Ever felt the panic of a dying phone battery on a long flight? This happened to me once and I remember borrowing my companion’s power bank. Since then, I’ve never gone out of the country without a power bank in my carry-on.
A portable charger, also known as a power bank, can be a lifesaver for travelers as it keeps your devices powered up for movies, games, or staying connected. But before you toss your power bank in your suitcase, it’s important to understand the rules.
Can you bring a power bank on a plane? Airline regulations and TSA rules can vary, so knowing what’s allowed can prevent any unwanted surprises at security or gate check-in.
In this article, we’ll explore the rules and guidelines to ensure your devices stay juiced throughout your journey.
Please note: The following has been written using the FAA and TSA guidelines for flights in the U.S. If you are traveling from or in another country, please ensure you check their guidelines for safe flight and permitted substances before check-in.
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Can you bring a power bank on a plane?
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), power banks are allowed on planes. There are, however, two key restrictions to remember: power banks must be in your carry-on and their capacity cannot exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh).
1: Great question! Lithium-ion battery chargers that are less than 100wh are allowed in carry-on bags with no quantity limitations. However, lithium-ion battery chargers that are between 101-160wh are allowed in carry-on bags only with prior airline approval.
— AskTSA (@AskTSA) April 5, 2023
There are also no quantity limits for personal use (meaning you won’t be selling or distributing these items), except that larger spare batteries are limited to two per person. More on this later.
Power banks commonly use rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. These are generally considered safe but since they can pose a fire risk, they’re not allowed in checked baggage.
Understanding power bank capacity
Knowing (and understanding) your power bank’s capacity is key to navigating airport and airline regulations. The TSA lists restrictions in watt-hours (Wh), but most power banks advertise their capacity in milliampere-hours (mAh). These terms measure different things:
- mAh tells you how much charge a battery can hold
- Wh tells you the total energy the battery holds
You can think of it this way: mAh is like the size of a water tank while Wh tells how much water pressure it can create.
To convert mAh to Wh, you can use this formula:
Wh = mAh x Voltage / 1000
You need to find your power bank’s mAh capacity and voltage to compute the watt-hours. Both of these should be visible in the packaging or product manual.
For example, if you have a 20,000mAh power bank with 5 volts power supply, the conversion would be:
20,000mAh x 5V / 1000 = 100Wh
This fits TSA’s 100Wh limit. Power banks in the 20,000mAh to 27,000mAh range typically fall under the 100Wh limit, making them safe for carry-on luggage on most airlines. Just remember to check the voltage for accurate reading.
Exceptions and considerations when bringing a power bank on a plane
While the 100Wh limit is the standard, there are a few exceptions to consider. Some airlines may allow power banks exceeding 100Wh, but only up to 160Wh, with prior approval. This process typically involves contacting the airline directly and providing details about your specific power bank.
However, securing permission for these larger devices is uncommon, so it’s best to rely on a power bank within the standard limit. And as mentioned above, a passenger may carry only up to two of these larger batteries.
It’s also worth noting that specific regulations can vary slightly between airlines. Most airlines around the world allow up to two power banks, each not exceeding 100Wh, in carry-on luggage.
But there are some airlines that give more allowance. For instance, American Airlines notably allows four spare batteries of less than 100Wh each and two batteries if they fall between 100-160Wh. British Airways allows four power banks not exceeding 100Wh.
If you need to confirm their rules and regulations, it’s best to check your airline’s website.
Traveling with electronics? They’re good to go. However, any spare, large, lithium-ion batteries (like power banks) need to be in your carry-on and not in checked bags. You’re allowed to bring two with you.
— TSA (@TSA) April 18, 2023
Check out ⬇️https://t.co/nAymESascL #ProhibitedItemsWeek
Another important thing to remember is the complete ban on spare (uninstalled) lithium-metal and lithium-ion batteries (including power banks) in checked luggage. This restriction applies to all airlines due to the potential fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries in cargo holds. So, always pack your power bank in your carry-on for safe and accessible travel.
Tips for flying with a power bank
Extra precautions don’t hurt, especially when traveling. To ensure a smooth travel experience with your power bank, here are some tips to remember:
Pack right: Again, your power bank goes in your carry-on luggage. This not only meets FAA and TSA regulations but also ensures it’s readily available for charging your devices during the flight. For extra protection, consider keeping it in its original packaging or using an insulated case to prevent contact with other metal objects in your bag.
Don’t bring damaged power banks: If your power bank has cracks, overheating issues, or bulging batteries, don’t even consider bringing it as it poses safety hazards. Security might confiscate such a power bank, and it’s simply not worth the risk.
Label for ease: Labeling your power bank with your name and contact information can be a lifesaver if it accidentally gets separated from you during your travels. This makes it easier for security or airline personnel to identify and return it to you.
Check with your airline: Again, airline regulations can vary slightly, so it’s crucial to check the specific policies of the airline you’re flying with. Their website should have a section on “dangerous goods” or “batteries” that outlines their regulations for power banks.
Be prepared for checks: During security screening, your power bank may be subject to additional checks. Be patient and cooperative with security personnel. If they have any questions, answer them clearly and honestly. Having the airline’s regulations handy on your phone or a printout can also be helpful in such situations.
Conclusion
So, can you bring a power bank on a plane? As explained above, yes!
As long as your power bank doesn’t go beyond the 100Wh limit and it’s packed in your carry-on luggage, you’re good to go. Remember to pack it securely, don’t use damaged power banks, and don’t hesitate to check with your airlines for any clarifications.
With a little planning and these handy tips, you can keep your devices powered on and stay connected during your next adventure!
