Singapore Power Bank Flight Rules 2026: 2-Bank Limit, Wh Limits & Cabin Rules
From 15 April 2026, passengers departing Singapore are limited to two power banks each. Here is how the Wh limits, cabin-only rule and airline approval requirements work.
From 15 April 2026, passengers departing Singapore are limited to two power banks each. Here is how the Wh limits, cabin-only rule and airline approval requirements work.
- Effective date
- 15 April 2026
- Maximum quantity
- 2 power banks per passenger
- Checked baggage
- Not allowed
- Up to 100Wh
- Allowed in cabin, subject to the two-bank limit
- Over 100Wh to 160Wh
- Airline approval required
- Over 160Wh
- Not permitted for passengers
From 15 April 2026, passengers departing Singapore are limited to two power banks each. Here is how the Wh limits, cabin-only rule and airline approval requirements work.
Key Takeaways
- Flights departing Singapore now apply a maximum of two power banks per passenger, even when the units are small.
- Power banks belong in cabin baggage, must be protected against short circuits and must not be charged onboard.
- A power bank above 100Wh and up to 160Wh needs airline approval; anything above 160Wh is prohibited for passenger carriage.
What changed in Singapore in 2026?
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) introduced tighter power-bank rules for flights departing Singapore from 15 April 2026. The headline rule is simple: each passenger may carry a maximum of two power banks. If you arrive with more than two, you may be required to dispose of the excess before your flight.
The restrictions apply because lithium batteries can overheat or short-circuit. Power banks are treated differently from many devices because their main purpose is supplying stored electrical power to other equipment.
Power bank limits at a glance
| Power bank rating | Can you carry it? | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| 100Wh or less | Yes, in cabin baggage | Counts toward the two-power-bank maximum |
| Over 100Wh to 160Wh | Only with airline approval | Arrange approval before arriving at the airport |
| Over 160Wh | No | Not permitted for passenger carriage |
Can a power bank go in checked baggage?
No. CAAS states that power banks are prohibited in checked baggage. Keep them with you in cabin baggage so a battery problem can be detected and managed quickly.
Before checking your suitcase, remove any loose power bank you may have packed into a side pocket. If your airline has stricter requirements, the airline’s policy takes precedence.
Can you use or recharge a power bank during the flight?
CAAS requires that power banks must not be charged onboard the aircraft. Passengers are also advised not to use power banks to charge phones, tablets or other portable electronic devices during the flight.
That means the safest plan is to charge your phone and power bank before boarding and use the aircraft’s approved power source only if your airline permits it.
How do Wh and mAh relate?
Air-travel rules are based on watt-hours (Wh), while consumer power banks are often marketed by milliamp-hours (mAh). CAAS gives practical approximations: 100Wh is roughly 27,000mAh, while 160Wh is roughly 43,000mAh. The exact conversion depends on battery voltage, so use the Wh rating printed on the device when available.
If the label is missing, worn off or unclear, do not assume airport staff will accept a calculation from an online listing. Carry a power bank with a legible capacity marking.
How should you pack a power bank?
CAAS says power banks should be individually protected against short circuits. Suitable methods include keeping the unit in its original retail packaging, placing each one in a separate protective pouch or plastic bag, or insulating exposed terminals.
- Do not pack two power banks loose against keys, coins or metal accessories.
- Inspect swollen, cracked or damaged batteries before travelling; damaged lithium batteries should not be taken onboard.
- Keep the devices somewhere accessible rather than buried at the bottom of a tightly packed cabin bag.
When do you need airline approval?
If a power bank is over 100Wh but no more than 160Wh, CAAS requires airline approval. Contact your airline before travel rather than trying to resolve the issue at the gate. The overall maximum remains two power banks per passenger.
Airlines may impose stricter conditions than the baseline CAAS rules, so check your operating carrier if you are flying on a codeshare itinerary or connecting through another country.
Checklist before you head to Changi
- Count your power banks: maximum two.
- Check the Wh rating on each device.
- Move all power banks into cabin baggage.
- Protect each unit from short circuits.
- Get airline approval in advance if a unit is above 100Wh and up to 160Wh.
- Do not plan to recharge the power bank onboard.
Travelling with other electronics? See our Singapore plug and power-adapter guide and Tourist SIM vs eSIM guide.
Sources
Primary sources used for this guide: