Can you bring a portable charger on a plane?

Learn about using portable chargers on planes. You’ll find answers on:

• Whether you can bring them on board
• How to get the most wattage
• Where to find specifications

A portable charger is one way to ensure you stay connected while traveling. That said, many people are still unsure of the rules surrounding portable charger usage on flights. This article will provide insights into some of your portable charger-related questions like: Can you bring a portable charger on a plane? Where can you find portable charger specifications? How can you maximize battery life while traveling?

Are portable chargers allowed on planes?

Yes, portable chargers are allowed on planes as long as they’re stored in your carry-on luggage. Most airlines allow portable chargers with lithium-ion batteries on their flights, provided the battery is non-removable and operates at a maximum of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 20,000 milliamp-hours (mAh).

Can you bring a portable charger in a carry-on?

If you plan on bringing a portable charger on a plane, you have to store it in your carry-on. This ensures it can be removed or inspected by airport security or flight staff if necessary. Storing your portable chargers in your carry-on is the safest option because it avoids the extreme temperatures that can arise in the hold.

If you’re carrying a portable charger and suspect an issue with your device, inform the flight crew immediately. Crew members are trained to deal with lithium battery fires, short circuits, or overheating that may occur.

Can you bring a portable charger in checked luggage?

Most airlines don’t permit portable chargers in the hold because of safety concerns. As a rule of thumb, check the regulations of your specific airline before traveling. Some airlines may require you to cover battery terminals to prevent short circuits, while others may request that your charger be stored in its original packaging.

Safety concerns around storing batteries in the hold are generally due to the extreme temperature changes that occur during flight. Dangers of portable batteries during air travel include thermal runaway, exposure to heat or water, overcharging, improper packaging, or manufacturing defects. One of the benefits of bringing your portable charger on the flight instead of storing it in the hold is that you’ll be able to charge your phone or laptop.

What type of power banks are allowed on flights?

TSA and FAA regulations

When purchasing a portable charger, choose a battery that meets the regulations of most airlines. Most airlines will accept chargers with a power bank restricted to a maximum of 100 Wh or 20,000 mAh.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says the following:

• Portable chargers that contain a lithium-ion battery must be in carry-on luggage and aren’t permitted in checked luggage.
• Lithium-metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to two grams of lithium per battery.
• Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery.
• These limits allow for nearly all types of lithium batteries used by the average person.
• With the airline’s approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium-ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2–8 grams). This covers the larger after-market extended-life laptop computer batteries and some larger batteries used in professional audio/visual equipment.
• Quantity limits: None for most batteries, but they must be for use by the passenger. Batteries carried for further sale or distribution are prohibited. There’s a limit of two spare batteries per person for the larger lithium-ion batteries described above.

What are the “watt-hours” of a battery?

The watts per hour of a portable battery measure the total power a battery can provide over a given time. This is calculated by multiplying the battery’s voltage by its amp per hour capacity. The resulting figure is the total energy stored in the battery.

Calculation: Voltage x Amp-hours = Watt-hours

For example, if a battery has a voltage of 12 volts and an amp-per-hour capacity of 100, its watt-hour rating is 1200 Wh.

How to find your power bank’s specifications

There are a few different ways to find the specifications of your power bank. The first is to check the original packaging and instruction manual. Second, the battery’s model will be printed on the battery itself, especially on newer chargers. Once you have the model number, you can search for the specifications online. Alternatively, try to find the original order confirmation or receipt – the model number should be printed there.