Charging while travelling: power banks in hand luggage and other tips
Phone, earbuds, smartwatch, camera, e-reader: on a trip you soon have a handful of devices with you that all need charging. And on the road is exactly where you often find yourself without a socket. In this article you will read what the rules are for a power bank on a plane and how to keep all your devices charged without stress.
Can a power bank go on a plane?
Yes, but only in your hand luggage. Power banks contain lithium batteries and those are not allowed in checked baggage. Most airlines apply these limits:
- Up to 100 Wh: allowed in your hand luggage.
- 100 to 160 Wh: only with the airline's permission.
- More than 160 Wh: not permitted.
A power bank often states only the mAh. You work out the Wh like this: mAh x volts / 1000. For most power banks that is 3.7 volts. A 10,000 mAh power bank therefore comes to about 37 Wh, well within the limit.
Please note: more and more airlines have extra rules, for example that you may not use or charge a power bank during the flight. So always check your airline's rules before you travel.
Travelhawk power banks
- Travelhawk Power Bank 10,000 mAh with 22.5 W fast charging
- Travelhawk Power Bank with 2 x USB-C, also 10,000 mAh
At 10,000 mAh both power banks can go in your hand luggage without any problem.
One charger for all your devices
Instead of bringing a separate plug for every device, it is better to use one charger with several ports. The Travelhawk USB-C Charger has four ports (2 x USB-A and 2 x USB-C), so you charge several devices at once from one socket. Handy, because sockets are often scarce in hotel rooms.
With a 3-in-1 USB cable you also need only one cable for different connectors.
Will your plug even fit?
Outside Europe, and in some European countries, your Dutch plug will not fit the socket. Then take a travel adapter. Read in our article which plug do I need when travelling? which one you need.
On holiday by car
On a road trip you charge on the way with a car charger. The Travelhawk 86W Car Charger has a USB-C and a Lightning connector, so phones and tablets for the whole family stay charged.
Tips for going easy on your battery
- Download maps, music and series before you leave, so you do not need mobile data on the way.
- Put your phone in flight mode when you do not need a signal.
- Lower your screen brightness.
- In the cold a battery drains faster. Keep your phone and power bank in an inside pocket.
- Charge everything overnight or at breakfast, so you start the day with a full battery.
Keep your cables tidy
With a cable organiser you keep all your cables, chargers and power bank neatly together and do not have to rummage through your bag.
Frequently asked questions
Can a power bank go in a suitcase?
No, power banks may only go in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage.
How many mAh may a power bank have on a plane?
The limit is 100 Wh. At 3.7 volts that works out to about 27,000 mAh. Between 100 and 160 Wh you need the airline's permission.
May I use my power bank during the flight?
That differs per airline. More and more airlines prohibit using or charging a power bank during the flight. Check this before you travel.
How many times can I charge my phone with 10,000 mAh?
That depends on your phone. Some energy is always lost in charging, so expect fewer charges than the mAh figure would suggest.
Always charged on the road? Take a look at our power banks, charging cables and travel adapters. Free shipping from €40, 1-2 working days delivery and 30 days free returns.