Power Bank on a Flight: Rules, Regulations & Tips for Safe Travel

Power banks are a convenient way to keep devices charged during flights, but they come with specific rules and regulations. These vary by airline and country, primarily due to safety concerns about battery risks. Understanding the capacity limits, where to store your power bank, and regional regulations—such as new rules in China—can help avoid issues at security checks or boarding gates. Here's what you need to know before bringing your power bank on a flight.

✈️ General Guidelines for Traveling with Power Banks

• Carry-On Only: Power banks must be transported in your carry-on luggage. They are prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
• Capacity Limits:
• • Up to 100 Wh: Generally allowed without restrictions.
  • 101–160 Wh: Permitted with airline approval; typically limited to two per passenger.
  • Over 160 Wh: Not allowed on passenger aircraft.
• Labeling: Ensure the power bank's capacity is clearly marked. If the capacity is not labeled, the power bank may be confiscated.

👀Specific Regulations for Traveling to or from China

Starting June 28, 2025, China has implemented stricter regulations for power banks on flights:

• 3C Certification Requirement: Power banks must have a visible China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark. Without this certification, power banks will be confiscated at security checkpoints.
• Capacity Limits:
• • Under 100 Wh: Allowed in carry-on baggage.
  • 100–160 Wh: Allowed with airline approval; typically limited to two per passenger.
  • Over 160 Wh: Prohibited on flights.
• International Arrivals: While the 3C certification is not required for power banks arriving in China, it is advisable to ensure compliance if you plan to take a domestic flight within China.

What is the 3C certification?

The 3C certification stands for China Compulsory Certification, an official safety inspection standard in China.
The appearance of the 3C logo:

• Oval-shaped logo
• Three overlapping capital letter "C"s
• Typically printed on the body, back, or sticker of the power bank
• Must be clearly visible

If the logo is faded, only appears on the packaging, or is missing entirely, it will be considered as lacking 3C certification.

🌏 Do international flights also require 3C certification?

Currently, only domestic flights within Mainland China are required to have 3C certification.
For example, if you are flying directly from Malaysia to Shanghai or from Hong Kong to Beijing, this regulation does not apply.

⚠️ But note: If you need to transfer to a domestic flight in Mainland China after arriving (for instance, Kuala Lumpur → Shanghai → Lanzhou), the 3C certification requirement applies starting from the domestic flight segment. Otherwise, your power bank may be confiscated during the transfer security check.

Suggestion: If your itinerary includes domestic flights, make sure to prepare a power bank that meets the standard in advance or rent one locally.

📦 Other Restrictions on Carrying Power Banks on Planes

In addition to the 3C certification, there are also specific regulations from the Civil Aviation Administration of China regarding the capacity and carrying method for power banks:

• Carry-on Only: Power banks cannot be checked in; they must be carried in your hand luggage. If placed in checked luggage, it is prohibited, and the security check will confiscate it.
• Capacity Restrictions:
• • ≤100Wh: Allowed to be carried freely, with a maximum of two per person.
  • 100Wh – 160Wh: Allowed with airline approval.

  • 160Wh: Not allowed on board, and no exemption is possible.

• Clear and Complete Labeling: The power bank must have clear markings for the brand, model, capacity, and 3C certification.
• • Missing any of these details will result in it being classified as a dangerous item.

Many airports have designated "power bank disposal bins" for passengers to voluntarily discard non-compliant products before boarding.

🧳 Tips for Traveling with Power Banks

• Purchase Locally: If your power bank lacks the 3C certification, consider purchasing a compliant one upon arrival in China to avoid confiscation.
• Use Protective Measures: Cover the terminals of the power bank to prevent short circuits. Some airports provide protective pouches or tape for this purpose.
• Avoid Charging on Board: Do not use power banks to charge devices during the flight. Many airlines prohibit charging devices with power banks stored inside carry-on luggage.
• Check Airline Policies: Always verify the specific regulations of the airline you are flying with, as policies may vary.

📝 Summary

If you plan to take a domestic flight in Mainland China after the end of June 2025, be sure to check if your power bank has a clear and visible 3C certification mark and complies with the capacity and carrying requirements. Otherwise, not only may it be confiscated, but it could also affect your travel schedule.

✈️ For more information on travel in Mainland China, along with flight and hotel deals, visit Trip.com.

See more flight tips

Best China Hotels

Hotels in Shanghai

Hotels in Beijing

Shenzhen Hotels

Guangzhou Hotels

5% OFF】China’s Must-Visit Attractions

Check out some of China’s must-see spots! 👀

The Great Wall of China

Tickets: From RM23.7

Book Now

Terracotta Army

Tickets: From RM71.1

Book Now

Beijing Palace Museum

Tickets: From RM35.55

Book Now

Shanghai Tower

Tickets: From RM50.66

Book Now

Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Tickets: From RM48.89

Book Now

Yu Garden

Tickets: From RM23.7

Book Now

*Prices are estimated and may vary depending on season, ticket availability and ticket type. All prices are in RMB.