Power banks and batteries in hand luggage are one of the most commonly misunderstood categories at UK airports. People are surprised when their power bank is pulled aside at security, or when they're told their spare laptop battery can't go in the hold. Here's exactly what the UK flight rules are for power banks and lithium batteries in 2026.
The core rule: lithium batteries in the cabin only
This is the rule that catches most people out:
Lithium-ion batteries (including power banks) must travel in your cabin bag -- not in checked hold luggage.
This applies to:
- Portable chargers / power banks
- Spare batteries for cameras, drones, and laptops
- Extra batteries for e-cigarettes and vaping devices
- Spare batteries for phones or tablets (not in the device)
The reason is fire safety. Lithium batteries can malfunction and catch fire. In the cabin, crew can see and respond. In the hold, they can't.
Devices with built-in batteries (your phone, laptop, camera) can travel in either the cabin or hold -- but spare/loose batteries must go in the cabin.
Power bank size limits on UK flights
Power banks are rated in watt-hours (Wh) or milliamp-hours (mAh). Most consumer power banks are rated in mAh, so here's the practical conversion:
| Power Bank Capacity | Wh Equivalent | UK Flight Status |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 27,000mAh (~100Wh) | Up to 100Wh | Permitted, no airline approval needed |
| 27,000-43,000mAh (~100-160Wh) | 100-160Wh | Permitted, but requires airline approval |
| Over 43,000mAh (160Wh+) | Over 160Wh | Not permitted on passenger flights |
The vast majority of power banks sold for personal use -- including high-capacity 20,000mAh or 26,800mAh banks -- are well within the 100Wh limit and require no special permission.
To calculate Wh from mAh: Wh = (mAh x Voltage) / 1000. Most power banks run at 3.7V. So 20,000mAh x 3.7 / 1000 = 74Wh -- well within the limit.
How many power banks can you take?
UK airports and IATA regulations allow a maximum of two spare lithium batteries (including power banks) per passenger in the 100-160Wh range (those requiring airline approval). For batteries under 100Wh, there is no strict count limit, but you should carry a reasonable number for personal use.
In practice, most travellers carry one or two power banks, which is never an issue.
Airline-specific battery rules
Most UK airlines follow IATA regulations on batteries without adding their own restrictions. A few notable points:
Ryanair: Power banks permitted in cabin bags only -- not in checked hold luggage. Standard IATA limits apply. E-cigarettes also cabin only.
easyJet: Same policy as Ryanair. Power banks must be in cabin baggage, not the hold.
British Airways: Same general rules. Large power banks (100-160Wh) require you to inform the airline at check-in.
All airlines: Devices must be protected against accidental activation or short-circuiting. Keep batteries in their original packaging or in a protective case. Loose batteries floating around in a bag can cause problems.
E-cigarettes and vapes on UK flights
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are powered by lithium batteries and follow the same rules: cabin only. You cannot put a vape in your hold luggage.
You cannot use them on the aircraft, in the terminal (except in designated smoking areas), or at UK airport security queues.
E-liquid is subject to the 100ml liquid rule in the same way as any other liquid. It goes in your clear plastic bag.
Cameras and drones
Camera batteries: The battery inside your camera is fine in hold or cabin. Spare batteries must go in the cabin. Mark them to avoid confusion at security.
Drone batteries: These are typically high-capacity lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries. They often exceed the 100Wh threshold and many exceed 160Wh, making them not permitted on commercial passenger flights. Always check before flying with a drone.
Some airlines have banned drones from cabin luggage entirely on certain routes. Check with your specific airline if you're travelling with a drone.
What happens at UK airport security?
If you put a power bank in your hold bag, it will be identified on the X-ray and you will be asked to retrieve it and transfer it to your cabin bag. If you can't do this (e.g., your hold bag is already checked), the item may be confiscated.
At security, electronics typically need to come out of your bag and into a separate tray. This includes laptops, tablets, and some security staff will ask for power banks separately. Follow instructions from security staff -- requirements vary by airport.
Travelling with a laptop on UK flights
Your laptop is the biggest battery item most people carry. Built-in battery laptops (MacBooks, most modern ultrabooks) are fine in the cabin or hold. Laptops with removable batteries: remove the battery and carry it separately in the cabin. The laptop body can then go in the hold.
During take-off and landing, all electronic devices including laptops must be switched to flight mode or off. Airlines require large electronics to be stowed away (in the overhead locker or under the seat) rather than on your lap during these phases.
Tips for travelling with electronics
- Label your power banks. If they're inspected, having your name and contact details helps if they're separated from your bag.
- Keep terminals protected. Tape over exposed terminals on spare batteries or use a dedicated battery case.
- Know your power bank's mAh rating. Security may ask. Have the packaging or a note of the capacity.
- Don't charge from power banks on the aircraft without checking airline rules -- some budget carriers prohibit this in the cabin.
For the full picture on what you can carry in your cabin bag, see our UK airline hand luggage rules guide. And for the best bags designed to organise electronics within budget airline cabin allowances, see our best cabin baggage guide.
FAQ
Can I put my power bank in my hold suitcase? No. Power banks must travel in cabin baggage only. This applies on all UK airlines on all routes. A power bank found in hold luggage at security will need to be retrieved or confiscated.
How many power banks can I take on a UK flight? There's no strict limit for power banks under 100Wh (the size of most consumer power banks). In practice, two or three is fine. Power banks in the 100-160Wh range are limited to two per passenger and require airline approval.
Will my power bank get confiscated at UK airport security? Only if it's in your hold bag or significantly exceeds the permitted watt-hour limit. A standard consumer power bank (up to 26,800mAh) in your cabin bag is permitted at all UK airports.
Can I use a power bank to charge my phone on the plane? Generally yes, but check your specific airline's policy. Most carriers permit charging from a power bank in the cabin during the flight. Ryanair and some budget carriers have restrictions -- confirm before travel.
For the complete guide to UK airline cabin and hold baggage rules, see our UK airline baggage allowance guide.