When travelling, having a fully charged power bank at hand can ensure your communication devices never run out of juice. But is it safe to carry on board a flight? It's something you'll have to verify.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) categorically states that “power banks are considered spare batteries and must be individually protected from short-circuit and carried in carry-on baggage only.” Etihad and Emirates both reiterate the same regulations, with Etihad specifying that if you are travelling with a smart bag that has an integrated power bank, it should have a watt/hour rating lower than 100Wh, otherwise you would require prior approval.
Our expert, Muhammad Usman Ilyas, assistant professor at the School of Computer Science in the University of Birmingham Dubai, explained why such rules exist: "Batteries in contemporary mobile computing devices rely on lithium-ion battery technology. For its advantage of high power density, lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to damage, causing a short-circuit, overheating and possible explosion. Limiting the size and capacity of power banks reduces the risk of a severe fire incident. Airline cabins are equipped with fire detection and suppression systems designed to handle emergencies. However, by restricting the size of power banks, the risk of a fire exceeding the capabilities of the onboard systems is minimised."
What should I look for when buying a power bank for travel?
As with power banks you'd buy for university or school work, it's important to assess various factors before buying. These include the power bank's capacity, portability, output ports, input charging, safety features and the brand's reputation.
Ilyas advised: "Opt for a compact and lightweight power bank that is easy to carry during your vacation. Look for a power bank with sufficient capacity to charge your devices multiple times. Consider the power bank's milliampere-hour (mAh) rating, which indicates its capacity - a higher mAh rating means more charging cycles." For a power bank under 100Wh, based on airline rules, the maximum mAh rating is 27,000mAh.
It's also worth considering a power bank with an adequate number of output ports so that you can charge several devices simultaneously. Ilyas added: "Look for power banks that support fast charging technologies like USB Power Delivery or Qualcomm Quick Charge to charge devices quickly." Similarly, the input port should also support fast recharging options, such as USB-C power delivery - it reduces the time it takes to get your power bank's battery back to full capacity, between uses.
We did the research for you and narrowed down a list of power banks that are safe for flights, based on our expert's recommendations and user ratings. Get them as soon as tomorrow with Amazon Prime’s free one-day delivery, and snag discounts during the ongoing electronics sale.
1. Best Overall: Charmast Power Delivery Power Bank (26,800mAh)
Pros
- Charges four devices at once
- Slim design
- Protected from overheating
- Comes with three USB cables
- Can charge Android and Apple phones, Nintendo Switch, tablets and MacBook
Cons
- Heavy due to its high power capacity
- Lightning cable is not included
- Doesn't support Samsung S9 and above, and Huawei P and Mate series
Just under 100Wh, Charmast's power bank is so powerful, it can fully recharge your MacBook twice, before it needs to be plugged in. With built-in safeguards to protect the device against overheating and overcharging, the ultra-slim power bank can slip into your laptop bag and is safe for travel. It has a universal fit for most phones and devices, with two standard USB ports, a, 18W Quick Charge port and a 20W Power Delivery USB-C port. And its high-capacity functionality means you can be rest assured you have enough power to charge multiple devices. The seller provides a 12-month support service upon purchase.
Bonus: Apply a coupon to get 20% off on this product. You can also use the code 'PRIMEX15' if you are a Prime member, for a 15% discount.
2. Best for iPhone: Belkin Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger (5000mAh)
Pros
- Pocket-sized device
- Snap and Go magnetic convenience
- Comes with an input and output USB-C cable
- Includes a fold-out metal stand
Cons
- Reviews say it's a little bulky and heavy
Slim and compact, this magnetic, wireless power bank by Belkin attaches to your iPhone with just a click. It’s suitable for a range of models - iPhones 12, 13 and 14 - but may not work with older versions. Reviewers like its convenient metal fold-out stand, which is a hands-free way to use your smartphone or to leave it standing while it recharges. Overcharge protection keeps your device safe, and an LED indicator lets you know when the power bank needs to be plugged in. Reviewers say it charges their phones quickly, but the power bank can feel a little bulky, especially when trying to slip the phone into a pocket.
Bonus: You can use the code 'PRIMEX15' if you are a Prime member, for a 15% discount.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a two-year warranty.
3. Best for Universal Charging: Anker PowerCore Essential (20,000mAh)
Pros
- Lightweight, portable
- Two ports for charging two devices
- Has temperature control
- Charges both Android and Apple phones and tablets
Cons
- Does not support laptop charging
With its massive capacity, the Anker PowerCore power bank can deliver over five full charges to an iPhone 12, four charges to a Galaxy S10 and over two charges to an iPad Mini 5. It features fast charging power delivery and twin USB charging ports, so you can plug in two devices at the same time and let it do its job. The power bank is compatible with a wide range of devices, and virtually all brands, so you're covered, no matter what tablet or smartphone you're susing. It's as small and light as a phone, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go convenience.
Bonus: You can use the code 'PRIMEX15' if you are a Prime member, for a 15% discount.
4. Best Portable Device: Belkin BOOSTCHARGE Portable Charger Power Bank (10,000mAh)
Pros
- Comes with built-in cables for both Apple and Android devices
- Has a separate charging port
- Booster power for speedy charge
- Pick from three colours - pink, blue and black
Cons
- Battery takes time to recharge, say reviewers
Most reviewers agree on their favourite feature of Belkin's BOOSTCHARGE portable power bank: it comes with two short integrated charging cables on the sides, so you'll never have to worry about storing or losing cables. This light and compact power bank provides a charge to two devices at the same time, via a Lightning head for Apple products and a USB-C cable for Android smartphones and tablets. It's capable of juicing your iPhone 11 for up to 31 hours. The device is small and lightweight, but still packs a punch in terms of battery capacity. But do note that some reviewers say it takes over two hours for the power bank to recharge.
Bonus: You can use the code 'PRIMEX15' if you are a Prime member, for a 15% discount.
5. Best Budget: Promate USB-C Power Bank (10,000mAh)
Pros
- Value for money
- Portable, small and light
- LED display for remaining battery
- Reviews say it delivers fast charge
- Supports two devices at the same time
Cons
- Battery takes time to charge
It’s touted as the world’s smallest portable charger, and at just 5.8cm by 7.9cm, it very well might be. The Promate power bank features a high-speed 22.5W Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 port to charge devices, and also gives you access to a 20W USB-C port and 18W USB-A port so that you can charge two devices simultaneously. It works with a wide range of phones and gadgets - from Apple to Qi-enabled devices. Reviewers love its convenient form factor, saying they’ve slipped it into slim pockets and purses with no issues. The battery does take three hours to recharge, so make sure you plug it in at the end of the day.
Bonus: You can use the code 'PRIMEX15' if you are a Prime member, for a 15% discount.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
