Quick answer: Check the battery’s watt-hour rating before you pack. Spare lithium batteries and power banks belong in carry-on baggage; airline approval and quantity limits can apply, so confirm the current rule with your carrier before departure.
Start with the watt-hour rating
The watt-hour value printed on the battery determines which airline rules apply. Battery size, carry-on placement, terminal protection, and carrier approval should be checked before every trip.
Many people do not know whether they are allowed to bring power banks on planes or not. The airline industry is known for being very strict regarding the items allowed on board, and unfortunately, batteries in general and power banks, in particular, are not exempt from being regulated.
Under U.S. passenger rules, spare lithium batteries and power banks up to and including 100Wh may be carried in the cabin. Batteries over 100Wh and up to 160Wh require operating-carrier approval and are limited to two per person. Airlines may apply stricter limits.
How can I prepare CPAP power for a flight?
Historical model note: The specifications below describe the earlier EASYLONGER EL240 (88.8Wh). For a current alternative, see the ES270 travel battery (99.9Wh). These are different models with different specifications; confirm the chosen model’s cable compatibility and airline requirements.
| Connector type | 2 x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1 x DC, 1 x Wireless charger |
| Product Name | EASYLONGER EL240 |
| Battery capacity | 3.7V/24000mAh/88.8Wh |
| Battery cell composition | Lithium Ion |
| Size | 23.3 x 15.7 x 3.7 cm/0.8 kg |
| Voltage | 20 Volts, 5 Volts, 9 Volts, 15 Volts, 12 Volts, 24 Volts |
The EL240 is rated at 88.8Wh, within the U.S. ≤100Wh size category. Confirm its label, condition and your carrier’s policy before travel; carrying a battery and using CPAP during the flight are separate questions.
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FAA and TSA regulations regarding portable chargers
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) handles security screening, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides aviation safety and dangerous-goods guidance. For spare lithium batteries, check the FAA size and packing rules as well as the operating airline’s requirements.
| Battery rating | What to check |
|---|---|
| Up to 100Wh | Carry-on only. Check your airline’s quantity, packing and use restrictions. |
| Over 100Wh, up to 160Wh | Airline approval required; at most two spare batteries per passenger. A carrier may set stricter rules. |
| Over 160Wh | Not permitted as a spare battery in passenger baggage under these rules. |
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Battery size limits: up to 100Wh, or over 100Wh to 160Wh with carrier approval
Use watt-hours, not a standalone mAh limit. Watt-hours equal amp-hours multiplied by the battery’s nominal voltage; the same mAh figure can represent different energy at different voltages. Read the Wh rating on the battery label and apply the relevant FAA and carrier limits.
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Power banks are to be transported in carry-on luggage only
Power banks must remain in carry-on baggage under the applicable spare-battery rules. Keep them accessible and alert the crew if a battery becomes hot, swells, smokes or is damaged. Do not move a spare battery into checked luggage when a carry-on bag is gate-checked.
External power banks are treated as spare batteries rather than batteries installed in a CPAP machine. Their terminals need short-circuit protection, and they stay in the cabin if a bag is gate-checked.
Non-US airlines and international airports regulations for battery packs
International rules and airline policies may differ from U.S. requirements. Check the limit and approval process for every operating carrier on your route before buying or packing a battery.
While the FAA is the governing body in the United States of domestic airlines, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a trade association of the world's airlines, which helps to formulate industry policies and standards.
For international trips, check current guidance from each operating airline and the authorities for your route. Protect spare battery terminals individually and keep permitted batteries in carry-on baggage. Quantity and use-on-board restrictions can be stricter than the U.S. baseline.
A battery over 160Wh is not ordinary passenger baggage under U.S. rules. Do not move it to checked luggage or assume the airline will accept it as cargo. A separate shipment requires an appropriately arranged dangerous-goods transport service.
Before you travel
- Confirm the watt-hour rating printed on the battery.
- Carry spare lithium batteries and power banks in carry-on baggage.
- Protect exposed terminals and keep the battery accessible.
- Ask the airline for written approval when its rules require it.
Important: U.S. FAA guidance and airline policies can change, and international rules may differ. Check the current requirements for every carrier on your itinerary.
Continue planning
Use the CPAP travel-battery guide for a complete packing workflow, or review the 99.9Wh ES270 travel battery when a compact carry-on option fits your machine.
Check the current flight rule
For U.S. departures, review the FAA PackSafe battery guidance, then confirm the operating carrier’s policy for every flight segment. Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be protected from damage and short circuits and kept in carry-on baggage under the applicable limits.
