Can You Bring a 50,000mAh Power Bank on an Airplane?

Navigating air travel often involves sorting out what you can and can’t take on a plane, particularly when it comes to electronics and tech accessories.

One such accessory that’s become a go-to item for many travelers is the power bank. This device serves as a mobile power source for smartphones, tablets, and a myriad of other gadgets.

If you’re considering bringing a 50,000mAh power bank on your flight, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations set by airlines and aviation authorities.

A critical factor in whether you can bring a power bank on an airplane is its capacity, commonly measured in watt-hours (Wh).

Generally, power banks with a battery capacity of less than 100Wh are accepted on flights without any issues.

For power banks ranging from 100Wh to 160Wh, airline approval is required before they’re allowed onboard.

Power banks exceeding 160Wh, however, are typically not permitted on flights, unless they’re part of a medical device.

However, a 50,000mAh power bank equates to approximately 180Wh, surpassing the TSA’s imposed 160Wh limit. So to put it simply:

You can’t bring a 50,000mAh power bank on an airplane, regardless of whether it’s packed in your checked luggage or carry-on.

How to Fly with More Than 50,000mAh of Power

If you find yourself needing more than 50,000mAh of power to keep your devices charged during your travels, don’t be disheartened by the TSA’s regulations.

While it’s true that you can’t bring a single power bank that exceeds 160Wh (roughly 44,444mAh) on a plane, there’s a workaround.

The TSA’s guidelines clearly state that with airline approval, passengers can carry up to two larger spare lithium-ion batteries, each ranging between 101–160Wh.

So, in practical terms, you can actually bring two 40,000mAh power banks onboard.

The catch here is that if you’ve already purchased a 50,000mAh power bank, you might have to leave it at home and invest in two 40,000mAh power banks instead.

It may seem inconvenient, but it’s a reliable way to ensure you have all the power you need for your devices without breaking any rules.

You might be wondering how you could charge a device using two separate power banks simultaneously. The solution is quite simple: a USB splitter with a 2-in-1 out design.

This splitter allows you to plug two power sources into a single device, effectively charging your gadget from both power banks at once.

Can You Bring Other Electronics Containing Lithium Batteries and Two 100Wh-160Wh Power Banks on a Plane?

Absolutely, you can! It’s important to note that lithium-ion batteries that are installed in personal electronic devices aren’t classified as power banks.

However, any lithium-ion batteries not installed in a device are considered as such.

So, in simple terms, you can bring along a flashlight, a laptop, a smartphone, and two 100Wh-160Wh power banks in your carry-on luggage without any trouble.

But there’s a catch – if you try to include a spare battery, for example, for your laptop, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would interpret that as you attempting to bring three power banks on the plane. Unfortunately, this is not permitted.

To break it down, while your electronic devices each have their own battery, these aren’t seen as ‘power banks’ because they’re installed in the device.

On the other hand, any spare or standalone batteries you have are considered ‘power banks’.

Therefore, while you can have multiple devices and up to two power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh, adding a third power bank (like a spare laptop battery) would breach the rules.

What Does ‘Previous Airline Approval’ Mean in Practice?

Suppose you need to travel with a power bank that falls within the 100Wh-160Wh range. You’re aware that airline approval is necessary to bring it on board, but what does this mean in practical terms?

To get a better understanding, I reached out to the customer support teams at Delta and American Airlines.

Both airlines responded by stating that approval is automatically granted during the check-in process, meaning passengers don’t need written approval if they’re carrying no more than two power banks per passenger, each between 100Wh-160Wh.

From what I gathered, this seems to be standard practice for most domestic airlines.

However, when it comes to international travel, things can get a bit tricky. While a majority of international airlines also provide automatic approval, there are some that don’t.

If you’re planning a trip to Asia or Europe, I’d recommend contacting your airline in advance to inquire about their power bank policies.

Chances are, their procedures will be similar to those in the U.S., but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

In summary, ‘previous airline approval’ usually refers to an automated process during booking or check-in that clears you to carry power banks within the stipulated range.

Nevertheless, it’s always wise to double-check, particularly when traveling internationally, to ensure a hassle-free journey.

Do You Need to Remove a 101-160Wh Power Bank at the Airport?

Absolutely, you do need to remove a power bank of 101Wh or more from your carry-on luggage when you’re at the airport. It’s considered larger than a smartphone and needs to be placed in the bin for screening.

A word of caution: make sure your power bank has a clear label that shows its Wh or mAh rating.

If this information is missing, a TSA agent might assume that your power bank exceeds the permissible limit, potentially preventing you from bringing it on your flight.

What is the Wh Equivalent of a 50,000mAh Power Bank?

Converting the capacity of a 50,000mAh power bank to watt-hours (Wh) involves a simple calculation.

To approximate the Wh, multiply the mAh value by the voltage (which is usually 3.6V for lithium-ion batteries) and then divide by 1000. Here’s how it works:

50,000mAh x 3.6V / 1000 = 180Wh

So, a 50,000mAh power bank equates to roughly 180Wh.

What’s the Largest Power Bank You Can Bring on a Plane for a Medical Device?

Imagine you’re reliant on an electric wheelchair for mobility and need to bring a spare battery with you while traveling.

In this case, the largest lithium battery you’re allowed to carry is 300Wh, which equates to approximately 83,333mAh.

It’s important to note, however, that bringing a power bank exceeding 160Wh for medical reasons requires you to contact the airline at least 48 hours before your flight.

Also, it’s recommended to limit yourself to one spare if possible. This not only helps comply with airline regulations but also streamlines your travel experience.

How Many Times Can a 50,000mAh Power Bank Charge Your Device?

The number of times a 50,000mAh power bank can recharge your device varies, as it depends largely on the specific device you’re powering up.

For instance, a 50,000mAh power bank could potentially provide a full charge for an iPhone 13 around 11 times, an iPhone 12 about 10 times, a Samsung S20 approximately 9 times, and an iPad Air 2 about 4 times.

However, it’s important to remember these numbers are approximations, and real-world results may vary.

Environmental conditions, such as temperature, can significantly impact the efficiency of your power bank.

For example, in summer, the power bank might perform at peak efficiency, but as temperatures drop, you may notice a decrease in the number of charges it can deliver.

So, while a 50,000mAh power bank offers substantial charging power, the specific number of full charges it can provide will be influenced by the devices you’re charging and the conditions in which the power bank is used.

It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case your power needs exceed what your power bank can provide, especially when you’re on the go.

Can You Stow a Power Bank in Checked Luggage?

Absolutely not. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits the inclusion of power banks in checked luggage due to the potential risks they present to aircraft safety.

It might be tempting to sneak one into your checked bag, hoping it’ll evade detection by the X-ray machine, but chances are, the TSA will find it.

Although you won’t be fined for this oversight, you’ll likely discover a ‘Notice of Baggage Inspection’ left by the TSA inside your bag upon retrieval.

So, to avoid any potential travel hiccups, it’s best to pack your power bank in your carry-on luggage.

Conclusion

Air travel with power banks doesn’t have to be a daunting process as long as you’re armed with the right knowledge. Yes, regulations regarding the transportation of power banks on planes exist, and they’re pretty important.

While the idea of flying with a 50,000mAh power bank might sound appealing due to its capacity to keep your devices charged throughout your journey, it unfortunately exceeds the TSA’s limit.

But don’t worry, there are alternatives that can ensure you’re well-powered on your travels.

Remember, you’re allowed to bring two power banks, each with capacities between 100Wh and 160Wh, onboard with airline approval.

Just ensure they’re clearly labeled with their respective ratings. And, if you’re traveling with medical equipment that necessitates a battery larger than 160Wh, do inform the airline well in advance.

Additionally, the number of charges a power bank can provide varies based on the device and environmental conditions. Thus, it’s always wise to plan your power needs accordingly, factoring in the possibility of variability.

In a nutshell, while you might not be able to bring a 50,000mAh power bank onboard, you still have plenty of options to keep your devices fully charged during your travels.

As always, being well-prepared and understanding the rules will make your trip more seamless and less stressful.