TSA-Approved Portable Chargers: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything air travelers need to know about portable chargers. The rules, the limits, the chargers that pass — and the ones that get confiscated at the gate.
The rules are simpler than the regulations make them sound.
TSA's lithium-ion battery rule for portable chargers is straightforward: under 100 Wh (watt-hours), carry-on only. That's the whole rule. The Clutch Pro 5000mAh is approximately 18.5 Wh — well within the limit and approved on every major US and international airline.
What matters.
Under 100 Wh
TSA's lithium-ion limit. Almost all consumer chargers (5K, 10K, 20K mAh) are well under.
Carry-on only
Lithium-ion batteries are forbidden in checked luggage. Pack chargers in carry-on.
Approved chargers
Any portable charger under 100 Wh passes. The Clutch Pro at ~18.5 Wh is approved everywhere.
The math.
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × voltage. For lithium-ion power banks, voltage is typically 3.7V. So a 5,000 mAh charger is ~18.5 Wh, a 10,000 mAh is ~37 Wh, and a 27,000 mAh is ~100 Wh. Anything above ~27,000 mAh approaches the carry-on limit.
Common gate confiscations.
Three things commonly get pulled at the gate: (1) chargers in checked luggage — they're not allowed and must be moved to carry-on; (2) chargers over 100 Wh without airline approval; (3) damaged or swollen lithium-ion batteries, which TSA may flag regardless of capacity. If your power bank looks visibly swollen, retire it.
EU, UK, Asia — same 100 Wh limit.
The 100 Wh limit isn't unique to the TSA. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets the global standard, and the EU, UK, Japan, Australia, and almost every major civil aviation authority follow it. Travelers flying internationally with a Clutch Pro never need to worry about the cap.
100–160 Wh requires airline approval.
Chargers between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are limited to two per passenger. Anything over 160 Wh is banned from passenger aircraft. For most travelers, this is academic.
15 colors. Pick yours.
The TSA-approved verdict.
For most travelers, the Clutch Pro at ~18.5 Wh is the easiest TSA-approved portable charger to pack. Under every limit, MagSafe-compatible, built-in cable, and approved on every flight you'll ever take.
Shop the Clutch ProFrequently asked
Is the Clutch Pro TSA-approved?
Yes. The Clutch Pro is ~18.5 Wh (5,000 mAh × 3.7V), well within TSA's 100 Wh carry-on limit.
Can I bring a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Lithium-ion power banks must travel in carry-on, never checked. This is a universal rule.
How do I calculate Wh from mAh?
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × 3.7V. A 10,000 mAh charger is approximately 37 Wh.
How many power banks can I bring on a flight?
TSA doesn't limit the count for personal-use chargers under 100 Wh. Most airlines allow 2–3 per passenger.
What if my charger is damaged or swollen?
Don't fly with it. TSA can flag visibly damaged lithium-ion batteries regardless of capacity. Replace any swollen charger before traveling.
Reviewed by The Clutch Team · May 2026
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