries built into phones and laptops are not power banks; the two-unit limit is about separate power banks.

  • Since March 2025, Korean airlines have asked passengers not to put power banks in overhead bins (keep them on you or in the seat pocket) and to protect terminals with insulating tape or a plastic bag.

  • Units above 100Wh may face extra airline conditions such as approval. Check your airline's guidance first.

Power banks checked on this site — all 10,000–20,000mAh, well under 160Wh. Prices and stock are as of the date shown on each card.

📊 Side-by-side comparison table→

FAQ

Q. Can I take a 20,000mAh power bank on a plane?

At 3.7V it is about 74Wh, below 160Wh. Within the two-per-person limit you can carry it on board. It cannot go in checked baggage.

Q. Can I bring three power banks?

Since April 20, 2026, the limit is two per person regardless of capacity.

Q. Can I charge my phone from a power bank during the flight?

No. Charging the power bank and using it to charge other devices are both prohibited in flight.

Sources

한국어: Power banks on flights (from April 20, 2026) — 2 per person, 160Wh max, no in-flight use