If you’re packing a power bank for your next flight with Singapore Airlines, a few important rules have changed recently. Starting 15 April 2026, passengers are limited to a maximum of two power banks per person, and using them on board has been banned since 2025.

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Maximum without approval: 100 Wh (≈27,000 mAh at 3.7 V) ·
Maximum with prior approval: 160 Wh ·
Maximum power banks per passenger: 2 (from 15 April 2026) ·
Checked baggage: Not allowed ·
Usage on board: Prohibited since 1 April 2025

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 1 April 2025: Usage ban begins (Singapore Airlines)
  • 15 April 2026: Two‑power‑bank limit and disposal rule take effect (CAAS)
4What’s next
  • Passengers with more than two power banks must dispose of extras before boarding (Singapore Airlines newsroom)
  • Future regulatory updates may further tighten lithium‑battery carriage (CAAS cites safety incidents as driver)

Five key figures sum up the policy at a glance:

Rule Details
Maximum without approval 100 Wh (≈27,000 mAh at 3.7V)
Maximum with approval 160 Wh
Maximum per passenger 2 power banks (from 15 April 2026)
Usage onboard Banned since 1 April 2025
Checked baggage Not permitted
Storage on board Not allowed in overhead compartments

The pattern: Singapore Airlines has moved from a simple usage ban to a strict quantity cap, matching global lithium‑battery safety trends.

Is a 20,000mAh power bank allowed on a Singapore Airlines flight?

A 20,000mAh power bank at the standard cell voltage of 3.7V delivers about 74 Wh — well under the 100 Wh threshold. That means you can carry it without prior approval, as long as it’s in your cabin baggage. Singapore Airlines (the airline’s official advisory) confirms that power banks up to 100 Wh may be carried without approval.

Can I bring a 20,000mAh power bank to the airport?

  • Yes. 20,000mAh is allowed in cabin baggage. No checks beyond standard security screening.
  • The 3‑1‑1 rule for liquids does not apply to power banks — they are regulated as spare lithium batteries.

What is the 3‑1‑1 rule on Singapore Airlines?

The 3‑1‑1 rule (3.4 oz / 100 ml containers in a single quart‑sized bag, one bag per passenger) covers liquids, gels, and aerosols. Power banks are not subject to this rule. They fall under the separate Singapore Airlines advisory on lithium batteries.

Key point: 20,000mAh power banks are hassle-free for Singapore Airlines flights, as long as they stay in cabin baggage.

Can I bring a 30,000mAh power bank on a plane?

A 30,000mAh power bank at 3.7V works out to roughly 111 Wh, which exceeds the 100 Wh limit. According to Singapore Airlines, power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior approval from the airline. Above 160 Wh, they are not allowed on board.

What is the maximum capacity allowed without approval?

100 Wh. That’s equivalent to about 27,000 mAh at 3.7V. Any power bank above that needs airline approval.

Do I need prior approval for a 30,000mAh power bank?

Yes. Because 30,000mAh (≈111 Wh) falls into the 100‑160 Wh band, you must contact Singapore Airlines before your flight to obtain approval. The advisory states that approval must be obtained in advance.

Takeaway: A 30,000mAh power bank is not a simple carry-on; it requires proactive paperwork.

Why can’t you use power banks on Singapore Airlines?

From 1 April 2025, Singapore Airlines banned passengers from charging power banks via onboard USB ports and from using power banks to charge personal devices. The ban, as explained by Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority (the country’s aviation safety regulator), is a response to lithium‑ion battery fire incidents on aircraft.

When did the usage ban start?

1 April 2025. Singapore Airlines’ news alert states the ban was effective from that date.

Can I charge my device using the plane’s USB port?

You can charge your phone, laptop, or tablet directly from the seat’s USB port. The ban only applies to using the port to recharge a power bank — not to powering your devices.

What this means: Your devices stay powered, but the power bank itself must remain inactive during the flight.

What is the power bank limit on Singapore Airlines?

There are two limits: capacity per power bank and quantity per passenger. Each power bank must not exceed 160 Wh (with approval for 100‑160 Wh). And from 15 April 2026, you can only carry two power banks total. CAAS states that passengers with more than two must dispose of the extras before the flight.

How many power banks can I bring?

Two, as of 15 April 2026. The Singapore Airlines advisory confirms this quantity limit applies to all passengers departing Singapore.

What about spare batteries?

Spare lithium‑ion batteries (e.g., loose cells, camera batteries) are also restricted to cabin baggage with terminals protected. The same capacity and quantity rules likely apply — check with the airline.

Bottom line for this section: The two‑power‑bank rule is the key new restriction, and it applies per passenger regardless of battery type.

Should I buy a 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh power bank?

Both fit comfortably under the 100 Wh cap — 10,000mAh ≈ 37 Wh, 20,000mAh ≈ 74 Wh. The 20,000mAh gives you nearly twice the charging capacity without needing approval. But you also need to consider weight (about 350‑450 g for a 20,000mAh unit) and the fact that you can only bring two power banks total.

Which capacity is better for travel on Singapore Airlines?

For most travelers, a 20,000mAh power bank offers the best balance of capacity and portability. It can fully charge a modern smartphone 4–5 times, easily covering a long‑haul flight, and it stays under the 100 Wh limit. A 10,000mAh unit is lighter but may leave you hunting for a seat outlet.

Does the 100 Wh limit affect my choice?

Yes, but only if you consider 30,000mAh or larger. Since 20,000mAh is well under 100 Wh, you can carry it without any special steps. The 100 Wh limit only becomes a hurdle if you choose a capacity above 27,000mAh.

The catch

While both 10,000 and 20,000mAh are allowed, the new two‑power‑bank limit means you cannot simply bring multiple larger units. If you pack two 20,000mAh banks, you’ve used your quota — but you’ll have ample charge for two devices on even the longest routes.

Three power bank capacities compared side‑by‑side:

Capacity (mAh) Energy (Wh) at 3.7V Allowed without approval? Max per passenger
10,000 37 Yes 2
20,000 74 Yes 2
30,000 111 Requires prior approval 2 (if approved)

Upsides and Downsides of carrying a power bank on Singapore Airlines

Upsides

  • You can keep your devices powered through long flights — just not from the power bank during the flight.
  • Smaller capacities (under 100 Wh) require zero paperwork.
  • Two power banks are enough for most travelers.

Downsides

  • You cannot use or charge the power bank on board at all.
  • Power banks must stay at your seat — not in overhead bins.
  • The two‑bank limit means you cannot bring a backup pair without discarding extras.
  • Power banks over 100 Wh require advance approval, which can be inconvenient.

Verdict: The trade‑off is clear: pack wisely within the limits, and accept that your power bank stays dormant in flight.

Timeline of Singapore Airlines power bank rules

Bottom line: Singapore Airlines has tightened rules in two steps — first a usage ban, then a quantity cap. Travelers must now plan their power bank carry before heading to the airport.
  • – Singapore Airlines bans passengers from using power banks to charge devices or recharging power banks via onboard USB ports (Singapore Airlines).
  • – A new limit of two power banks per passenger applies to all flights departing Singapore, following CAAS (the Singapore civil aviation regulator) directives. Passengers with more than two must dispose of extras before boarding.

For travelers flying from Singapore, the choice is clear: pack no more than two power banks under 100 Wh each, and never use them on board. Otherwise, you risk having them confiscated or denied boarding. The trade‑off is not about losing power — it’s about staying safe while staying charged.

Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Power banks must be in cabin baggage only – never in checked luggage (Singapore Airlines).
  • Capacity limit without approval is 100 Wh (Singapore Airlines).
  • Capacity limit with prior approval is 160 Wh (Singapore Airlines).
  • Usage of power banks on board is prohibited (Singapore Airlines).
  • Maximum of two power banks per passenger from 15 April 2026 (CAAS).

What’s unclear

  • Whether the two‑bank limit will be extended to other airlines globally or remain a Singapore‑specific rule.
  • How strict the enforcement of the “no overhead bin” rule will be in practice.

Overall pattern: The confirmed restrictions are firmly in place, while only implementation nuances remain uncertain.

Expert perspectives

Power banks up to 100Wh may be carried without prior approval. Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior approval from the airline.

— Singapore Airlines official advisory

From 15 April 2026, passengers departing Singapore may carry a maximum of two power banks per person on board flights.

— CAAS newsroom

The regulatory shift is clear. As The Business Times (a Singapore business newspaper) noted in April 2026, the new restrictions are a direct response to lithium‑battery fire risks — and passengers flying out of Singapore must now adapt quickly.

For travelers flying from Singapore, the choice is clear: pack no more than two power banks under 100 Wh each, and never use them on board. Otherwise, you risk having them confiscated or denied boarding. The trade‑off is not about losing power — it’s about staying safe while staying charged.

Additional sources

blog.wego.com, instagram.com, goenergea.com, channelnewsasia.com, aseantoday.info, faa.gov, reddit.com, ask.gov.sg, anker.com

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Frequently asked questions

Are power banks allowed in checked luggage on Singapore Airlines?

No. Power banks of any capacity are prohibited in checked baggage. They must be carried in cabin baggage at all times. Singapore Airlines explicitly states this.

Can I bring a power bank with a damaged battery on the plane?

No. Damaged, swollen, or recalled power banks are not allowed on board. CAAS safety guidelines prohibit any lithium battery that shows signs of damage.

What is the fine for not following power bank rules on Singapore Airlines?

There is no stated fixed fine, but non‑compliance can lead to denial of boarding, confiscation of the power bank, and possible legal action under aviation safety regulations. CAAS warns that power banks exceeding the limit must be disposed of.

Do I need to declare my power bank at check‑in?

You do not need to declare power banks under 100 Wh. For power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, you must contact Singapore Airlines in advance for approval and may need to present documentation at check‑in. Singapore Airlines advises contacting them ahead of departure.

Can I bring multiple power banks (e.g., two 10,000mAh) on Singapore Airlines?

Yes, as long as you don’t exceed two power banks total (from 15 April 2026). Each must meet the capacity rules. CAAS states the two‑bank limit applies per person, not per battery type.

What should I do if my power bank is confiscated at security?

Airport security will ask you to dispose of it in a designated battery disposal bin. You may also be able to return it to someone outside the security area. Planning ahead avoids this hassle. Singapore Airlines advises passengers with more than two power banks to dispose of extras before the flight.

Are there any exceptions for medical devices?

Medical devices containing lithium batteries (e.g., CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators) are generally exempt, but they must be declared and may require approval. Always check with Singapore Airlines customer service for specific medical equipment.

Why this matters

The two‑power‑bank limit effectively ends the practice of carrying multiple high‑capacity banks for long trips. Travelers flying from Singapore must now choose their power bank(s) carefully — or risk losing them at the airport.