Can I carry a 20000mAh power bank in flight IndiGo?

Can You Take a 20,000mAh Power Bank on an IndiGo Flight? Navigating IndiGo’s Battery Regulations

Traveling with portable power banks is commonplace, but airline regulations can be confusing. If you’re planning a trip with IndiGo and are wondering about your 20,000mAh power bank, the answer is nuanced and depends entirely on its watt-hour (Wh) rating, not just its milliampere-hour (mAh) rating.

While 20,000mAh sounds like a significant capacity, it doesn’t directly translate to a safe-for-flight wattage. The crucial factor for IndiGo, and most airlines, is the watt-hour (Wh) rating, which reflects the total energy stored in the power bank. This is because a higher voltage battery with the same mAh capacity will have a higher Wh rating and thus poses a greater potential safety risk.

IndiGo explicitly prohibits power banks exceeding 100Wh. This means a 20,000mAh power bank might be allowed, but only if its Wh rating is below the 100Wh limit. You absolutely cannot bring a 20,000mAh power bank on board if its Wh rating is above 100Wh, regardless of whether you intend to pack it in your carry-on or checked baggage.

Finding Your Power Bank’s Wh Rating:

The Wh rating is usually printed on the power bank itself, often alongside the mAh rating. If you can’t find it on the device, look for it on the original packaging or the manufacturer’s website. If the Wh rating is not listed, you can calculate it using this formula:

Wh = (mAh x V) / 1000

Where ‘V’ is the voltage of your power bank (usually 3.7V for lithium-ion batteries). However, this calculation might not be completely accurate, as internal resistance and other factors can influence the actual Wh rating. It’s always best to rely on the manufacturer’s stated Wh rating.

What to Do if Your Power Bank Exceeds 100Wh:

If your 20,000mAh power bank has a Wh rating exceeding 100Wh, you unfortunately cannot bring it on your IndiGo flight. Leaving it at home is the safest option. Consider purchasing a smaller, compliant power bank before your journey.

In summary: Don’t solely rely on the mAh rating. Check your power bank’s Wh rating. If it’s below 100Wh, you may be able to take it on your IndiGo flight. However, always confirm directly with IndiGo’s customer service for the most up-to-date information and to avoid any potential issues at the airport. Failing to comply with these regulations could result in your power bank being confiscated.