Power Bank Rules on Korean Flights 2026: Checked-Bag Ban, 160Wh Limit, No Charging Mid-Flight

Bottom line: Power banks can never go in checked luggage like a suitcase, because of fire risk -- they must be carried in your cabin bag instead. Anything over 160Wh gets confiscated on the spot at security, and even batteries under that limit are capped at two per person. Charging a device from a power bank at your seat mid-flight is also against the rules.

If you didn't know: Pack a power bank in checked luggage without realizing the rule, and security will make you reopen your bag to pull it out, slowing down the line and, in bad cases, delaying the flight itself, according to the Korea Airports Corporation. Every summer travel season, some travelers show up with a battery over 160Wh and have to abandon it right at the security checkpoint. Get caught charging a device from a power bank mid-flight out of habit, and you'll be stopped immediately and unable to charge anything for the rest of the trip.

Lithium batteries can catch fire almost instantly if damaged or short-circuited, which is far more dangerous in a cargo hold no one can reach mid-flight than in the cabin -- which is why power banks, e-cigarettes and lighters must all stay out of checked baggage and ride in the cabin only. The Korea Airports Corporation says that every peak season, like summer vacation, plenty of travelers who don't know this rule end up reopening bags or surrendering items at the airport, and it's urging people to check before they fly. When packing, taping over a power bank's USB terminals or storing it in its own small pouch helps prevent a short circuit from coins or keys rattling against it in your bag. On international flights, liquids like cosmetics and drinks are also capped at 100ml per container and 1 liter total in the cabin, so it's worth checking that rule at the same time you check your power bank.

Journey stage: Before you go · Verified 2026-10-18 · Source Korea Airports Corporation