Published September 21, 2026. This article summarizes public guidance available at publication time. Airline and destination rules can be stricter, so travelers should always verify their specific carrier’s policy before departure.
Air-travel rules for portable chargers are getting more attention in 2026. On March 27, 2026, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) introduced an addendum to its Technical Instructions covering power banks. IATA subsequently published operator guidance explaining that the change separates power banks from spare batteries, limits passengers and crew to two power banks for personal use, and prohibits recharging a power bank during flight.
What changed in 2026?
The ICAO update is intended to address the safety risks associated with lithium battery thermal events in aircraft cabins. IATA’s guidance, dated March 31, 2026, says the changes take effect immediately and remain relevant through the end of 2026, before the next edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations incorporates them.
The headline points for passengers are straightforward: treat a power bank as its own category, plan to keep it with you in the cabin, and do not assume that an airline will allow it to be recharged during the flight. The new international baseline does not replace individual airline policy, which may add tighter limits.
Carry-on remains the practical default
IATA’s passenger guidance says power banks and spare lithium batteries belong in hand baggage, not checked luggage. It also advises travelers to protect loose batteries and power banks from short circuit by using original packaging, covering terminals, or using a protective pouch. If a carry-on is taken at the gate for the aircraft hold, lithium batteries and portable chargers should be removed first.
That advice is consistent with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s current PackSafe guidance. The FAA notes that power banks are carry-on items and warns that airlines may impose stricter quantity or watt-hour limits. It also states that damaged or recalled batteries should not be taken aboard unless made safe under applicable guidance.
The two-power-bank limit needs a closer look
IATA’s March 2026 operator guidance describes a limit of two power banks for personal use. Travelers should treat that as a planning signal, not as a reason to stop checking their airline. Airlines and regulators can implement rules differently, and a carrier may have additional policies about capacity, storage location, use during flight, or the number of batteries permitted.
If you carry more than one portable charger for work, photography, or a long itinerary, check the airline’s battery page before you pack. The number printed in an online marketplace listing is not a substitute for the watt-hour label on the device or a carrier’s published terms.
Watt-hours still matter
For rechargeable batteries, watt-hours are the common unit used in flight guidance. IATA’s passenger page says batteries up to 100Wh are generally allowed in carry-on baggage; batteries from 100Wh to 160Wh may require airline approval; and batteries over 160Wh are generally not permitted on passenger aircraft. The precise result for a trip depends on the airline and route.
A capacity measured only in mAh is not enough to make a flight decision because voltage is also part of the calculation. If the watt-hour label is unclear, consult the device documentation and ask the airline before travel. Our Power Bank Airplane Guide explains the mAh-to-Wh calculation and packing basics in more detail.
Do not recharge the power bank in flight
The 2026 IATA guidance specifically identifies a prohibition on passengers recharging power banks in flight. That is distinct from whether a passenger may use a power bank to charge another personal device; individual airlines may have their own restrictions on both activities. The safest approach is to arrive with the phone, tablet, and power bank already charged and then follow crew instructions throughout the flight.
If a battery-powered device becomes hot, expands, smokes, or is damaged, notify cabin crew immediately. Do not try to conceal the problem or continue using the device.
A practical packing checklist
- Check the watt-hour rating on the power bank.
- Read your airline’s current policy before departure.
- Carry the power bank in hand baggage, not checked baggage.
- Use a pouch or other protection to keep terminals away from loose metal items.
- Bring only the number of units you genuinely need.
- Do not recharge the power bank during the flight if that is prohibited by the applicable rule or airline policy.
For current portable charging options and product information, visit the Votaix home page. Product selection should never replace a pre-flight policy check.
Sources
This update is based on the IATA guidance for operators on power-bank changes, dated March 31, 2026; IATA’s passenger lithium-battery guidance; and the FAA’s PackSafe lithium-battery information, last updated August 11, 2026.
FAQ
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Public IATA and FAA guidance says power banks should be carried in hand baggage, with airline policies checked before travel.
Can I take more than two power banks?
IATA’s 2026 operator guidance describes a two-power-bank limit for personal use. Your airline may apply rules differently or add restrictions, so confirm directly before flying.
Can I charge a power bank on the plane?
IATA’s 2026 guidance identifies a prohibition on recharging power banks in flight. Follow your airline’s policy and crew instructions.