Use this as a check, not a promise
This checklist helps narrow the portable power trade-offs before you compare products. It does not replace the current listing, manual, seller terms or official rules for the exact model you are considering.
What to check before packing
- Put every power bank in carry-on baggage, never checked baggage.
- Carry no more than two power banks per person under current CAA guidance.
- Protect each one from damage and short circuits.
- Do not recharge a power bank on board; follow the airline’s current rules for using it to charge another device.
- Confirm the exact model name, Watt-hour rating and condition.
- Check the rules for every airline and connection leg.
If a cabin bag will be moved into the hold at the gate, remove the power bank and follow the airline or ground crew’s instructions.
Check the Watt-hour rating
Current CAA guidance uses these bands:
- up to 100Wh is normally allowed without airline approval;
- more than 100Wh and no more than 160Wh requires airline approval;
- more than 160Wh is prohibited in passenger baggage.
If the outer case does not show Watt-hours, the CAA gives the calculation V × mAh ÷ 1,000 = Wh. Do not rely on a calculation when the model, voltage or capacity is unclear.
Check battery condition
Do not pack a power bank that is swollen, bulging, changing shape, overheating or otherwise damaged. Use an appropriate battery or electronics recycling route instead of general waste.
Where buyers get caught out
The common mistake is treating a “travel” or “airline-safe” listing label as guaranteed acceptance. It is not. Capacity wording, airline policy, connection legs, security decisions, battery condition and seller variation can all change the answer.
Before you compare picks
- Recheck the current listing, manufacturer page and Watt-hour label.
- Check the seller, responsible brand or importer, return route and any current recall notice.
- Look for the exact port, cable, output and carry-size requirement that matters to you.
- Treat “airline-safe”, compatibility and performance language as prompts for verification, not guarantees.
- Use the related UK Shortlists routes to compare product options after you know which checks matter.
When to choose another route
Choose a broader portable-power shortlist if you are still unsure about the use case. Choose a narrower route only when the checklist points to a specific constraint, such as travel, space, compatibility, capacity or setup effort.
Read the dated power-bank flight-rule explainer and Cabin, not hold campaign check before comparing products.