Power banks over 100 Wh, but not exceeding 160 Wh - how does airline approval work in practice?
International regulations say that you can have in carry-on maximum two 100Wh-160Wh spare lithium-ion batteries, subject to approval by the airline.
There is no such requirement for batteries not exceeding 100 Wh.
Does anyone have any experience how such approval of >100 Wh power banks work in practice? Has anyone ever been rejected to carry a 100-160 Wh power bank?
Theoretically, to be sure, its probably best to request a letter from the airline in writing, before buying the ticket, with a permission to carry a specific power bank, to show the paper at security control in case of problems.
But in practice, is it usually a non-issue, and you can just show up with a 100-160 Wh power bank and go through security without problems? Or are there any stories of people having their 100Wh-160Wh power banks rejected? I am asking in the light of the PLUG Travel Indiegogo campaign of a 42000 mAh/151 Wh battery pack.
Best Answer
In practice, you're unlikely to have issues at most places as people are unlikely to inspect the wattage of each power brick.
However, some airports inspect each and every one, and if the power isn't visible or is worn off, they will just assume it's over the limits and take it away (see my experience in China).
Note that in this case it had nothing to do with the airline, and everything to do with China in-transit security - I didn't even enter the country.
Airlines are not generally the ones governing this - they're not going to ask you at check in (heck you may check in online), it'll be the security at the source and transit airports who are most likely to pull you up.
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What is the largest power bank allowed on flights?
Power banks should not be carried in your hold (checked) luggage, but it is fine to carry a maximum of two power banks in your hand (carry-on) luggage. Each must be individually packed and no greater than 100Wh, which is around 27,000mAh.Can I take my power bank on a flight?
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The company says that you are not allowed to carry the power bank in flights since 20000mAh is the maximum capacity allowed. The Mi 30000mAh Boost Pro Power Bank is priced at Rs. 2299 compared to crowdfunding price of Rs.4 tips to know if you want to take your power bank on a plane
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