What You Should Know Before Taking a Power Bank on a Flight
For many travelers, packing a power bank can be a source of anxiety. Bring the wrong power bank, and it may be rejected at security. Leave it behind, and you may worry about running out of battery during your trip.
With more power bank fire and smoke incidents being reported, airlines and aviation authorities have tightened or clarified their rules for carrying portable batteries onboard.
This guide explains the key checks to make before taking a power bank on a flight, including certification markings, rated energy, carry-on requirements and in-flight use.
Power Bank Compliance Checks Before Departure
Check Certification and Product Markings
Different countries and regions apply different product-compliance requirements to power banks.
For domestic flights within China, power banks must have a clear and intact CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark. Since June 28, 2025, power banks without a CCC mark, with an unclear CCC mark, or from recalled models or batches are not allowed onboard domestic flights in China.
For international travel, product markings may include FCC in the United States, CE and RoHS in the European Union, and KC in South Korea. These are not universal airport-security requirements, so they do not replace checking the rules of your airline and destination.
Check the Rated Energy in Watt-Hours
When flying, the most important battery specification is the rated energy in watt-hours (Wh), not only the capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh).
Under widely used international aviation guidance, power banks up to 100Wh are generally allowed in carry-on baggage without airline approval. Power banks over 100Wh and up to 160Wh may be accepted with prior airline approval, while units above 160Wh are generally not permitted on passenger aircraft.
Some airlines apply stricter rules. Make sure the Wh rating and other specifications are clearly visible on the product label before you travel.
Follow Carry-On and In-Flight Rules
Power banks must be carried in your cabin baggage or on your person. They must never be placed in checked baggage. If your cabin bag is taken at the gate and moved to the hold, remove the power bank first.
Quantity limits can vary by airline and route. For domestic flights in China, CAAC rules state that no more than two power banks in the 100–160Wh category may be carried, and only with airline approval. This should not be treated as a universal two-power-bank limit for every flight.
Protect exposed terminals to prevent short circuits. Keep the power bank accessible and follow crew instructions about storage. Do not recharge a power bank from the aircraft power supply. Whether you may use it to charge another device depends on the airline; on domestic flights in China, using a power bank during the flight is prohibited and switched units should remain off.
If a phone or power bank slips into a seat gap, do not move the seat. Ask a cabin crew member for help to avoid crushing or damaging the battery.
What Happens If a Power Bank Is Rejected?
If your power bank does not meet the required rules, the options available depend on the airport. You may be able to hand it to someone who is not traveling, send it by courier, or use a temporary storage service.
Storage periods, collection procedures and fees vary by airport. If no alternative is available, you may need to surrender the power bank before passing through security. Checking the rules in advance is the easiest way to avoid losing a device or missing your flight.
The KATAK PK13 for Everyday Travel
The KATAK PK13 10000mAh mini power bank is designed for compact everyday carry. Its product label shows key specifications clearly, helping travelers check the information that airline and security staff may need to see.
With a 10,000mAh battery capacity and a rated energy of 38.5Wh, the PK13 is below the common 100Wh threshold. It also supports up to 22.5W fast charging through USB-C for compatible devices.
The detachable USB-C short cable can also serve as a carrying strap, reducing the need to pack a separate charging cable for short trips.
Being below 100Wh does not guarantee acceptance on every flight. The product must still meet the applicable airline, route and destination requirements.
Conclusion
Before taking a power bank on a flight, check three things: the required certification or product markings, the Wh rating, and the carry-on and in-flight rules for your airline and destination.
A clearly labeled power bank below 100Wh is generally easier to travel with, but airline policies and national regulations always take priority.
The compact KATAK PK13 combines a 10,000mAh capacity, 38.5Wh rated energy, 22.5W charging and a detachable USB-C strap cable for convenient everyday travel.
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