Imagine sitting on a long flight. Your phone drops to 5%, and the in-seat USB port isn’t working. You still have hours left in the air. That sinking feeling is why I never travel without a power bank.
Over the years, I’ve tried many portable chargers on flights, and not all are safe to carry. Some get stopped at security. Some are too heavy.
And some don’t even last a full trip. That’s why I want to share what I learned about choosing the best portable power banks for international travel (TSA approved).
This guide will show you the TSA rules, what makes a power bank “airline approved,” and my personal list of the most travel-friendly chargers that actually work.
TSA and FAA Rules for Power Banks
You can’t just bring any battery pack on a plane. The TSA guidelines for lithium batteries are clear. Power banks must go in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage.
The FAA regulations for power banks on airplanes set a limit. Any battery under 100Wh is allowed without question. If it’s between 100Wh and 160Wh, you may need airline approval. Anything above that is not allowed at all.
So, when you shop for a power bank, always check the watt-hour rating. Most travel-friendly chargers are well under 100Wh, which makes them safe and stress-free.
What Size Power Bank Should You Take
Bigger isn’t always better when flying. A giant 50,000mAh battery may sound nice, but it’s often too heavy and unnecessary. Airlines want safe, compact devices.
The sweet spot for travel is between 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh. These give you two to five phone charges, which is enough for long flights or airport layovers. They also fit within the TSA’s portable chargers allowed on flights limit.
I personally carry a 20,000mAh power bank because it charges both my phone and my laptop once. But if you’re only charging a phone, a slim 10,000mAh pack is lighter and easier to slip into a pocket.
Features That Matter for Travelers
When you’re traveling, you don’t just want any battery pack. You want one that is made for travel. Based on my own experience, here are the features that matter:
Compact and Lightweight Design
Nobody wants to drag a brick through the airport. Look for lightweight power banks for backpacking or slim ones that slide into a pocket.
Fast Charging Ports
Airport time is precious. Having a travel-friendly power bank with fast charging means you can boost your phone quickly while waiting for boarding.
Multiple Outputs
If you’re traveling with family or carrying more than one device, dual USB port power banks for flights let you charge two devices at once.
Universal Compatibility
A good power bank should work with iPhones, Androids, tablets, and even smaller laptops. Many of the best power banks for iPhone while traveling also support USB-C for broader use.
Best Portable Power Banks for International Flights
After trying different brands and reading reviews, I’ve narrowed down some of the best power banks for international flights. These are TSA approved power banks for travel and meet all safety standards.
🔋 1. Anker PowerCore 20100
Price Range: $45 – $60 (depending on retailer)
Capacity: 20,100mAh
Ports: 2 × USB-A (no USB-C PD)
Weight: ~356g
✅ Pros:
-
Huge capacity (can charge an iPhone ~7 times).
-
Very reliable, durable build.
-
Anker’s PowerIQ fast charging (up to 4.8A combined).
-
Compact for its size.
❌ Cons:
-
No USB-C PD (not ideal for laptops).
-
Slightly heavier than newer slim models.
-
Takes long to recharge (about 10 hrs with 2A charger).
🛡️ Warranty: 18 months (Anker standard) + friendly customer service.
This one is my go-to. It’s slim, under 100Wh, and powerful enough to charge a phone several times. It’s also known for reliability, which matters when you’re far from home.
🔋 2. Mophie PowerStation Plus
Price Range: $50 – $70
Capacity: Usually 6,000 – 12,000mAh (varies by version)
Ports: Built-in Lightning or USB-C cable + extra USB port
Weight: ~130–250g (depending on capacity)
✅ Pros:
-
Sleek, premium design.
-
Built-in cable (no need to carry extra).
-
Fast charging support.
-
Lightweight and travel-friendly.
❌ Cons:
-
Lower capacity compared to rivals.
-
More expensive than similar options.
-
Not ideal for laptops/tablets.
🛡️ Warranty: 2 years (Mophie/ZAGG standard).
Stylish, compact, and fits in a small bag. It has built-in cables, which means one less thing to carry. Perfect for quick airport layovers.
🔋 3. RAVPower 20000mAh PD (Power Delivery)
Price Range: $40 – $55
Capacity: 20,000mAh
Ports: USB-C PD + 2 × USB-A
Weight: ~370g
✅ Pros:
-
USB-C Power Delivery (up to 18W–30W depending on version).
-
Can charge phones, tablets, even some small laptops.
-
Good balance of price and features.
-
Sturdy design.
❌ Cons:
-
Slightly bulky.
-
Some versions discontinued (RAVPower faced Amazon ban in 2021, but still sold elsewhere).
-
Recharging takes 6–8 hours.
🛡️ Warranty: 18 months (with registration may extend).
Great for travelers who need high capacity power banks for travel. It supports fast charging and can even handle small laptops.
🔋 4. Zendure SuperMini
Price Range: $60 – $80
Capacity: 10,000mAh
Ports: USB-C PD (18W/20W) + USB-A QC
Weight: ~180g
✅ Pros:
-
Ultra-compact (about the size of a credit card).
-
Stylish aluminum design with multiple colors.
-
Fast charging via PD and QC 3.0.
-
Perfect for pocket travel and international trips.
❌ Cons:
-
Smaller capacity than 20,000mAh power banks.
-
Premium price for capacity.
-
May not fully charge laptops.
🛡️ Warranty: 2 years (Zendure standard).
If weight is your main concern, this is one of the most compact power banks for travelers. About the size of a credit card, but still powerful enough for two phone charges.
Safety Tips for Carrying Power Banks on Planes
Even if your charger is airline approved, you should know a few safety tips.
Always pack it in your carry-on, never checked bags. Airlines want them close by in case of overheating.
Keep the power bank in a case or pouch to avoid scratches and accidental activation.
If you carry multiple chargers, make sure none exceed the power banks under 100Wh TSA limit.
I once had a larger charger flagged at security in Europe. It was under the limit, but because it looked bulky, they inspected it. Since then, I always travel with smaller, more airline approved battery packs to avoid delays.
Best Power Banks for Different Travel Needs
Not every traveler is the same. A business traveler doesn’t need the same thing as a backpacker. Let’s look at some cases.
For Long-Haul Flights
Choose a larger 20,000mAh pack. These power banks for long-haul flights keep both your phone and tablet alive for the entire trip.
For Backpacking
Go for lightweight power banks for backpacking. Slim 10,000mAh packs are easy to carry and recharge quickly at hostels or cafes.
For Business Travelers
If you’re carrying laptops and phones, choose power banks for business travelers with USB-C PD (Power Delivery). These work well for presentations and keeping work devices alive.
For Europe or Asia Travel
When traveling internationally, you’ll find outlets that may not always work with your plugs. Having one of the best portable chargers for Europe travel gives peace of mind until you can charge again.
FAQ
Can I bring a power bank on an international flight?
Yes, you can. TSA and FAA allow power banks under 100Wh in carry-on bags. They cannot go in checked luggage.
What size power bank is allowed on planes?
Any power bank under 100Wh (about 27,000mAh) is allowed without airline approval. Between 100Wh and 160Wh may need permission. Over 160Wh is not allowed.
Do airlines check the power bank capacity?
Sometimes. Security may inspect larger chargers. Most small and mid-size TSA approved power banks pass without issue.
Which is the best power bank for long flights?
A 20,000mAh pack with fast charging and multiple ports is best for long-haul flights. It keeps phones, tablets, and even laptops running.
Why are power banks not allowed in checked luggage?
Because lithium batteries can overheat. Airlines want them in carry-on so they can be handled quickly if there’s an issue.
Conclusion
A good power bank can save your trip. Whether you’re stuck at an airport layover or flying overnight, the right charger makes all the difference. Always check the TSA rules, pick a size that fits your needs, and travel with peace of mind.
