Short answer: Yes, but only in your cabin bag. Each power bank must be 100Wh or less (roughly 27,000mAh). You cannot use it on board, and you cannot charge it from the seat power or USB port. Avoid the overhead locker. Rules last checked on 5 October 2026.
The part most travellers still get wrong is the last one. Carrying a power bank is allowed. Using it in the air is not.
The rules at a glance
| Rule | What it means | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin baggage only | Never in checked baggage | DGCA advisory, IATA |
| 100Wh maximum per power bank | About 27,000mAh at the usual 3.7V rating | IATA guidance, DGCA advisory |
| Two power banks | IATA's passenger guidance limits you to two. Your airline may set its own limit | IATA |
| No use onboard | You cannot charge a device from a power bank in flight | DGCA advisory |
| No charging from the seat | You cannot charge the power bank from aircraft power or USB | DGCA advisory, IATA |
| Not in the overhead locker | Keep it with you where you can see it | DGCA advisory, IATA |
What changed
India's aviation regulator, the DGCA, issued a Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular after several power bank overheating incidents were reported. News reports date it to November 2025, with a clarification in January 2026. It bans using power banks to charge devices in flight and asks passengers to keep them in hand baggage rather than overhead lockers. In May 2026 the DGCA was reported to be reviewing global practice after a power bank fire at Chandigarh airport, and no decision to ban carrying them had been reported at that time. Rules are still changing, so check your airline's page before you fly.
How to check your power bank in 30 seconds
Airlines count watt-hours (Wh), not mAh. Look for the Wh figure printed on the power bank. If only mAh is printed, use this:
Wh = mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1000
| Rated capacity | Approx. Wh | Within the 100Wh limit? |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000mAh | 18.5Wh | Yes |
| 10,000mAh | 37Wh | Yes |
| 20,000mAh | 74Wh | Yes |
| 26,800mAh | 99Wh | Yes, just under |
| 30,000mAh | 111Wh | No |
If the label shows a Wh figure, trust the label over this calculation.
What if your power bank is over 100Wh?
Older guidance allowed 100 to 160Wh batteries with airline approval. IATA's 2026 passenger guidance, however, lists a maximum of two power banks not exceeding 100Wh. Air India is reported to accept only 100Wh or less. Treat a 30,000mAh power bank as not suitable for flying. Leave it at home or use two smaller ones.
At the airport: a quick checklist
- Keep power banks in your cabin bag, not your suitcase.
- Disconnect any cables and switch the power bank off.
- Keep the capacity label readable. Security may ask to see it.
- Keep it with you and visible, for example in your seat pocket or a bag under the seat in front. Not in the overhead locker.
- If it feels hot, smells strange or smokes, tell the cabin crew immediately.
IATA also advises against last-minute charging before you board.
Which capacity makes sense for travel
For a day trip or a short flight, 10,000mAh (37Wh) covers one full phone charge with some left over. For a multi-day trip or several devices, 20,000mAh (74Wh) is the largest size that sits comfortably under the limit.
alain power banks and the 100Wh limit
These figures are calculated from rated mAh at 3.7V. Check the label on your own unit.
| Power bank | Rated capacity | Approx. Wh | Under 100Wh? |
|---|---|---|---|
| alain Pocket Charge | 5,000mAh | 18.5Wh | Yes |
| alain Air Mag | 5,000mAh | 18.5Wh | Yes |
| alain Magon | 10,000mAh | 37Wh | Yes |
| alain PowerFlex (10,000mAh) | 10,000mAh | 37Wh | Yes |
| alain PowerFlex (20,000mAh) | 20,000mAh | 74Wh | Yes |
| alain LumoPower | 30,000mAh | 111Wh | No. Not suited to flying |
The LumoPower is built for laptops and long power cuts at home, not for flights. If you fly often, the PowerFlex 20,000mAh or a 10,000mAh model is the better choice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry a power bank in hand baggage on a flight in India?
Yes. Power banks are allowed in cabin baggage only, up to 100Wh each.
Can I put a power bank in checked baggage?
No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be in cabin baggage.
Can I use a power bank on the flight?
No. DGCA's advisory bans using a power bank to charge devices in flight, and charging the power bank from the seat power or USB.
Is a 20,000mAh power bank allowed?
Usually yes. At the usual 3.7V rating it is about 74Wh, below the 100Wh limit. Check the Wh on the label.
Is a 30,000mAh power bank allowed?
Plan on no. It works out to about 111Wh, above 100Wh. IATA's 2026 passenger guidance limits power banks to 100Wh, and Air India is reported to accept nothing above that.
How many power banks can I carry?
IATA's passenger guidance says a maximum of two, each 100Wh or less. Your airline may set its own limit.
Related reading
- Best power bank for travel in India
- Best power banks under ₹2000 in India
- How long does a power bank last?
- The full alain power bank range, compared
Planning a trip? Browse the alain power bank collection and compare capacity and weight before you pack.
Last reviewed: 5 October 2026. Airline and regulator rules change, so confirm with your airline before you fly.