2026 Airline Lithium Battery Rules: Power Banks & Spares

2026 baseline: the current IATA passenger guidance uses a maximum of 15 portable electronic devices, 20 spare batteries and 2 power banks per person, while airlines may approve or impose different limits.

The numbers to remember

Portable electronic devices15

Spare batteries20

Power banks2

Large lithium spares2 in 100–160 Wh band

Capacity still matters

At or below 100 Wh is the normal small-battery band. Batteries above 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh move into an approval/airline-specific band. Above 160 Wh is not ordinary passenger baggage.

Why the airline page still matters

Airlines can be stricter. In this database, examples include a 100 Wh drone ceiling, small-spare caps below 20, and power-bank limits below the general framework. A codeshare or connecting trip therefore needs every operating carrier checked.

Power banks became more visible in 2026

Power banks are treated separately from an installed drone battery. IATA's passenger-facing guidance uses two power banks at no more than 100 Wh each, while separate 2026 operator guidance describes an approval pathway for 100–160 Wh power banks. Individual airlines can still prohibit that larger band. The checker therefore keeps power banks separate from drone spares and distinguishes a hard airline stop from an approval/verification case.

Practical takeaway

Count devices and loose batteries before travel.
Keep all spares in cabin baggage with protected terminals.
Open the official airline source for every operating carrier.
If the airline wants approval, obtain it before airport day.