Can you take a 20000mAh battery on a plane?

Juicing Up On the Go: Understanding Airline Rules for Your 20,000mAh Power Bank

Staying connected while traveling is essential for most of us, and portable power banks have become indispensable travel companions. But with the rise in powerful portable chargers, particularly those boasting capacities like 20,000mAh, understanding airline regulations is crucial for a smooth journey. Can you take a 20,000mAh power bank on a plane? The answer is generally yes, but with important caveats.

While a 20,000mAh power bank typically falls within the acceptable limit for carry-on luggage, it’s strictly prohibited in checked baggage. This distinction stems from the potential fire hazard posed by lithium-ion batteries, which power most portable chargers. Containing these batteries within the pressurized cabin allows for quicker response and mitigation should an incident occur. Stowing them in the cargo hold, however, increases the risk of an uncontrolled fire.

The magic number to remember is 100Wh (Watt-hours). Most airlines cap the allowed capacity of power banks at 100Wh, and many translate this to approximately 20,000mAh. However, this conversion isn’t always precise, as Watt-hours are calculated by multiplying the mAh rating by the voltage and dividing by 1000. Therefore, a 20,000mAh power bank with a higher voltage could exceed the 100Wh limit. To avoid any confusion at the gate, it’s highly recommended to check your power bank’s specifications and calculate its Watt-hour rating.

Furthermore, even if your power bank falls under the 100Wh threshold, some airlines may impose additional restrictions on the number of power banks allowed per passenger. They may also require power banks to be individually protected, for instance, by placing them in separate protective cases or covering the terminals with tape to prevent short circuits.

Another important consideration is loose lithium-ion batteries. Spare or removable batteries for electronic devices are generally not allowed in checked baggage and face stricter regulations for carry-on luggage. If you need to travel with spare batteries, consult your airline’s specific guidelines beforehand.

In short, while a 20,000mAh power bank is often permissible in carry-on luggage, don’t assume anything. Airline regulations can vary, and updates happen frequently. The best practice is to always check the specific guidelines of the airline you’re flying with before you arrive at the airport. This simple step can save you the hassle of surrendering your power bank – and the inconvenience of a drained phone during your travels.