【Must-Read Before Boarding】 Latest Regulations for Bringing Power Banks on Airplanes 2026 | Power Bank Restrictions | Buying Guide | Precautions

In recent months, several incidents involving power banks causing fires on flights have prompted various national aviation authorities and airlines to update their regulations on carrying and using power banks to ensure aviation safety. Below is an overview of the latest regulations in Japan, China, Hong Kong, and South Korea, along with recommendations and considerations for selecting compliant power banks.

1) Latest Regulations for Carrying Power Banks on Flights

China Airport Regulations

As of June 28, 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has implemented new regulations regarding the carrying of power banks on domestic flights:

3C Certification Requirement: Power banks must have a clear Chinese Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark. Power banks without this mark, unclear marking, or those that are recalled are prohibited from being carried or checked in.
Prohibited for Check-in: Power banks are only allowed to be carried in hand luggage, and cannot be placed in checked baggage.

In-Flight Usage Restrictions: Power banks must be turned off during the flight and cannot be charged using in-flight power sources to reduce risks of overheating, short-circuiting, or spontaneous combustion.

Source: CAAC Announcement

Hong Kong Airport Regulations

The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department published new regulations on March 24, 2025, effective April 7, 2025, applicable to local airlines:

Prohibited In-Flight Usage: Passengers may not use power banks to charge electronic devices during the flight.
Storage Restrictions: Power banks cannot be placed in the overhead bin and must be carried with you or stored in the seatback pocket.

Compliance with International Standards: In addition to the above restrictions, the regulations must comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations regarding lithium batteries.

Source: Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department Announcement

Japan Airport Regulations

According to an announcement from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) on July 1, 2025, new regulations effective July 8, 2025, require passengers on Japanese airlines to adhere to the following:

Prohibited for Check-in: Power banks cannot be placed in checked luggage.
Storage Restrictions: Power banks may not be stored in the overhead bin after boarding and must be kept with you.
Usage Restrictions: If using a power bank to charge electronic devices, the device must be kept in view to promptly detect any overheating, swelling, or smoking for crew action.

Risk of Penalty: Non-compliance may lead to boarding denial or violation of relevant regulations.

Source: JCAB Announcement

South Korea Airport Regulations

As of March 1, 2025, the South Korean government has implemented new regulations regarding the carrying and use of power banks:

Capacity and Quantity Limits:
For under 100Wh: Each passenger may carry up to 5 power banks as hand luggage.
For 100Wh to 160Wh: Requires prior approval from the airline, and each passenger may carry up to 2, with a label applied for security inspection.
Over 160Wh: Prohibited from being carried or checked.
Safety Packaging: Power bank ports must be covered with insulation tape or protective covers and placed in a transparent zip-lock bag or protective pouch to prevent metal contact.
Storage Requirements: Power banks may be carried with you or placed in the seatback pocket but are prohibited in the overhead bin.

Usage Restrictions: Charging power banks during the flight is prohibited, and any signs of overheating or swelling must be reported to cabin crew immediately.

Source: South Korean Ministry of Transport Announcement

2) Recommendations for Purchasing Power Banks

To ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations and reduce risks when purchasing power banks, consider the following:

Choose 3C Certified Products (Applicable for China Flights): Ensure the power bank has a clear CCC mark and verify it through a QR code scan on the product or by checking the national certification website.

Select Reputable Brands: Opt for well-established brands like Belkin and Momax to ensure battery quality.

Check Capacity Labeling: Purchase power banks under 100Wh to comply with most airline regulations and avoid the hassle of requiring additional approval.

Safety Packaging: Choose power banks that come with protective sleeves or original packaging to ensure port insulation and prevent short-circuiting.

Monitor Battery Condition: Avoid purchasing or using power banks that show signs of damage, swelling, or overheating.

3) Power Bank Capacity and Quantity Limits

All electronic devices containing lithium batteries (like power banks, laptops, camera batteries) are prohibited from check-in and must be carried in hand luggage to reduce risks of short circuits or fires caused by pressure changes inside the cabin.

Under 100Wh: Allowed to be carried directly as hand luggage, with up to 20 spare batteries per passenger (subject to airline regulations).
100Wh to 160Wh: Requires prior approval from the airline, with a maximum of 2 spare batteries allowed, limited to hand luggage.

Over 160Wh: Prohibited from being carried on board or checked.

Power Bank Capacity Calculation
To confirm whether a power bank meets aviation regulations, check the mAh and voltage information on the power bank label. If the packaging does not specify, you can calculate the power bank's capacity using the following formula:

mAh ÷ 1000 × V (voltage) = Wh (watt-hours)

Example: For a power bank with 10,000mAh and 3.7V → 10,000 ÷ 1000 × 3.7 = 37Wh (compliant with the limit under 100Wh).

4) Precautions

4.1 Can Power Banks Be Checked In?

No, power banks, camera lithium batteries, and rechargeable batteries must be carried on board. If electronic products (like phones, laptops, or tablets) contain non-removable batteries, they must be turned off before being placed in checked luggage.

4.2 How Should Power Banks Be Stored During Flight?

It is prohibited to use power banks to charge other devices during the flight.
It is prohibited to charge the power bank itself.
Power banks must not be placed in the overhead bin.
After boarding, power banks should be stored in your bag or the seatback pocket, and must not be used throughout the flight.

The South Korean government mandates that power bank battery terminals must be covered with insulation tape and securely packaged in plastic bags before being carried onto the plane to ensure safety.

4.3 How Many Power Banks Can Be Carried on a Flight?

Regulations regarding the number of power banks vary by airline; it’s advisable to consult the specific requirements of the airline you are traveling with.

4.4 Are There Any Limits on Power Bank Capacity?

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, most airlines prohibit carrying lithium batteries exceeding 160 watt-hours (Wh) on board, but specific limits may vary by airline.