Power Bank Rules 2026: 160Wh Limit, 2 Per Person, Never in Checked Bags

Bottom line: Power banks must go in your carry-on, never in checked luggage — X-ray screening will catch them immediately. You can bring a maximum of 2 power banks, each rated 160Wh (about 43,000mAh) or less. Anything over 160Wh (large camping-style banks, for example) cannot be brought at all, carry-on or checked.

If you didn't know: If a power bank turns up in your checked bag during X-ray screening, you'll have to open the bag and pull it out on the spot — and if it can't be matched to you, it gets confiscated with no way to get it back (a typical power bank costs roughly 20,000-50,000 won, estimated, and there's no compensation). Repacking at check-in or the security line can add 10 minutes or more (estimated).

To estimate Wh: mAh x voltage (V) / 1000 = Wh. A 20,000mAh unit at 3.7V is about 74Wh; 160Wh is roughly 43,000mAh. The old tiered rule — up to 5 units if 100Wh or less, up to 2 with airline pre-approval between 100-160Wh — no longer applies. Since April 20, 2026 it's simplified to "2 per person, 160Wh or less each," regardless of tier. Exposed terminals should be taped over or bagged individually to prevent short-circuiting.

Journey stage: Before you go · Verified 2026-11-07