As you may already know, airlines enforce a strict 100Wh limit on flights. However, it’s not always clear how much that means in mAh, since this is the measure of capacity that most people are familiar with. Is a 2000mAh power bank over or under the 100Wh limit?
To prevent any issues from arising at the airport, you should make sure that the Wh or the mAh capacity is clearly displayed on the power bank, like in the example image below.
If the capacity is not visible on the product, you may have issues in some airports as they won’t be able to tell the exact capacity of your device. This is especially true when traveling internationally, where rules may be more strict.
How Many 20000mAh Power Banks Can You Take on a Flight?
TSA does not specify the maximum amount that you can take on board when it comes to batteries that are under 100Wh. Similarly, they do not specify a maximum limit for mobile phones or laptops.
However, we advise you not to go overboard and bring a lot of them with you. You might be pushing your luck that way. But 2-3 20000mAh power banks should go through security without an issue.
The one limit that TSA specifies for batteries is for the ones between 100Wh and 160Wh. In these cases, you’re only allowed to bring a maximum of 2 batteries per person.
How to Determine the Wh Value of Any Power Bank and/or Battery
Since the majority of power banks have their capacity in mAh instead of Wh, this might be a bit confusing at first. But with a simple conversion, you can easily see what the Wh capacity of your portable charger is.
To do this, multiply the mAh by the battery’s nominal voltage (usually 3.7V) and divide it by 1000. For example, 20000mAh * 3.7V/1,000 = 74Wh. Alternatively, you can use our handy mAh to Wh calculator.
What is the Maximum Wh/mAh Value Allowed on a Plane?
The maximum battery capacity you’re allowed to bring on a plane is 100Wh or around 27000mAh. Even though they come in a wide range of voltages and ratings, an average 3.7V power bank would have to be approximately 27000mAh before going over the 100Wh limit. As long as it displays “3.6V” or “3.7V” with a number close to 27000mAh, chances are that it’s ok to take on a flight.
However, power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh can still be taken aboard a plane with you, but they will need special airline approval.
If you have one with a large capacity, you should find out how many Wh it has. Then you will need to contact the airline at least 72 hours prior to your flight to inform them your device is over 100Wh.
As long as it’s below 160Wh, the airline will let you through security. If you need more power, you can carry up to two extra batteries in carry-on bags as long as they don’t exceed 160Wh each.
Anything over 160Wh would cause issues solely because it’s classified as dangerous cargo and they will require special permissions to take aboard a plane. Just for reference, a 160Wh power bank is approximately 44000mAh at 3.6V.
There is also a rule that you are required to follow when it comes to boarding a flight with a power bank. Since power banks contain a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it needs to be stored in your carry-on bag. This is because it’s a lot safer to keep them in an area where they can be monitored.
Keeping it in the cargo hold is more dangerous than storing it in the cabin because it’s harder to notice if it catches fire. This is especially true for large-capacity power banks rated 20000mAh or higher since they could be more explosive than the others with a lower rating.
Accidentally taking a large capacity power bank on a flight or putting it in checked luggage isn’t very likely to cause a huge problem. Most likely you will be required to take it out from your baggage, but in some cases, your device may be confiscated by the airport security.
All-in-all 20000mAh power banks are completely fine to take on a plane. In fact, you can bring several 20000mAh power banks with you on any given flight without any issue. Just make sure that the capacity is clearly printed on one of the sides of the device, especially if traveling internationally.
During the security check, make sure to place your portable charger on a dedicated tray alongside any other electronic devices you may have. Here’s an example below from one of my recent flights:
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can confidently carry 20000mAh power banks on flights, as they fall well below the 100Wh airline limit, translating to approximately 74Wh. It’s essential, however, to ensure that the power bank’s capacity is clearly marked on the device, especially when traveling internationally, to avoid any issues at airport security.
While there’s no specified limit for the number of sub-100Wh power banks you can carry, a reasonable amount, such as 2-3, is advisable. For those with power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh, remember to seek airline approval beforehand.
Understanding these regulations is key to a smooth travel experience. Power banks over 160Wh are classified as dangerous cargo and require special permissions. By adhering to these guidelines, you will be able to stay powered up during your journeys without encountering any unnecessary complications.
