Can you pack a power bank in checked luggage?

No. Under U.S. FAA guidance, spare lithium batteries and power banks must stay with you in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage. Watt-hour limits apply, and an airline may impose stricter rules.

Check the watt-hour rating

The FAA allows spare lithium-ion batteries up to 100 watt-hours for passenger use, subject to its conditions. A battery rated above 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh requires airline approval, with a limit of two spare batteries per person. Batteries above 160 Wh are generally not allowed on passenger aircraft.

The Wh rating is often printed on the battery or power bank. If the label gives volts and amp-hours instead, watt-hours are calculated as volts multiplied by amp-hours. If you cannot confirm the rating, ask the airline before traveling.

Keep it protected and accessible

Carry the power bank in the cabin where it can be accessed. Protect it from damage and from short circuits. Keep exposed terminals away from keys, coins, and other metal objects. If your carry-on is taken at the gate, remove the power bank and keep it with you in the cabin.

Do not travel with a damaged, defective, or recalled battery unless the manufacturer or airline has confirmed it has been made safe. If a battery becomes hot, swollen, smoky, or starts burning during a flight, alert the crew immediately.

Check the airline

This is a U.S. FAA baseline, not a guarantee that every carrier or country uses identical limits. Check the operating airline's current rules before you pack, especially for larger power banks or international itineraries.