Yes, you can bring a portable charger on a plane — but only in carry-on baggage, never checked luggage. The TSA allows power banks up to 100 watt-hours (approximately 27,000mAh) in carry-on bags. Here is everything you need to know about TSA power bank rules in 2026, plus the best TSA-approved portable chargers to bring on your next flight.
TSA Portable Charger Rules: The Short Version
- ✅ Carry-on bag: Allowed (up to 100Wh, or up to 160Wh with airline approval)
- ❌ Checked luggage: Never allowed (lithium battery fire risk)
- ✅ Personal item: Allowed (same rules as carry-on)
- ✅ Pocket or purse: Allowed
The rule applies to all portable chargers, power banks, and battery packs. This is a federal regulation enforced by the FAA and TSA — not airline-specific. It applies on all domestic US flights and most international flights.
Understanding the 100Wh Carry-On Limit
The TSA and FAA regulate portable batteries by watt-hours (Wh), not milliamp-hours (mAh). Most charger packaging shows mAh. Here's how to convert:
Formula: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × Voltage (typically 3.7V)
| Charger Capacity | Watt-Hours | TSA Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000mAh (e.g., Clutch Pro) | 18.5Wh | ✅ Allowed | Well under the limit |
| 10,000mAh | 37Wh | ✅ Allowed | Common power bank size |
| 20,000mAh | 74Wh | ✅ Allowed | Just under the limit |
| 25,000mAh | 92.5Wh | ✅ Allowed | Very close to limit |
| 27,000mAh | ~100Wh | ⚠️ Borderline | At the carry-on limit |
| 30,000mAh | 111Wh | ❌ Not allowed | Exceeds 100Wh limit |
Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Watt-Hours
- Find the mAh rating on your charger's packaging or label
- Divide by 1,000 to convert to Ah (ampere-hours)
- Multiply by the battery voltage (3.6V or 3.7V for most lithium-ion)
- If the result is under 100, you're TSA approved for carry-on
Example: Clutch Pro = 5,000mAh ÷ 1,000 × 3.7V = 18.5Wh ✅
Example: Anker 40,000mAh = 40,000 ÷ 1,000 × 3.7V = 148Wh ❌ Not allowed in carry-on
Important: Never Pack Power Banks in Checked Luggage
This is the most important rule. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch fire — a serious risk in the unpressurized cargo hold. The FAA has recorded multiple cargo fires caused by lithium batteries in checked bags. Always pack power banks in your carry-on or personal item.
If TSA finds a power bank in your checked bag, they will remove it. In some cases, they may flag the bag for additional screening that delays your flight.
Best TSA-Approved Portable Chargers for Travel in 2026
| Charger | Capacity | Watt-Hours | Thickness | Cable | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch Pro | 5,000mAh | 18.5Wh | 0.32" | Built-in USB-C or Lightning | ~$49.99 |
| Anker PowerCore Slim 10K | 10,000mAh | 37Wh | 0.54" | Not included | ~$25.99 |
| Mophie Powerstation Mini | 5,000mAh | 18.5Wh | 0.47" | Not included | ~$39.95 |
| Belkin BoostCharge 20K | 20,000mAh | 74Wh | 0.79" | Not included | ~$59.99 |
Best for Travel: Clutch Pro
For travelers specifically, the Clutch Pro's combination of TSA-approved capacity (18.5Wh), ultra-slim 0.32" profile, and built-in cable makes it uniquely well-suited to airport environments. There's no cable to forget at the hotel, no bulk to navigate through security, and it fits in a jacket pocket or purse pocket without a second thought.
At 3.7 oz, it weighs less than an iPhone. You can carry it through a full day of travel without feeling it in your bag. Over 1 million travelers have made it their go-to airport charger.
Best High-Capacity: Anker PowerCore Slim 10K
If you need to charge your phone twice or charge multiple devices, Anker's 10,000mAh slim models offer the best value. At 37Wh, they're well within TSA limits. The trade-off is thickness (0.54") and the need to carry a separate charging cable.
Best Premium: Mophie Powerstation
Mophie is the premium option for travelers who prioritize brand recognition and build quality. Their 5,000–10,000mAh models are TSA approved and available at major retailers including Apple Stores. No built-in cable.
Common TSA Power Bank Questions
Can you bring a portable charger on a plane?
Yes — in carry-on bags only, never checked. TSA limit is 100Wh (~27,000mAh). Always check the watt-hour rating on your charger's label.
Can I bring two power banks on a plane?
Yes. You can bring multiple power banks in carry-on as long as each is under 100Wh. There is no stated limit on the number, though airlines may enforce limits on very large numbers.
Does TSA actually check power bank capacity?
In most cases, TSA does not calculate Wh at the checkpoint. However, if your power bank sets off an alarm or looks unusual on X-ray, agents may inspect the label. Very large power banks (laptop-battery size) are more likely to be pulled for inspection.
What about international flights?
Most international carriers follow IATA regulations, which mirror FAA/TSA rules: 100Wh limit in carry-on, prohibited in checked bags. Some airlines have stricter rules — always check your carrier's website before flying internationally with power banks.
Pro Travel Tips for Power Banks
- Keep your charger in an accessible spot in your carry-on (not buried at the bottom) — TSA may ask you to remove electronics for screening
- Have the watt-hour rating visible or ready to show if asked
- Avoid chargers over 20,000mAh for international travel — some airlines are stricter than the TSA
- A fully charged power bank can save you on long international flights where seat power is unavailable
- If traveling with a laptop, check whether your laptop itself counts toward power bank limits (it does not — laptop batteries are separate from portable charger rules)
Written by Wilson Carter, Founder of Clutch. Updated March 2026. Clutch is the world's thinnest TSA-approved portable charger — shop at clutchcharger.com.