United Airlines power bank rules, 2026.
United's March 2026 update changed where you store your charger. Here's what it means in practice.
No more overhead storage.
Effective March 1, 2026, United no longer allows power banks to be stored in overhead bins. Chargers must stay on your person, in a seat pocket, or in an under-seat personal item where cabin crew can monitor them. The 100 Wh standard limit is unchanged, as is the 100–160 Wh approval threshold.
Standard limits, stricter storage.
Up to 100 Wh: no approval needed. 100–160 Wh: requires United approval, limit two per passenger. Over 160 Wh: prohibited. All lithium-ion batteries and power banks must travel in carry-on bags, never checked.
What matters.
Under 100 Wh
Standard United limit. The Clutch Pro’s ≈18.5 Wh clears it by 80+ Wh.
Not in the overhead
United’s March 2026 rule. Keep your charger under the seat or in your seat pocket.
Carry-on only
Spare lithium batteries are never allowed in checked baggage.
Fire-safety driven.
United joined a wave of airlines responding to a sharp rise in lithium-battery incidents on aircraft. Keeping power banks accessible means crew can identify and isolate a smoking battery in seconds instead of digging through the overhead bin.
15 colors. Pick yours.
The matte finish hides fingerprints, scuffs, and whatever happens after a long day.
United-approved, under-seat-friendly.
Slim, magnetic, and ≈18.5 Wh — the Clutch Pro lives easily in your seat pocket on every United flight.
Shop the Clutch ProFrequently asked
Is the Clutch Pro allowed on United?
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
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