Can I bring a power bank over 100Wh?

Most airlines allow batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh only with prior airline approval. Avoid the hassle and stick to anything under 27,000mAh, which equates to roughly 99.9Wh.

Does my power bank need to be brand name?

Yes. Avoid unbranded or generic power banks from kiosks, as they often have inconsistent quality and can be fire hazards.

Choosing the Right Power Bank for International Travel

Aim for a 10,000mAh to 20,000mAh capacity power bank that supports Power Delivery (PD) fast charging. Ensure it stays under the 100Wh limit to comply with international airline lithium-ion battery regulations.

Calculate the Watt-hour (Wh) rating. Most airlines limit batteries to 100Wh. To calculate this, multiply the capacity (mAh) by the voltage (usually 3.7V for internal cells) and divide by 1,000. For example, a 20,000mAh power bank is 74Wh (20,000 * 3.7 / 1,000), which is safely under the limit.
Prioritize USB-C Power Delivery (PD). Look for a power bank that supports at least 30W output if you intend to charge a tablet or laptop. If you only need to charge a phone, 18W-20W is sufficient to trigger fast charging.
Verify port configuration. Select a bank with at least one USB-C PD port for fast charging your devices and one USB-A port for legacy cables. Ensure the power bank itself can be recharged via USB-C to reduce the number of cables you carry.
Check weight-to-capacity ratio. A 10,000mAh bank typically weighs about 200g, while a 20,000mAh bank weighs about 400g. If you carry your charger in a pocket, 10,000mAh is the sweet spot. If it lives in your backpack, go for 20,000mAh.

Can I bring a power bank over 100Wh?: Most airlines allow batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh only with prior airline approval. Avoid the hassle and stick to anything under 27,000mAh, which equates to roughly 99.9Wh.
Does my power bank need to be brand name?: Yes. Avoid unbranded or generic power banks from kiosks, as they often have inconsistent quality and can be fire hazards.