Power Bank in Flight - Allowed or Not (India)?
Allowed
Allowed in cabin baggage only. Strictly prohibited in checked baggage.
Quick answer
Lithium cells are happiest in the pressurised cabin where crew can reach them if the chemistry misbehaves. In the hold, a runaway cell can smoulder unnoticed, so DGCA, ICAO, and every airline tell passengers to keep detachable batteries by their side.
Security officers scan each pack for a watt-hour (Wh) label. If the pack only lists milliamp-hours, convert it (mAh × volts ÷ 1,000) before you leave home and jot the math on masking tape. A clear label saves you from being sidelined at the X-ray belt while others file past.
Treat exposed terminals with respect: cover them with tape or slot them inside silicone sleeves, store the bank at 30–60% charge, and never check it with your suitcase. Airline policies are aligned on this because regulators would rather refuse a charger than divert a flight for smoke in the belly.
Before heading to the airport
- ✔Confirm the capacity is under 100Wh or get a written nod from the airline if it is 100–160Wh.
- ✔Inspect the casing for swelling, dents, or loose USB ports; damaged packs are confiscated on sight.
- ✔Label each bank with your name, phone number, and watt-hour math if the shell only shows mAh.
During screening and boarding
- ✔Place the power bank in the electronics tray, separate from cables, so the X-ray shows a clean outline.
- ✔Keep spare USB-C or lightning cables coiled; tangled wires trigger manual bag checks for hidden batteries.
- ✔Store the bank in a ventilated pocket while charging your phone on board—crew can ask you to unplug bloated packs.
Watt-hour thresholds airlines actually enforce
| Capacity | Allowed? | What security expects |
|---|---|---|
| 0–100Wh | ✅ Yes | Carry in cabin, declare only if casing is scuffed |
| 100–160Wh | ⚠️ Airline approval | Show written approval + tape terminals |
| >160Wh | ❌ No | Not accepted on commercial flights; ship by cargo instead |
Do this
- ✅ Travel with two smaller packs instead of one chunky 200Wh brick.
- ✅ Use fire-resistant pouches (Lipo bags) if you carry photography batteries alongside power banks.
- ✅ Charge banks only after security so officers can feel the shell is cool.
Avoid this
- ⚠️ Don’t tape a power bank to the outside of smart luggage; remove it and carry it with you.
- ⚠️ Don’t throw loose coins or keys into the same pocket—scratches can short exposed ports.
- ⚠️ Never check a backpack that still contains a power bank; luggage scans catch it and delay your flight.
FAQ
Q. Can I carry unlimited power banks if each one is under 100Wh?
Most airlines cap it at two medium banks or four smaller ones. If you show up with a dozen, expect questions about resale and dangerous goods allowances.
Q. Do airlines accept third-party brands without BIS marks?
Yes, but uncertified or unbranded packs draw scrutiny. Carry the retail invoice or BIS-coded packaging if the logo has rubbed off.
Q. What about power banks built into backpacks?
You must remove the module and carry it separately. If it is non-removable, the bag is treated like prohibited smart luggage.
Tips before you fly
- ✈️ Snap a photo of the watt-hour label right after purchase; handy when the shell scuffs over time.
- ✈️ Keep USB ports dust-free with silicone plugs so officers can quickly inspect them.
- ✈️ Pack a short 0.3m cable exclusively for security trays so your main cable stays organised.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.