[2025 Power Bank Flight Restrictions] Are There mAh Limits for Power Banks? A Guide to Airline Policies

In 2025, airlines worldwide have updated their policies on carrying power banks due to safety concerns related to lithium batteries. Regulations vary across airlines, and non-compliant power banks (in terms of capacity, quantity, or labeling) may result in denied boarding or confiscation.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, this article compiles the latest Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) regulations, power bank policies for ten popular airlines among Hong Kong travelers, answers to common questions, and recommendations for compliant power banks from THINKTHING Studio.

2025 Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department Power Bank Regulations

According to the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (CAD) announcement on March 24, 2025, effective April 7, 2025, passengers are prohibited from using power banks to charge other portable electronic devices or recharging the power banks themselves during flights. Additionally, power banks must not be stored in overhead compartments and should be kept in carry-on luggage, placed under the seat or in the seat pocket. These measures aim to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires and enhance flight safety.

Passengers should check with their airline for any stricter internal policies to avoid complications.

5 Key Power Bank Flight Restrictions

To comply with power bank flight restrictions, here are the international standards followed by most airlines, which travelers must note:

Restriction 1: Capacity Limits

Capacity is the primary factor determining whether a power bank can be brought on board. Per most airline and international aviation regulations, exceeding certain capacity thresholds requires special approval or is outright prohibited.

• Power banks generally must not exceed 100Wh (watt-hours).
• Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval.
• Power banks exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited.
• Conversion Formula: Wh = mAh × Voltage ÷ 1000
• Voltage: Typically 3.7V
• Examples: 10,000mAh ≈ 37Wh; 20,000mAh ≈ 74Wh

Restriction 2: No Checked Baggage

Many travelers mistakenly believe placing power banks in checked luggage is convenient, but this violates aviation safety rules. All power banks must be carried in hand luggage.

• Power banks must be in carry-on luggage for security screening.
• If detected in checked baggage, passengers may face bag inspections, confiscation, or boarding delays.
• Even unopened, new power banks are not exempt.
• Tip: Keep power banks in an easily accessible bag for quick security checks.

Restriction 3: Usage Restrictions

To prevent issues due to temperature or pressure changes at high altitudes, airlines have tightened usage rules. In 2025, the Hong Kong CAD explicitly states that passengers must not use power banks to charge devices or recharge the power banks themselves during flights.

• Power banks cannot be used to charge phones, tablets, or laptops during the flight.
• Recharging power banks in-flight is also prohibited.

Restriction 4: Labeling Requirements

During security checks, power banks must clearly display their capacity (mAh or Wh). Per many airlines’ policies, unlabeled or unclearly labeled power banks, even if within capacity limits, may be deemed hazardous and prohibited.

• Labels must be factory-printed; stickers or handwritten labels may not be accepted.
• Unlabeled or unclearly labeled power banks may be rejected as “unverifiable.”

Restriction 5: Quantity Limits

Travellers often carry multiple power banks for long flights, but airlines limit the number allowed. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and most airline policies, passengers are generally restricted to 2 medium-to-high-capacity power banks. Exceeding this may require reducing the number or discarding excess units.

• Passengers can typically carry up to 20 spare batteries (below 100Wh or 2g lithium content), including lithium batteries, power banks, or alkaline batteries.
• For business purposes requiring more, contact the airline in advance for approval.

Looking for a safe and compliant power bank? THINKTHING Studio’s power banks meet international aviation safety standards, with clear labelling and reliable performance, making them ideal for travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about power bank flight restrictions:

1. Can a 10,000mAh power bank be brought on a plane?

Yes. A 10,000mAh power bank is approximately 37Wh (10,000mAh × 3.7V / 1000), well below the 100Wh limit, and is permitted by most airlines.

2. Can a 20,000mAh power bank be brought on a plane?

Generally, yes. A 20,000mAh power bank is about 74Wh (20,000mAh × 3.7V / 1000), within the 100Wh limit. Ensure the Wh rating is clearly labeled.

3. Can power banks exceeding capacity limits be brought on board?

Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline approval. Those exceeding 160Wh are prohibited.

4. Which power bank brands are more likely to be accepted?

Any power bank with clear Wh labeling and compliance with safety standards is acceptable. THINKTHING Studio’s power banks are favored for their high safety and standardized design.

5. Can power banks be used to charge phones on a plane?

No. As of 2025, new regulations prohibit using power banks or similar devices (including portable chargers) on flights. Passengers may use in-flight USB ports or power outlets, if available.

Comparison of Power Bank Restrictions Across Major Airlines

Below is a comparison of power bank policies for ten airlines commonly used by Hong Kong travellers in 2025:

Note: Airline policies may change. Check the airline’s official website or contact customer service before departure.

Recommended Compliant Power Banks and Chargers – THINKTHING Studio

Travel Power Bank Recommendation 1: SUPERBANK Power Bank | 20,000mAh, Top Choice for Travel, Multiple Ports, Space-Saving

The SUPERBANK is a 20,000mAh power bank designed for travel and high-performance needs, supporting USB-C PD fast charging and simultaneous charging of multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and earbuds. Certified to meet international safety standards with clear labelling, it complies with flight regulations. Its premium aluminium alloy shell combines durability and elegance.

Travel Charger Recommendation 2: MagSafer 4-in-1 Charger | Charges Phone, Apple Watch, and AirPods

Price: HKD$729/Unit

Need one charger for your phone, watch, and earbuds during travel? The MagSafer 4-in-1 Charger combines magnetic wireless charging, an Apple Watch charging dock, an AirPods charging area, and USB-C fast charging. Designed for Apple users, it supports up to four devices simultaneously, eliminating cable clutter. Its foldable, lightweight design is perfect for business trips, vacations, or home use.