2026 baseline: the current IATA passenger guidance uses a maximum of 15 portable electronic devices, 20 spare batteries and 2 power banks per person, while airlines may approve or impose different limits.
The numbers to remember
Portable electronic devices15
Spare batteries20
Power banks2
Large lithium spares2 in 100–160 Wh band
Capacity still matters
At or below 100 Wh is the normal small-battery band. Batteries above 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh move into an approval/airline-specific band. Above 160 Wh is not ordinary passenger baggage.
Why the airline page still matters
Airlines can be stricter. In this database, examples include a 100 Wh drone ceiling, small-spare caps below 20, and power-bank limits below the general framework. A codeshare or connecting trip therefore needs every operating carrier checked.
Power banks became more visible in 2026
Power banks are treated separately from an installed drone battery. Several carriers now publish explicit limits on count, storage location and onboard use. The checker keeps them separate from drone spares so one category does not hide the other.
Practical takeaway
- Count devices and loose batteries before travel.
- Keep all spares in cabin baggage with protected terminals.
- Open the official airline source for every operating carrier.
- If the airline wants approval, obtain it before airport day.