The Power Bank Rule to Know Before Flying

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A power bank can be a traveller’s best friend. It keeps your phone running through long flights, helps you access boarding passes, and gives you enough battery to find your hotel after arriving somewhere unfamiliar. But airlines have tightened restrictions on these portable chargers, so the one in your handbag deserves a little attention before departure.

From March 2026, new international aviation rules limited passengers to two power banks and prohibited recharging them during flights. Individual airlines may impose additional restrictions, so the rules for your particular journey matter.

If you are flying with Air New Zealand, for example, you can carry up to two power banks, each rated at no more than 100 watt-hours. They must remain in your cabin baggage, placed under the seat in front of you, in the seat pocket, or on your person. They cannot be stored in the overhead locker or recharged using the aircraft’s power supply. 

The first thing to do is look at the label on your power bank. Its capacity may be listed in watt-hours (Wh), although many devices display milliamp-hours (mAh) instead. If the watt-hour rating is unclear or the label has worn away, ask the manufacturer or your airline for guidance before travelling. Airline staff may refuse a battery they cannot verify. 

Packing matters, too. Keep your power bank somewhere accessible in your cabin bag, away from keys, coins, and other metal objects that could cause a short circuit. Never put a loose power bank in checked luggage. If your cabin bag is taken at the gate and placed in the aircraft hold, remove the power bank first. 

Before leaving home, visit your airline’s official website and review its battery rules, especially if your trip involves several carriers. Do not assume that a device permitted on your outbound flight will automatically meet every airline’s requirements on the return journey.

A little preparation can prevent an inconvenient conversation at the boarding gate. Your phone may be essential when travelling, but keeping it charged should never come at the expense of following the airline’s safety rules.