100 Wh, 160 Wh, banned: the three tiers.
Every power bank falls into one of three buckets. Here's how to know which one you're in.
Under 100 Wh: bring as many as airline allows.
Power banks under 100 Wh need no special approval. You can bring multiple in carry-on, subject to per-airline caps (1 on Southwest and Emirates, 2 on most others). This covers virtually every consumer charger.
100–160 Wh: airline approval, max two.
Power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require advance approval from the airline. Max two per passenger. These are heavy-duty professional batteries — think filmmaking gear, large drone packs, RV-style power stations.
Over 160 Wh: banned from passenger flights.
Anything over 160 Wh is banned from passenger aircraft entirely. If you need to ship one, use a cargo carrier with hazmat certification.
Practical math.
Tier 1 is most chargers
Anything up to ≈27,000 mAh at 3.7V is auto-approved.
Tier 2 is pro gear
27,000–43,000 mAh range. Approval required.
Tier 3 is freight only
Anything bigger ships on cargo aircraft, not yours.
15 colors. Pick yours.
The matte finish hides fingerprints, scuffs, and whatever happens after a long day.
Tier 1 forever.
Clutch Pro is 18.5 Wh — deep in Tier 1, no approval, no math, no gate questions.
Shop the Clutch ProFrequently asked
What is the 100 Wh limit?
It’s the watt-hour cap below which power banks travel in carry-on with no airline approval needed. Set by ICAO and adopted by every major aviation authority.
Why is 160 Wh the second threshold?
Batteries between 100–160 Wh are still considered manageable in a cabin fire scenario but pose enough risk that the airline wants to know they’re onboard.
Can I get airline approval at the gate?
Usually not. Approval is requested in advance through the airline’s dangerous goods desk.
Is the Clutch Pro under 100 Wh?
Yes — about 18.5 Wh.
Reviewed by The Clutch Team · June 2026
Shop the Clutch Pro — $49.99