Before packing a portable charger, check four things: how many you can bring, its watt-hour rating, where it must be stored, and whether you may use it during the flight. A general packing rule cannot answer all four for every airline.
What changed in 2026?
ICAO announced new power-bank specifications effective March 27, 2026, limiting them to two per passenger and prohibiting passengers from recharging them during flights. The ICAO announcement is the international standards context; check the rules applied by the authorities and airlines on your route.
For departures from Singapore, CAAS implemented a maximum of two power banks per person from April 15, 2026. Excess units must be disposed of before the flight. The authority also prohibits recharging the power bank on board and advises against using it to charge devices. CAAS departure requirements.
Keep it with you if your cabin bag is checked
The FAA's PackSafe guidance requires spare lithium batteries, including power banks, in carry-on baggage. If your carry-on is taken at the gate or aircraft side, remove the power bank and keep it in the cabin. Protect terminals from short circuits, for example with a suitable protective pouch, and protect the unit from damage.
Tell the crew immediately if a battery or device overheats, expands, smokes or burns. Do not pack a damaged or recalled battery that poses a heat or spark hazard. The FAA also warns that airlines can impose stricter quantity and capacity limits.
An airline example: Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines' April 2026 advisory permits up to two power banks. Units up to 100 Wh need no prior approval; units above 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh require prior airline approval; larger units are not allowed. These are that airline's published conditions, not permission to use the same limits on another carrier.
Its advisory says to keep power banks accessible, such as in the seat-back pocket or under the seat ahead, rather than in overhead storage. It prohibits both recharging a power bank from aircraft power and using one to charge a personal device during the flight.
One practical tip: make a removable essentials pouch
Check every operating airline
For a journey with different carriers, review each operating airline's current policy before packing. Read the capacity label on the unit and resolve any approval requirement in advance. Do not assume a rule about spare camera batteries applies unchanged to power banks.
Add the check to your SkyStamp packing checklist. For ordinary checkpoint liquids and identification, use our separate TSA guide.
Sources and review date
Checked on . Requirements can change. Use the official links to check your route again before departure.
