Southwest Airlines power bank rules, 2026.
Southwest's April 20, 2026 policy is the strictest in the US. One charger, in sight, no in-flight charging.
One power bank, under 100 Wh.
Southwest limits each passenger to a single lithium-powered portable charger, capped at 100 Wh. Power banks must travel in the cabin, never in checked luggage. They cannot be placed in the overhead bin, and they cannot be recharged from in-seat power during flight.
Under the seat — and visible when in use.
Southwest requires power banks to be stored in a personal item under the seat in front of you. When you're using the charger, it must be visible (not hidden inside a bag) so cabin crew can spot an overheating battery instantly.
What matters.
Just one
Southwest is the only major US airline limiting passengers to a single power bank.
Under the seat
Not the overhead. Personal item only.
No in-flight charging
You can charge your phone from the power bank, but you can't recharge the power bank from seat power.
Fire incidents are climbing.
The FAA tracked 97 incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat from batteries on US flights in the last year. Southwest is leading the response. By mid-2027 Southwest's entire fleet will have in-seat power, reducing how much travelers rely on portable chargers in the first place.
15 colors. Pick yours.
The matte finish hides fingerprints, scuffs, and whatever happens after a long day.
One charger, picked carefully.
If you can only bring one, make it the Clutch Pro: ≈18.5 Wh, slim enough for a personal item, MagSafe on the back.
Shop the Clutch ProFrequently asked
Is the Clutch Pro allowed on Southwest?
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