Power Bank Rules for Flights in India (2026): Limits, mAh to Wh and In-Flight Use
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Updated 20 October 2026 · By the Best Picks India team · About a 4 minute read
Quick answer
On flights in India, carry your power bank in cabin baggage only, not in checked baggage, and do not use or charge it during the flight. The usual capacity limit is 100Wh (about 27,000mAh). Anything from 100Wh to 160Wh may need airline approval, and anything larger is generally not allowed.
The rules for power banks changed recently, and a lot of older advice online is out of date. Below is what the airlines say, how to work out the Wh on your power bank, and what to check before you fly.
The rules in short
- Cabin baggage only. Akasa Air states that power banks cannot be packed in checked baggage.
- Capacity. Akasa describes power banks as typically rated up to 100Wh (usually about 27,000mAh). Other sources say 100Wh to 160Wh needs the airline’s approval, and above 160Wh is usually prohibited.
- No use on board. Akasa says a power bank cannot be switched on, charged or used to charge a phone, tablet or any other device once onboard. News reports say India’s DGCA has banned in-flight use of power banks, including charging them from seat power outlets.
- Keep it accessible. Akasa advises keeping power banks and spare batteries in the cabin and not in the overhead bins.
- Not allowed. Damaged, swollen or recalled batteries, and power banks without a clear capacity label.
Check before you fly: we could confirm these points on Akasa Air’s page. We could not find a published DGCA circular with an effective date, and other airlines may state limits or the number of power banks differently, so read your airline’s page for your flight. Rules can change.
mAh to Wh: how to work out your power bank
Airlines count capacity in watt-hours (Wh), but most power banks show milliamp-hours (mAh). Use this:
Wh = mAh × voltage ÷ 1000. Most power banks use a 3.7V cell, so use 3.7 unless the label says otherwise.
| Capacity | At 3.7V | Under 100Wh? |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18.5 Wh | Yes |
| 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | Yes |
| 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | Yes |
| 26,800 mAh | 99.2 Wh | Yes, just |
| 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | No, needs airline approval |
That is about 74 Wh.
How to pack it
- Put it in your cabin bag or personal item, not your checked bag.
- Keep it switched off and where you can reach it, such as an under-seat bag.
- Check that the capacity is printed on the power bank, and carry a photo of the label.
- Leave damaged or swollen units at home.
- Carry as few as you need. Check your airline’s limit if you travel with more than one.
Buying a power bank for travel
If you fly often, a power bank around 10000mAh is easy to carry and well under the limit. Our guide to the best power banks in India compares seven options and tells you what to check on each listing, including the capacity label.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a power bank on a flight in India?
Yes, in your cabin baggage. Airlines say power banks cannot go in checked baggage. The common capacity limit is 100Wh, and larger units may need airline approval.
Can I use a power bank during the flight?
Akasa Air says that once onboard a power bank cannot be switched on, charged or used to charge any device. News reports say India’s DGCA has banned in-flight use, including charging from seat power. Treat it as carry-only, and check your airline’s current rule.
Is a 20000mAh power bank allowed on a plane?
A 20000mAh power bank at 3.7V is about 74Wh, which is under the common 100Wh limit. Check the Wh figure on the label, because the voltage can vary by model.
How many power banks can I carry?
It depends on the airline. Reports say Air India allows up to two power banks of 100Wh or less per passenger, while Akasa’s page does not state a number. Check your airline before you pack more than one.
How do I convert mAh to Wh?
Multiply the mAh by the voltage and divide by 1000. For example, 10000mAh at 3.7V is 37Wh, and 20000mAh at 3.7V is 74Wh. If the label already shows Wh, use that.
Can I keep my power bank in the overhead bin?
Akasa Air says power banks and spare batteries should be kept in the cabin and not in the overhead bins, so that you can reach them if there is a problem. Keep it in your seat pocket or under-seat bag.
What if my power bank has no capacity label?
Akasa lists power banks without a clear capacity label among the items that are not allowed. Use one with the mAh or Wh printed on it.
This page contains no affiliate links. It is a reference page, not legal or safety advice, and airline rules can change. See how we work.
