Power bank capacity: what you need and what airlines allow
People search this as “which mAh power bank is allowed in flight India” · updated 2026-08
Short answer
A 10,000 mAh power bank gives roughly 1.5-2 full phone charges after conversion losses and is the best size for daily carry. 20,000 mAh suits travel and laptop top-ups. Indian airlines allow power banks up to 100 Wh (about 27,000 mAh) in cabin baggage only; 100-160 Wh needs airline approval and they are never allowed in check-in.
- Real output is about 60-70% of the printed capacity because of voltage conversion.
- For a laptop you need USB-C PD with at least 45-65 W output, not just high capacity.
- Pass-through charging is handy but heats the pack; avoid it overnight.
Capacity to real charges
| Power bank | Real usable | Phone charges (5,000 mAh) |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 mAh | ~6,500 mAh | 1.3 |
| 20,000 mAh | ~13,000 mAh | 2.6 |
| 27,000 mAh | ~17,500 mAh | 3.5 (flight limit) |
Common follow-up questions
Can I put a power bank in check-in luggage?
No. Lithium power banks must travel in the cabin only, on all Indian carriers.
Go deeper with the full guide
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