Can I bring a 20000mAh power bank on a plane in China?

Can You Bring a 20,000mAh Power Bank on a Chinese Plane?

Traveling within China? Understanding the air travel regulations surrounding power banks is crucial to avoid potential issues at security checkpoints. While a 20,000mAh power bank might seem like a convenient travel companion, Chinese regulations place strict limits on the wattage permissible in carry-on luggage.

China’s aviation authority mandates that carry-on power banks be limited to a maximum of 100 watt-hours. This crucial restriction applies to all passengers. Importantly, this limit isn’t based on the milliamp-hour (mAh) rating, but on the calculated watt-hour (Wh) capacity.

Crucially, you need to calculate the watt-hours to ensure compliance. The formula is straightforward: watt-hours (Wh) = voltage (V) × milliamp-hours (mAh) / 1000.

For a typical power bank with a 3.7V voltage output, a 20,000mAh power bank would have a watt-hour capacity of (3.7V × 20,000mAh) / 1000 = 74 Wh. This exceeds the 100 Wh limit. Therefore, a 20,000mAh power bank, even with a standard 3.7V output, is prohibited for carry-on luggage.

While you can’t bring a 20,000mAh power bank in your carry-on, you can still carry two power banks in your checked baggage, as long as the total combined capacity doesn’t breach the safety standards in effect.

To avoid potential issues, always calculate the watt-hours for any power bank you intend to bring on a Chinese flight, and check that it falls within the allowed 100 Wh limit. If not, choose a smaller power bank for your carry-on. Alternatively, you may pack the higher-capacity power bank in checked baggage, ensuring it is securely packed and complies with the airline’s baggage policies.

In summary, while you might be able to bring a smaller power bank in your carry-on, a 20,000mAh power bank is likely to exceed the allowable watt-hour limit and won’t be permitted in your carry-on. Prior calculation and planning are essential to avoid potential delays or confiscation at the airport.