Can I Bring a 20000mAh Power Bank on SAS Scandinavian?
Updated 2026-07-29 · Power Bank Guide
Traveling with a 20000mAh power bank on SAS Scandinavian? The airline follows the standard FAA limit of 100 Wh for carry‑on batteries, and a 20000mAh pack at the typical 3.7 V chemistry works out to about 74 Wh, so it’s well within the limit. That means you can bring it in your cabin bag, but you must keep it out of checked luggage and turn it off during take‑off and landing. Below we break down the SAS Airlines power bank rules, show how many full charges you can expect from a 20000mAh unit on the most popular smartphones, and give practical fast‑charging tips.
SAS Airlines power bank rules you need to follow
SAS follows the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidance, which mirrors the FAA’s 100 Wh ceiling for lithium‑ion packs carried in the cabin. Here’s the quick checklist:
- Battery capacity must be ≤ 100 Wh (20000 mAh × 3.7 V ≈ 74 Wh, so you’re safe).
- Power banks must be in carry‑on baggage only; they are prohibited in checked bags.
- Turn the device off and, if possible, store it in a protective case or its original packaging.
- If your bank exceeds 100 Wh (e.g., 26000 mAh), you need airline approval and may be limited to two spare units.
Always double‑check the latest SAS policy before you travel, as regulations can be updated.
How many full charges does a 20000mAh bank give?
Real‑world efficiency for lithium‑ion power banks is around 60‑70 % because of voltage conversion (3.7 V cell to 5 V USB) and heat loss. To estimate charges, divide the usable watt‑hours by the phone’s battery capacity.
Usable energy ≈ 74 Wh × 0.65 ≈ 48 Wh.
Typical phone batteries:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max – 5.3 Wh (4,352 mAh × 1.22 V)
- Samsung Galaxy S24 – 12.5 Wh (4,800 mAh × 2.6 V)
- Google Pixel 8 – 10.8 Wh (4,800 mAh × 2.25 V)
Using the 48 Wh usable figure, you get roughly:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: 48 Wh ÷ 5.3 Wh ≈ 9 full charges
- Samsung Galaxy S24: 48 Wh ÷ 12.5 Wh ≈ 3.8 charges
- Google Pixel 8: 48 Wh ÷ 10.8 Wh ≈ 4.4 charges
If you’re using the phone while it charges, expect about 15‑20 % fewer cycles because the device draws power simultaneously.
Fast‑charging with USB‑C Power Delivery (PD)
The INIU 20000mAh Portable Charger (Flight‑Safe) supports 22.5 W USB‑C PD, which is enough to push most modern phones from 0 % to 50 % in under 30 minutes. Here’s how the wattage translates:
- iPhone 15 series: 20 W PD → ~50 % in 27 min, full charge in ~1 h 10 min.
- Samsung Galaxy S24: 25 W (the bank will negotiate down to 22.5 W) → ~50 % in ~30 min, full in ~1 h 20 min.
- Google Pixel 8: 18 W PD → ~50 % in ~35 min, full in ~1 h 30 min.
Because the bank’s output is capped at 22.5 W, devices that can draw more will simply charge at the maximum the bank can provide. That’s still faster than standard 5 V/2 A (10 W) charging and conserves the bank’s overall capacity—higher current draws drain the battery quicker.
Charging while you use your phone
Many travelers wonder if they can watch a video or browse the web while the power bank is plugged in. You can, but keep these points in mind:
- Screen brightness and background apps increase draw; the phone may still lose 5‑10 % per hour even while plugged into a 22.5 W source.
- If the phone’s battery is below 20 %, the PD controller will prioritize charging, and you’ll see a net gain.
- For the most efficient use, lower screen brightness, turn off Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi if not needed, and close power‑hungry apps.
In practice, a 20000 mAh bank can keep a mid‑range Android device alive for about 6‑8 hours of mixed use (video + browsing) before needing a recharge.
Why the INIU 20000mAh Portable Charger is a solid pick
When you need a flight‑safe, high‑capacity pack, the INIU 20000mAh Portable Charger checks the boxes. It’s under the 100 Wh threshold, includes a USB‑C cable so you don’t have to carry an extra cord, and even adds a handy flashlight for cabin emergencies. The 22.5 W PD output pairs well with the fast‑charging capabilities of iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google phones, giving you multiple full charges on the go without breaking airline rules.
FAQ
Can I put a 20000mAh power bank in my checked luggage on SAS?
No. All lithium‑ion power banks must be carried in the cabin. Checked baggage is prohibited because of fire‑risk regulations.
What if my power bank is rated in mAh at 5 V instead of 3.7 V?
Manufacturers usually list capacity at the internal cell voltage (3.7 V). If you see a 20000 mAh rating at 5 V, the actual watt‑hours would be higher (20000 mAh × 5 V ÷ 1000 ≈ 100 Wh) and could exceed the limit. Verify the voltage label before boarding.
Will the INIU charger work with a laptop?
The 22.5 W PD output can charge many ultrabooks and 2‑in‑1 devices that accept up to 30 W, but it won’t fully power larger laptops that need 45 W or more. It’s great for a quick top‑up on the go.