Yes, you can bring a power bank on Turkish Airlines, but only in your carry-on, with a maximum of two. You cannot charge it or use it during the flight.
These rules tightened in 2026 after Türkiye’s civil aviation authority restricted lithium batteries on board. Here is a simple guide to exactly what you can and cannot bring.
The quick answer: power banks on Turkish Airlines
Power banks are allowed in hand baggage only and are completely banned from checked luggage. This follows the directive Türkiye’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) issued in late April 2026, aligning national rules with ICAO’s March 2026 amendment.
The core rules are simple. Keep your power bank with you in the cabin, carry no more than two, and do not switch it on during the flight.
- Carry-on only: Power banks and spare lithium batteries must travel in the cabin, never in checked bags.
- Maximum two: Each passenger may carry up to two power banks.
- No in-flight use: You cannot charge your power bank or use it to charge a device while flying.
- Capacity matters: Anything above 160 Wh is banned outright.
Power bank capacity limits explained
Your power bank’s capacity in watt-hours (Wh) decides whether it is allowed. Turkish Airlines follows the standard lithium battery limits set out on its restrictions page.
Most consumer power banks fall well under the 100 Wh threshold and need no special permission. The table below shows where yours fits.
| Capacity | Allowed? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Yes | Carry-on only, no airline approval needed |
| 100–160 Wh | Yes | Max 2, airline approval required, carry-on only |
| Over 160 Wh | No | Prohibited on board entirely |
If your power bank only shows mAh, you can convert it: Wh = (mAh × voltage) ÷ 1000, with most power banks running at 3.7V.
A typical 20,000 mAh power bank is about 74 Wh, so it is comfortably within the limit.
As a rough guide, 100 Wh is roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7V. Almost every phone power bank sold for everyday use sits below this.
What can and cannot go in checked baggage
Power banks and spare lithium batteries are never allowed in checked baggage.
They must stay in the cabin where any fault can be spotted and handled quickly.
The table below sums up where your batteries and devices belong.
| Item | Carry-on | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank | Yes (max 2) | No |
| Spare lithium batteries | Yes | No |
| Phone, laptop, tablet | Yes | Allowed but better in cabin |
| Smart luggage (battery removed) | Battery in cabin | Bag only, no battery |
To prevent short circuits, loose batteries should travel in their original packaging, with terminals taped over, or inside a protective pouch.
This guards against the lithium-battery fire risk that Turkish Airlines cites as the reason for its tighter battery rules.
The in-flight charging ban
You cannot use a power bank at any point during a Turkish Airlines flight. That means no charging your phone from it, and no charging the power bank itself from the seat USB port.
Keeping power banks switched off and within reach makes any fault far easier to catch. A few practical steps help on the day:
- Charge before you board: Top up your devices at the gate or in the lounges at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen.
- Use the seat outlet instead: Charge phones and laptops directly from the aircraft’s own power, where fitted.
- Keep the power bank accessible: Store it in the seat pocket or under the seat, not deep in the overhead bin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many power banks can I bring on Turkish Airlines?
You can carry a maximum of two power banks per passenger. Both must be in your carry-on, never in checked baggage.
Can I use my power bank during the flight?
No. Turkish Airlines bans both charging a power bank and using it to charge devices in flight, so keep it switched off and accessible.
What size power bank is allowed?
Power banks up to 100 Wh (around 27,000 mAh) are allowed without approval. Those between 100 and 160 Wh need airline approval, and anything above 160 Wh is banned.
Can I put a power bank in my checked suitcase?
No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are banned from checked baggage and must travel in the cabin with you.
Is my smart suitcase allowed on Turkish Airlines?
Only if its battery can be removed and carried separately in the cabin. Smart bags with non-removable batteries are banned from both cabin and hold.
Sources
- Turkish Airlines — Travel Restrictions and Prohibited Items Guide
- Türkiye Today — Turkish Airlines bans smart luggage with non-removable lithium batteries
- Hürriyet Daily News — Türkiye bans in-flight charging of power banks
- Türkiye Today — Power bank sparks panic on Istanbul–Seoul flight, forces return to Istanbul
- Euronews — Türkiye becomes the latest country to update power bank rules on flights
- ICAO — Dangerous Goods Technical Instructions for the safe transport of lithium batteries
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
