If you’re flying with a power bank, you may have noticed more rules than before, and some airlines are tightening restrictions even further. In the U.S., the FAA sets the baseline rules, but each airline can impose additional restrictions.
Here’s a comprehensive, alphabetical list of U.S. airlines and what they allow regarding power banks and lithium batteries.
FAA & TSA Rules (Apply to All U.S. Flights) – https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be in carry-on baggage only.
- ≤ 100 Wh: allowed without airline approval.
- 101–160 Wh: up to 2 spares per passenger, airline approval required.
- Over 160 Wh: strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags.
- Spare batteries must be individually protected (in their original packaging or with terminal covers).
Airline-by-Airline Power Bank Policies
Alaska Airlines
- URL: Prohibited Items – Spare Batteries
- What You Can Bring:
– ≤ 100 Wh: allowed in carry-on only
– Must cover terminals to prevent short-circuit - In-Flight Use: Permitted
American Airlines
- URL: Restricted Items – Lithium Batteries
- What You Can Bring:
– ≤ 100 Wh: allowed
– 101–160 Wh: up to 2 with approval
– > 160 Wh: not allowed
– Smart luggage batteries must be removable - In-Flight Use: Permitted
Avelo Airlines
- URL: Restricted & Prohibited Items
- What You Can Bring:
– ≤ 100 Wh: allowed in carry-on; installed batteries OK in checked
– 101–160 Wh: up to 2 with approval - Special Rule: Power banks must be visible while charging, not stored in bags or overhead bins
Breeze Airways
- URL: Travel Tips – Lithium Batteries
- What You Can Bring:
– ≤ 100 Wh: allowed
– 101–160 Wh: allowed with approval (max 2) - In-Flight Use: Permitted
Delta Air Lines
- URL: Battery or Fuel-Powered Items
- What You Can Bring:
– ≤ 100 Wh: allowed (up to 20 spares)
– 101–160 Wh: up to 2 with approval
– > 160 Wh: not allowed - In-Flight Use: Permitted
Frontier Airlines
- URL: Smart Luggage FAQ
- What You Can Bring:
– Smart luggage batteries must be removable and ≤ 100 Wh
– Larger batteries are not typically allowed - In-Flight Use: Permitted
Hawaiian Airlines
- URL: Contract of Carriage – Restricted Items
- What You Can Bring:
– ≤ 160 Wh: allowed (max 2 spares)
– > 160 Wh: allowed only for mobility aids with approval
– Smart luggage batteries must be removable - In-Flight Use: Permitted
JetBlue
- URL: JetBlue Batteries
- What You Can Bring:
– ≤ 100 Wh: allowed
– 101–160 Wh: up to 2 with approval - In-Flight Use: Permitted throughout all phases of flight
Southwest Airlines
- URL: Lithium Batteries, E-Cigs & Lighters
- What You Can Bring:
– FAA standard rules apply - Special Rule: As of May 28, 2025, power banks must remain visible while in use (on tray table or seatback pocket)—not inside a bag or overhead
Spirit Airlines
- URL: Special Restrictions – Lithium Batteries
- What You Can Bring:
– ≤ 100 Wh: allowed
– 101–160 Wh: up to 2 with approval - In-Flight Use: Permitted if battery is in carry-on
United Airlines
- URL: Dangerous Items – Batteries
- What You Can Bring:
– ≤ 100 Wh: allowed
– 101–160 Wh: up to 2 with approval
– Must be individually protected - In-Flight Use: Permitted
Final Thought
Most U.S. airlines follow the same FAA rules for power banks, but some, such as Southwest and Avelo, have started adding extra visibility rules while in flight. As battery-related incidents increase, more carriers may follow suit.
To avoid surprises at the gate (or worse, on board), always check your airline’s battery policy before you fly—and when in doubt, keep that power bank in your carry-on and in plain sight.
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