The Complete Guide to TSA-Approved Power Banks (2026)
Everything you need to know about flying with portable chargers in 2026. The rules, the limits, and the chargers that actually pass.
TSA-approved means under 100 Wh in carry-on.
Every major airline and TSA follow the same lithium-ion rule: portable chargers up to 100 Wh are allowed in carry-on luggage. Chargers must travel in your carry-on, never checked baggage. The Clutch Pro 5000mAh is approximately 18.5 Wh — well within limits and approved on every major US and international airline.
What matters.
Under 100 Wh
TSA's carry-on limit. The Clutch Pro is ~18.5 Wh (5,000 mAh × 3.7V).
Carry-on only
Lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked luggage. Pack your charger in your personal bag.
Approved globally
TSA, EU, UK, and most international airlines follow the same 100 Wh limit.
Quick math.
Wh = (mAh / 1000) × voltage. For lithium-ion power banks, voltage is typically 3.7V. So a 5,000 mAh charger is approximately 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.
Special permission rules.
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 entirely. For most travelers carrying a Clutch Pro or similar slim chargers, this never comes up.
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The TSA-approved verdict.
For most travelers, the Clutch Pro at ~18.5 Wh is the easiest TSA-approved portable charger to pack. Slim, magnetic, 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 approximately 18.5 Wh (5,000 mAh × 3.7V), well within TSA's 100 Wh carry-on limit. It's approved on every major US and international airline.
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Lithium-ion batteries must always travel in carry-on luggage, never checked. This is a universal rule across the TSA, EU, UK, and global airline industries.
How many power banks can I bring on a flight?
TSA doesn't limit the number of personal-use power banks under 100 Wh. Most airlines allow 2–3 per passenger as a practical maximum.
What about international flights?
Same rule. EU, UK, IATA, and almost every national aviation authority follows the 100 Wh carry-on limit for lithium-ion power banks.
Reviewed by The Clutch Team · May 2026
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