Power Banks on Flights: What Indian Travelers Need to Know
Can You Take a Power Bank on a Flight from India? Yes, Yes, power banks are allowed on flights but only in your cabin baggage. You cannot place them in checked-in luggage, whether you’re flying within India or abroad.
This isn’t an airline preference it’s a safety regulation from DGCA (India) and IATA (international) because power banks contain lithium batteries, which are fire-sensitive under certain conditions.
1. DGCA Rules on Power Banks You Must Follow
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) follows global guidelines with a few specific rules for travelers:
- Only Li-ion (Lithium-ion) or Li-Po (Lithium Polymer) batteries are allowed
- Power banks must be under 100 watt-hours (Wh) to carry without approval
- Between 100Wh and 160Wh: allowed but only with airline approval
- Above 160Wh: completely banned on all flights
If you’re carrying multiple devices, each power bank must fall within these limits.
2. How to Know Your Power Bank’s Capacity in Wh (Watt-Hour)?
Most power banks list mAh (milliamp-hours), not Wh. Use this formula to convert:
Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000
Example:
- 10000 mAh at 3.7V = 37Wh (allowed)
- 20000 mAh = ~74Wh (allowed)
- 30000 mAh = ~111Wh (may need airline approval)
Check the label or the manual. If it’s not listed, it may get flagged at security.
3. Indian Airlines May Ask to See the Capacity Label
During screening, Indian airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet, or Akasa may ask:
- “Is that a power bank?”
- “What’s the capacity?”
- “Where’s the label?”
Tips:
- Keep your power bank in an outer pocket
- Don’t bury it in your cabin bag
- If it’s over 100Wh, be ready to show prior airline approval
4. How Many Power Banks Can You Carry on a Flight?
DGCA doesn’t specify a maximum number, but most Indian airlines suggest:
- 2 power banks per person
- All must be below 100Wh or approved
- All must be in carry-on only, not in checked bags
Don’t attempt to pack multiple high-capacity power banks without checking with the airline first.
5. Using a Power Bank During Flight: Is It Allowed?
Yes, but only while cruising (not during take-off, taxi, or landing). Use responsibly:
- Don’t charge your phone while the power bank is inside your bag
- Avoid using banks over 30000 mAh on flights they’re bulky, draw attention, and may cross the Wh limit
6. Travel Tips for Carrying Power Banks Safely
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Use a separate pouch | Easier during security checks |
| Label must be visible | Prevents delays or confiscation |
| Don’t carry damaged banks | Could trigger alerts or fire concerns |
| Half-charge before flying | Reduces thermal risk in hot storage |
| Confirm with airline if over 100Wh | Avoid airport surprises |
7. Flight Rules for Power Banks (India) – Summary
| Power Bank Size | Allowed on Flight? | Where to Pack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100Wh (e.g., 10000-20000 mAh) | Yes | Cabin only | Airline approval not needed |
| 100-160Wh (e.g., 30000 mAh) | With approval | Cabin only | Inform airline in advance |
| Over 160Wh | No | Nowhere | Prohibited |
| Checked-in baggage | No | Nowhere | Not allowed at all |
You can travel with power banks in India if you follow the rules for placement, capacity, and labeling. Think of it like carrying a battery-powered device with clear specifications, and security will be easy anywhere in India or abroad.
