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Power bank travel guide
Quick Guide for Australian Travellers
Yes, many power banks can be taken on a plane, but they should usually be packed in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage. The key number to check is the watt-hour rating, shown as Wh.
This guide explains the common 100Wh airline limit, how to check power bank capacity, what to avoid, and which Laser power banks are suitable for different travel needs.
Quick answer
Power banks under 100Wh are commonly accepted by many airlines in carry-on baggage without special approval. Power banks should generally not be packed in checked luggage.
Airline rules can vary by airline, destination and route. Some airlines also restrict using or charging power banks during the flight. Always check your airline's latest battery and power bank policy before travelling.
Why airlines care about Wh, not just mAh
Power banks are often marketed using mAh, such as 5,000mAh, 10,000mAh, 20,000mAh or 30,000mAh. Airlines usually focus on Wh because watt-hours measure the actual energy stored in the battery.
The simple formula is:
For example, if a power bank shows its capacity in mAh, the Wh rating can be calculated using the battery voltage. However, the safest number to use is the Wh rating printed on the product label, packaging or product specifications.
Do not rely on mAh alone. A clearly labelled Wh rating makes it easier for airline staff and travellers to confirm whether a power bank sits within common airline limits.
Carry-on or checked luggage?
Power banks should generally be carried in your cabin bag or hand luggage. They should not usually be packed in checked luggage because cabin crew can respond more quickly if a battery overheats, is damaged or shows signs of failure.
Keep your power bank accessible during the flight, protect it from damage, and avoid loose contact with metal items such as keys, coins or other objects that may cause a short circuit.
Do not travel with a power bank that is swollen, leaking, damaged, recalled, counterfeit or missing clear battery labelling.
Common airline power bank limits
| Wh rating | Typical airline treatment | What this means for travellers |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100Wh | Commonly accepted in carry-on baggage without special approval | Best target range for most travel power banks |
| 100Wh to 160Wh | May require airline approval and declaration | Check airline rules before travel |
| Over 160Wh | Generally not permitted in passenger baggage except limited mobility aid cases | Treat as non-flight equipment unless your airline confirms otherwise |
Which Laser power bank is right for travel?
Laser offers compact phone power banks, everyday LiFePO4 power banks, laptop-ready power banks and larger off-grid models. For flying, the most important detail is the Wh rating.
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5,000mAh ChargeCore LiFePO4
Shown: PB-5KLFSU-041
Capacity: 16Wh
Best for pocket backup, short trips and one-day phone top-ups.
5,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank
Shown: PB-MS5KAQ-458
Capacity: 18.5Wh
Best for magnetic wireless phone charging and quick top-ups.
10,000mAh ChargeCore LiFePO4
Shown: PB-10LFWT-990
Capacity: 32Wh
Best for everyday travel, commuting and weekend trips.
20,000mAh ChargeCore LiFePO4
Shown: PB-20LFBK-003
Capacity: 64Wh
Best for longer travel days, tablets and multiple devices.
20,000mAh 100W Laptop Power Bank
Shown: PB-PD100W-491
Capacity: 73Wh
Best for USB-C laptops, tablets and higher-output charging.
30,000mAh LiFePO4 45W Power Bank
Shown: PB-LP30BK-608
Capacity: 96Wh
Best for high-capacity travel charging under 100Wh.
62,000mAh LiFePO4 Power Bank with Lantern
Shown: PB-62LFBK-571
Capacity: 198.4Wh
Important: Not a standard airline carry-on power bank. Better for camping and off-grid use.
Laser power bank travel comparison
| Product type | Shown SKU | Wh rating | Best for | Flight travel note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K ChargeCore LiFePO4 | PB-5KLFSU-041 | 16Wh | Compact phone backup | Well below the common 100Wh threshold |
| 5K magnetic wireless power bank | PB-MS5KAQ-458 | 18.5Wh | Magnetic wireless phone charging | Well below the common 100Wh threshold |
| 10K ChargeCore LiFePO4 | PB-10LFWT-990 | 32Wh | Everyday travel and commuting | Below the common 100Wh threshold |
| 20K LiFePO4 power banks | PB-LP20BK-585 or PB-20LFBK-003 | 64Wh | Longer days, tablets and multiple devices | Below the common 100Wh threshold |
| 20K 100W laptop power bank | PB-PD100W-491 | 73Wh | USB-C laptops and tablets | Below the common 100Wh threshold |
| 30K LiFePO4 45W power bank | PB-LP30BK-608 | 96Wh | High-capacity charging under common 100Wh guidance | Carry-on only, keep accessible and check airline rules before travel |
| 62K LiFePO4 power bank with lantern | PB-62LFBK-571 | 198.4Wh | Camping, backup lighting and off-grid use | Not suitable as a standard passenger airline carry-on power bank |
Can you use a power bank during a flight?
This depends on the airline. Some airlines allow passengers to carry power banks in cabin baggage but restrict using them during the flight. Some also prohibit charging the power bank using aircraft USB or power outlets.
The safest approach is to charge your devices before boarding, keep your power bank accessible, and check the airline's latest onboard power bank policy before relying on it during the flight.
Are LiFePO4 power banks better for travel?
LiFePO4 battery technology is known for safety, stability and long cycle life. Several Laser ChargeCore power banks use LiFePO4 chemistry for cooler-running, longer-life portable power.
However, battery chemistry does not replace airline rules. A LiFePO4 power bank still needs to meet airline Wh limits. For flying, check the Wh rating first, then check your airline's current rules.
Official airline battery guidance
Airline rules can change. Before flying, check your airline's latest battery and power bank policy directly. The links below are provided for convenience and do not replace airline approval where required.
Power bank travel checklist
- Check the Wh rating before travelling.
- Carry power banks in hand luggage or cabin baggage.
- Keep power banks accessible during the flight.
- Do not pack power banks in checked luggage unless your airline gives specific written guidance.
- Protect power banks from damage and short circuits.
- Do not travel with swollen, damaged, leaking, recalled, counterfeit or unlabelled batteries.
- Remove charging cables from power banks when they are not in use.
- Check your airline's rules before relying on onboard charging.
- For international travel, also check destination and transit requirements.
Still unsure which power bank to choose?
Your airline always has the final say on what can be carried onboard. If you need help checking a Laser power bank's Wh rating, charging features or best-fit use case, our team can help you understand the product details before you travel.
Visit the Laser support centre or contact us through live chat on our website.
Frequently asked questions
```Can I take a power bank on a plane in Australia?
Yes, many power banks can be taken on a plane in Australia if they meet airline battery limits and are carried in cabin baggage. Always check your airline's current rules before travelling.
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
Power banks should generally not be packed in checked luggage. They should usually be carried in hand luggage or cabin baggage where they remain accessible.
What is the 100Wh power bank limit?
The 100Wh limit is a common airline threshold for lithium battery power banks that can usually be carried in cabin baggage without special approval. Larger batteries may require approval or may not be permitted.
Can I take a 20,000mAh power bank on a plane?
Often, yes, but check the Wh rating. Selected Laser 20,000mAh models are rated at 64Wh or 73Wh, which is below the common 100Wh threshold used by many airlines.
Can I take a 30,000mAh power bank on a plane?
It depends on the Wh rating. The Laser 30,000mAh LiFePO4 45W power bank is rated at 96Wh, which sits below the common 100Wh threshold. It should be carried in cabin baggage, kept accessible and checked against your airline's rules before travel.
Can I take the Laser 62,000mAh power bank on a plane?
No, it should not be treated as a standard passenger airline carry-on power bank. The Laser 62,000mAh LiFePO4 power bank with magnetic lantern is rated at 198.4Wh and is better suited to camping, emergency backup and off-grid use.
Can I use a power bank during a flight?
Some airlines restrict or prohibit using power banks during the flight. Even if your power bank is allowed in carry-on baggage, onboard use may be limited. Check your airline's current policy before flying.
Are magnetic wireless power banks allowed on planes?
Magnetic wireless power banks are generally treated like other power banks. The Wh rating, battery condition, quantity and airline policy matter more than whether the power bank supports magnetic wireless charging.
What is the best Laser power bank for travel?
For light travel, a 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh Laser power bank is compact and easy to carry. For laptops and longer travel days, selected 20,000mAh models are useful. For high-capacity Laser charging under the common 100Wh threshold, the Laser 30,000mAh LiFePO4 45W power bank rated at 96Wh is a strong option.
Do airline rules change?
Yes. Airlines can update battery rules, especially around how power banks are carried, labelled and used onboard. Always check your airline before travelling.
Shop Laser power banks
Explore Laser power banks for phones, tablets, laptops, commuting, travel, camping and everyday backup power. Choose the right model based on capacity, Wh rating, charging speed, size and your airline's current travel rules.
Last reviewed: June 2026. This guide is general information only and does not replace airline approval or official airline policy. Always check your airline before travelling.