Pre-flight tech checklist, 2026.
Everything in the right pocket, the right bag, and the right place at security.
Lithium goes here.
Every power bank, spare laptop battery, camera battery, drone battery, and headphone goes in your carry-on. Inside the carry-on, keep them in a pocket or pouch where you can grab them at security if asked. Tape battery terminals on loose cells.
What you'll actually use in flight.
Phone, AirPods, the power bank you’re actively using, and one cable per device. On Southwest, United, American, BA, Lufthansa, Emirates, Singapore, ANA, JAL, Qantas — the power bank stays in your personal item under the seat, not the overhead.
Devices fine, spares no.
A laptop or camera with its battery installed can travel in checked baggage. Spare loose batteries cannot. Pack with care — padded sleeves, original packaging, terminal protection.
Pack like this.
Power banks: personal item
Easy to grab, easy to charge devices from, easy for crew to spot.
Spare cables: any bag
USB-C, Lightning, USB-A — spread them across bags for redundancy.
Wall chargers: carry-on
Compact 30W+ USB-C charger covers laptop and phone in most lounges.
15 colors. Pick yours.
The matte finish hides fingerprints, scuffs, and whatever happens after a long day.
Built into the checklist.
Clutch Pro is the only power bank that does charger, MagSafe, and built-in cable in one pocket-sized package.
Shop the Clutch ProFrequently asked
Is the Clutch Pro allowed on any airline?
Yes. The Clutch Pro is approximately 18.5 Wh (5,000 mAh × 3.7V), well under the 100 Wh carry-on limit every major airline uses.
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Lithium-ion batteries must always travel in carry-on luggage. This is an FAA, EASA, CAA, and ICAO rule — no airline allows it.
How do I convert mAh to Wh?
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × voltage. For lithium-ion power banks, voltage is typically 3.7V. So 5,000 mAh ≈ 18.5 Wh, 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh, 27,000 mAh ≈ 100 Wh.
What if my power bank is over 100 Wh?
Power banks between 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are limited to two per passenger. Anything over 160 Wh is banned from passenger aircraft.
Reviewed by The Clutch Team · June 2026
Shop the Clutch Pro — $49.99