Flying with Power Banks: Guidelines for Safe Travel

Are you preparing for summer travel and considering taking a portable battery charger for your electronics? It’s important to know the latest aviation rules regarding these chargers to ensure a smooth journey. Portable battery chargers, or power banks, have become essential for keeping your devices charged during trips. However, recent incidents involving smoke or fires have led to stricter guidelines from U.S. and international aviation authorities. Airlines are imposing new rules to protect passengers and aircraft.

Rules for Power Banks on Flights

One crucial rule is that lithium battery chargers are not allowed in checked luggage. You must carry them in your hand luggage. Travelers can usually bring two power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt hours without seeking airline approval. This is sufficient to charge a cellphone multiple times.

For non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries, there is a limit of two grams of lithium per battery. Common AA and AAA batteries typically contain less than a gram of lithium. These regulations cover most lithium batteries found in personal electronics, according to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

The FAA advises that newer lithium ion batteries should have a watt hour (Wh) rating label. If your power bank’s capacity is in milliampere hours (mAH), you can use the FAA’s online calculator or perform simple math: divide mAH by 1,000 to find ampere hours, then multiply by the device’s voltage (typically 3.7 volts). For instance, a battery rated at 10,000 mAH is equal to 37 watt hours (10 ampere hours x 3.7 volts).

For lithium-ion batteries with 100 to 160 watt hours capacity, such as those in professional video or medical equipment, airline approval is necessary.

Why Lithium Power Banks Aren’t Allowed in Checked Luggage

The danger is serious due to numerous incidents involving lithium battery fires. A notable event occurred in January 2025, when a fire on an Air Busan plane in South Korea led to the evacuation of 176 passengers.

The FAA has recorded nine lithium battery incidents this year, including six involving power banks. Concerns exist since batteries in a plane’s cargo hold pose a risk as the crew cannot swiftly tackle smoke or fire outbreaks. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) notes that keeping batteries in the cabin allows crew to respond effectively using fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves.

The risk of a lithium ion battery short-circuiting is low, but the consequences can be severe, according to Paul Christensen, a professor of electrochemistry at the University of Newcastle, UK. The danger arises when a battery is crushed, overcharged, or overheated, leading to ‘thermal runaway,’ a chemical reaction generating heat and toxic gases.

Christensen advises inspecting your power bank for damage or signs of overheating, such as bulging. He warns against purchasing cheap power banks from unknown sources due to potential defects or contamination.

On-Board Power Bank Rules

Once onboard, there are specific rules for handling power banks. You must not store them in overhead bins. Instead, keep them within easy reach, like in the seatback pocket or under the seat. Avoid using them to charge devices during flight, and don’t recharge them using in-flight power outlets.

If a battery or battery-powered device gets stuck down the side of your seat, do not attempt retrieval by moving the seat. This could damage or crush the battery, leading to overheating. IATA advises calling cabin crew who are trained to recover devices safely.

Check with Your Airline

The FAA notes airlines may have stricter regulations than U.S. federal rules. It’s advisable to check with your airline if unsure. For instance, Southwest Airlines announced in April a limit of one charger per passenger.

Many airlines provide guidelines for various battery types, including lithium-powered devices like laptops, tablets, and e-cigarettes. Always verify these regulations before your flight.