How do I choose a power bank for travel?

For travel, the rules come before the shopping list. The FAA says spare lithium-ion batteries, including power banks, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. IATA adds that batteries over 100 watt-hours may need airline approval, and the battery should stay in your hand baggage, not the hold. That means the safest purchase is not the biggest power bank; it is the one that fits the rules and still gives you a full day’s charging.

Look for USB-C Power Delivery, a capacity that matches your device, and a size that stays comfortably under the airline threshold unless you have a special use case. A slim bank that can top up a phone twice is often more useful than a bulky one you leave at home.

If you want a shopping starting point, look at travel power banks. Then compare it with how do I choose a travel adapter for international trips? and how do I choose a carry-on bag?.