CABIN BAGGAGE · LITHIUM BATTERIES
Power Banks on Planes: Air Canada, Air Transat and WestJet Rules
Power banks and spare lithium batteries belong in cabin baggage, not checked luggage. Capacity, airline approval and in-flight use rules still matter.
Understand watt-hours
| Capacity | General aviation rule |
|---|---|
| Under 100 Wh | Normally accepted in cabin baggage, subject to the airline policy. |
| 100–160 Wh | Airline approval is generally required and quantity is limited. |
| Over 160 Wh | Not accepted as an ordinary spare passenger battery; special rules may apply to mobility aids. |
If only milliamp-hours are shown, the usual calculation is Wh = volts × (mAh ÷ 1,000). A clear capacity label helps security staff verify the battery.
How to pack batteries
- Keep each spare battery in its original packaging or a separate pouch.
- Protect terminals with non-conductive tape when necessary.
- Keep batteries away from keys, coins and jewellery.
- Do not place a power bank in checked baggage.
- Keep it accessible rather than buried in the overhead compartment when the airline requires this.
Airline differences
WestJet, Air Canada and Air Transat publish their own limits and handling rules. The operating carrier shown on the ticket controls the flight, including former Sunwing package flights operated by WestJet. Recheck the airline’s restricted-items page before departure because in-flight use and charging rules may change.
Documents and Cuba preparation
Keep your passport details, flight confirmation, insurance, accommodation address, eVisa information and D’Viajeros QR code available offline. A power bank supports the plan, but paper copies remain useful during outages or a damaged phone.
Checklist
- Capacity label readable.
- Operating airline policy checked.
- Power bank packed in cabin baggage.
- Terminals protected.
- No damaged or recalled batteries.
- Essential documents saved offline and on paper.
📩 Abonnez-vous à notre Newsletter
Recevez directement nos dernières nouvelles, bons plans et astuces de voyage à Cuba 🌴
