Power Bank in Flight - Allowed or Not (India)?
Not allowed in checked baggage.
- Up to 100WhGenerally allowed — carry in cabin baggage
- 100–160WhDon't assume it's allowed — check your airline first
- Over 160WhNot permitted as passenger baggage
What to do
✅ Do
- •Keep it in hand/cabin baggage.
- •Protect the terminals from short circuits.
- •If your cabin bag is gate-checked, remove the power bank and keep it with you.
🚫 Don't
- •Do not put it in checked baggage.
- •Do not carry a swollen or damaged battery.
- •Do not assume a larger power bank is acceptable just because another battery category has an approval pathway.
- •Do not assume another airline's rules apply to your flight.
Airline-specific guidance
Air India
Air India allows power banks up to 100Wh in cabin baggage, with a maximum of 2 power banks/spare batteries. They must be protected against short circuits.
IndiGo
IndiGo requires power banks to be carried in hand baggage and kept within the passenger's reach. Its detailed baggage policy permits power banks up to 100Wh; its 100–160Wh exception is specifically for batteries used for portable medical devices and requires approval/security clearance.
Real-world examples
- 💡 20,000mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1,000 ≈ 74Wh. Use the voltage and capacity printed by the manufacturer where available.
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry a power bank in checked baggage?+
Is a 20,000mAh power bank allowed?+
What if my power bank is over 100Wh?+
Can I use or charge a power bank during the flight?+
Related guides
Related rules
Dry cells & spares
Allowed in cabin if individually protected. Not allowed loose in checked baggage.
Smart luggage
Allowed only if the lithium battery is removable. Battery must be in cabin when bag is checked.
Laptop in cabin/check-in
Cabin strongly recommended; checked baggage only if fully powered off and padded.