How to pack power banks and your electronic devices for your flight
Many everyday devices — such as mobile phones, tablets, wireless headphones and power banks — contain rechargeable lithium batteries. It’s easy to end up travelling with four or five of them without even noticing.
Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods, so there are a few rules for how they must be carried on board. These guidelines help you pack your devices correctly and ensure a smooth airport experience.
Remember to check the battery size of the devices you use. You’ll usually find the battery information on the battery itself, in the device settings or in the user manual.
How to pack devices with lithium batteries
| Remember this | Guidance |
| Always pack in carry-on baggage | Power banks, spare batteries, e-cigarettes and vaping products. |
| Power banks | You can bring up to two power banks on board. They cannot be used to charge devices during the flight or be charged from the aircraft’s power outlet. |
| Other devices with lithium batteries | Pack them in your carry-on baggage where possible. If you pack a device in checked baggage, switch it off completely and protect it from impact. |
| During the flight | Keep your power bank and e-cigarette visible and within reach, not in the overhead bin. Report any heating, smoke, smell or swelling to the crew immediately. |
1. Check that your device is in good condition
Devices with lithium batteries are safe to bring on board when handled and packed correctly. Only travel with devices that are intact and working normally. A damaged battery can overheat and pose a fire risk.
2. Pack your power bank in your carry‑on baggage
Power banks must always be packed in your carry‑on baggage. They are not allowed in checked baggage, and the same applies to all spare batteries. From 24 June 2026, you can carry up to two power banks in your carry-on baggage, and each may have a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh). These limits are in place for safety, as power banks store a lot of energy and can, in rare cases, overheat. Every day, power banks, batteries, lighters and e‑cigarettes must be removed from bags being checked in. Most of the time, it’s an honest mistake - the items have simply ended up in the wrong bag.
If your carry‑on bag needs to be checked in at the departure gate, always make sure there are no power banks or other items prohibited in checked baggage left inside.
3. Do not use a power bank during the flight
A new aviation safety regulation prohibits the use of power banks on board. You cannot use a power bank to charge your devices during the flight, and you may not connect one to the aircraft’s power outlet. For this reason, please charge any devices you’ll need during the flight beforehand or at the airport.
On our long‑haul flights, you can charge your electronic devices using the in‑seat power outlet, which works with most charging cables without an adapter. Depending on the aircraft type and travel class, USB ports are either USB‑A or USB‑C.
4. Notify cabin crew if you notice a problem
During the flight, it’s best to keep your power bank in the seat pocket or in your bag under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin. This way, it stays visible and accessible. If a battery starts to heat up or swell, inform our cabin crew immediately. They are trained to handle such situations.
The same guidance applies to e‑cigarettes, which should be kept close at hand. Using or charging an e‑cigarette is not permitted during the flight.
5. Switch off your devices and protect them
A device with a lithium battery of up to 100 watt‑hours — such as a laptop — can also be carried in checked baggage. However, we recommend packing your electronic devices in your carry‑on baggage whenever possible.
Switch off the device for the duration of the flight and ensure it cannot turn on accidentally. Protect the device or spare battery with a case, soft pouch or clothing. Pressure or impact can damage a battery and cause it to overheat. Also make sure the battery terminals cannot come into contact with metal objects or other batteries, and that no flammable items such as perfume or hairspray are stored next to the battery.
6. Arrange transport for larger batteries in advance (100–160 Wh)
Batteries with a capacity of 100–160 watt‑hours require prior approval from Finnair. Please contact our customer service well before your journey starts so we can confirm the approval in good time. These larger batteries must be carried in your carry‑on baggage.
Batteries over 160 watt‑hours are not permitted on our flights at all, unless they are part of an electric wheelchair.
7. Check the guidelines and ask if you need help
In addition to lithium batteries, there are specific rules for items such as liquids, sports equipment and battery‑powered mobility devices. You’ll find all guidelines clearly on our website.
If you need assistance, our Sisu chat and customer service team are always happy to help.
And one more tip: when you check in, take a moment to carefully review the guidelines for restricted items before ticking the box.
Q&A
How many power banks can I bring on a Finnair flight?
From 24 June 2026, you can carry up to two power banks in your carry-on baggage. Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage.
What is the maximum power bank capacity allowed?
A power bank may have a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh).
How do I know if my power bank is under 100 Wh?
Power banks are often labelled in milliampere-hours (mAh) rather than watt-hours. To convert, multiply the mAh rating by the voltage (usually 3.7 V) and divide by 1,000. For example, a 20,000 mAh power bank is about 74 Wh. As a rough guide, 100 Wh is around 27,000 mAh. If the capacity isn't readable on the device, it may not be accepted at security.
Can I use a power bank during the flight?
No. Using a power bank on board is not allowed, and you cannot charge one from the aircraft’s power outlet. Charge your devices before the flight or at the airport.
Where should I keep my power bank during the flight?
Keep it in the seat pocket or in your bag under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin, so it stays visible and within reach. If it heats up or swells, tell the cabin crew immediately.
What happens if a device overheats during the flight?
The cabin crew will usually place the device in a metal container, and in most cases it cools down and can be returned to you. If there are signs of ignition, it may be moved to a fire containment bag or submerged in water. In that case the device is handed over to the rescue authorities at the destination for inspection and disposal as hazardous waste, and it is not returned. Please tell the crew as soon as a device heats up or behaves unusually, so the situation can be handled safely and early.
Can I bring a damaged or swollen power bank?
No. Only intact, normally working devices are allowed on board. A damaged, swollen or leaking battery can overheat and will not be accepted.
Can I pack a laptop in checked baggage?
A device with a lithium battery of up to 100 Wh, such as a laptop, can be carried in checked baggage, but we recommend packing it in your carry-on.