Yes, you can fly with a power bank, in your carry-on only, never in a checked bag. Up to 100 Wh, which is about 27,000 mAh, needs no approval. And since 27 March 2026, you can bring at most two on international flights.
What changed in 2026
International aviation rules (ICAO) now limit you to two power banks on international flights and ban recharging them on board. Some airlines go further and won't let you use a power bank to charge your phone during the flight at all. Keep yours in the seat pocket or under the seat, not in the overhead bin, so you can reach it if it ever gets hot.
Air Canada also names three recalled Anker models that aren't allowed on board (A1647, A1681 and A1689), and WestJet bans any power bank recalled by the Government of Canada. It's worth thirty seconds on the recall database before you fly.
The size we'd pick
For most trips, a 20,000 mAh power bank with USB-C is the sweet spot: about 74 Wh, well under the limit, and enough for three or four phone charges. Make sure the capacity is printed on it; security staff can refuse one they can't read.
If you'd rather carry less, a slim 10,000 mAh power bank fits a jacket pocket and still leaves room for a second bank under the two-bank limit. Need to charge a laptop? A laptop power bank of 25,000 mAh or less with 65 W or more of USB-C output stays under 100 Wh, so no approval needed.
Or skip the power bank on the plane
Most long-haul planes have power or USB at the seat, and with power bank use restricted, that's now the easy option. Pack a 1–2 m USB-C cable: the extra length reaches ports hidden below the armrest, and cables are the thing people forget most.
Not sure about the one you already own? Put its mAh into the calculator below.