Yes, you can take a power bank on a flight, but only in your hand luggage. Most airlines allow power banks up to 100Wh without approval, and since March 2026 you can carry two at most. Here is everything travellers in Pakistan need to know before packing a power bank on a flight.
Why Power Banks Must Go in Your Hand Luggage
Power banks must always travel in your cabin bag, never in checked luggage. This rule applies on every airline, worldwide.
Power banks run on lithium batteries. If one overheats in the cabin, the crew can spot it and act fast. In the cargo hold, nobody can see a fire starting, which makes it far more dangerous.
So if you pack a power bank in your suitcase, security may pull your bag aside and remove it. Keep it in your backpack or handbag instead. Place it near the top, because staff may ask you to take it out for screening.
Power Bank on a Flight: The Capacity Limits
The key number is 100Wh. Below that, you can fly freely. From 100Wh to 160Wh, you need airline approval. Above 160Wh, it is not allowed at all.
Airlines measure battery size in watt hours (Wh), not mAh. Your power bank should show its rating clearly on the label. If the label is missing or faded, security may refuse it, even if it is within the limit.
How to Convert mAh to Wh
Use this simple formula: Wh = mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000. Most power banks use a 3.7V battery, so here is a quick guide:
- 10000mAh: about 37Wh, allowed
- 20000mAh: about 74Wh, allowed
- 30000mAh: about 111Wh, needs airline approval
- 40000mAh: about 148Wh, needs airline approval
This is why 10000mAh and 20000mAh models are the easiest to travel with. Still, check the exact Wh figure printed on your device, since voltage can vary between models.
What Changed in 2026?
In March 2026, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) tightened the rules. Passengers can now carry a maximum of two power banks, and recharging them on board is not allowed.
ICAO is the UN body that sets global aviation standards, and Pakistan is one of its member states. The change came after a rise in lithium battery incidents on planes.
Many airlines have gone further. The Lufthansa Group has banned using or charging power banks on board since January 2026. Emirates, a popular choice for Pakistani travellers, also restricts power bank use during flights.
Can You Use a Power Bank During the Flight?
Often, no. You cannot recharge a power bank on board, and many airlines also ban charging your phone from one.
The rules differ by airline, so plan ahead. Charge your phone fully before boarding. If your seat has a USB port or socket, that is usually the safer way to top up.
If the crew asks you to put your power bank away, do it right away. Many airlines also want it in the seat pocket or under the seat, not in the overhead bin. That way, the crew can react quickly if it overheats.
How to Pack Your Power Bank the Right Way
A few simple habits will get you through security in Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad without stress.
Switch your power bank off and keep the ports covered so nothing presses against them. Never fly with a power bank that is swollen, cracked or damaged. Keep the capacity label clean and easy to read.
You also do not need to fly with it at 100%. A partly charged battery carries less risk. If you have a connecting flight, check the rules for each airline and follow the strictest one.
Choosing a Travel Friendly Power Bank
The best travel power bank has a clear capacity label, built in safety protection and stays under 100Wh.
For most people, a 10000mAh model is enough for a day of travel and fits easily in a pocket. A 20000mAh model suits long journeys, Umrah trips or families charging several phones.
Interlink offers 10000mAh and 20000mAh power banks with protection against overcharging, overheating and short circuits. For flights, skip 30000mAh models unless your airline has approved them in advance.
Final Word
Taking a power bank on a flight is simple when you follow three rules: hand luggage only, under 100Wh, and no more than two. Add a clear label and a quick check of your airline's policy, and you are set.
Rules keep changing, so always read your airline's dangerous goods page before you fly. Looking for a reliable travel companion? Browse Interlink's range of power bank in Pakistan options with fast charging and free home delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a 20000mAh power bank on a plane?
Yes. A 20000mAh power bank is about 74Wh, which is under the 100Wh limit most airlines follow. You can carry it in your hand luggage without airline approval. Make sure the capacity label is clear, keep it out of checked bags, and follow your airline's rules on using it during the flight.
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Power banks are banned from checked luggage on all airlines because lithium batteries can catch fire, and a fire in the cargo hold is hard to detect. Always pack your power bank in your cabin bag. If security finds one in your suitcase, they may remove it and you could lose it.
How many power banks can I carry on a flight?
Since March 2026, ICAO rules allow a maximum of two power banks per passenger. Some airlines set stricter limits, so only one may be allowed on certain flights. Each power bank must be under 100Wh, or up to 160Wh with airline approval. Check your airline's website before you pack.
Is a 30000mAh power bank allowed on flights?
Usually not without approval. Most 30000mAh power banks are around 111Wh, which is above the standard 100Wh limit. Airlines may allow power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh only with prior approval, and approval is not guaranteed. For stress free travel, choose a 10000mAh or 20000mAh model instead.
What happens if my power bank has no label?
Security staff may refuse a power bank with no visible capacity label, even if it is small. Without a Wh or mAh rating, they cannot confirm it meets airline limits. If your label has faded, it is safer to leave that power bank at home and travel with one that clearly shows its capacity.