Do you mean you want recommendations for which travel power banks to buy, rules for taking them on flights, or both? Here’s a concise guide covering safe/airline rules plus what to look for and a few well-regarded options.
Quick summary — airline rules (Australia / international)
- Always carry power banks in carry‑on (cabin) baggage; never place spare power banks or loose lithium batteries in checked luggage. (casa.gov.au)
- Watt‑hour limits: power banks under 100 Wh are normally allowed without airline approval; those 100–160 Wh require airline approval; >160 Wh are prohibited in passenger baggage (except certain mobility aids). Check the Wh rating on the unit (or calculate: V × Ah = Wh). (casa.gov.au)
- Many airlines have recently tightened rules (some now ban using/charging power banks during flight or limit the number carried) — always check your airline’s current policy before travel. (reuters.com)
What to look for when buying (practical travel features)
- Capacity: 10,000–20,000 mAh is the sweet spot for travel — gives several phone charges while staying reasonably compact/airline friendly. Stay under ~100 Wh when possible.
- Ports & speeds: USB‑C PD (Power Delivery) for fast charging and to charge laptops/tablets (look for 20–100W PD depending on needs). Extra USB‑A ports are handy for charging multiple devices.
- Size & weight: balance capacity vs weight — 10,000 mAh models are lighter; 20,000 mAh are heavier but more useful for multi‑day trips.
- Pass‑through charging: convenient but increases heat and is not recommended during flights; many airlines ban use/charging onboard.
- Build & safety: choose models with reputable cells (LG/Samsung/Sony), over‑charge/short‑circuit/temperature protection, and clear Wh marking on the case. Buy from reputable brands/retailers.
- Airline compliance: confirm the device shows Wh (or voltage and mAh so you can calculate Wh). If it’s between 100–160 Wh, contact your airline for written approval before flying.
Brands & models (examples to consider)
- Anker (PowerCore line): reliable, many compact 10,000–20,000 mAh options with PD. (Widely sold in Australia.)
- Zendure (SuperTank, A-series): durable, high‑output models (good if you need laptop charging).
- RAVPower / Baseus / Xiaomi: good value and feature-rich models (many 20,000 mAh PD options). For example, RAVPower lists 20,000 mAh PD models around 60W and some AC output power banks (product specs shown on vendor pages). (RAVPower.com)
Practical packing & travel tips
- Keep the power bank in your carry‑on and switch it off or keep it disconnected while not in use. (casa.gov.au)
- Put the power bank in an accessible pocket of your carry‑on so security staff can inspect it if needed.
- If flying internationally, check both CASA guidance and your airline’s website (some airlines now prohibit charging or limit number of power banks carried). Examples of airlines updating rules were widely reported in 2025. (casa.gov.au)
If you want, I can:
- Recommend 3–5 specific models available in Australia (with links and current prices), or
- Help calculate the Wh for a particular power bank model you’re considering (just give V and mAh from the label).