Traveling with a portable charger has become almost essential, ensuring your devices remain powered throughout your journey. But before you pack that power bank in your bag, it’s crucial to understand the TSA rules and airline regulations regarding whether can you bring a portable charger on a plane.
Can You Bring a Portable Charger on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring a portable charger on a plane, but you must adhere to certain policies of their use. There are guidelines that regulate both the usage of these battery-operated devices, and where and how you can carry them as well, issued by the TSA (Transportation Security Agency).
TSA Rules for Portable Chargers
Portable charger power banks can also be taken onboard by passengers in their cabin luggage as allowed by the TSA. These devices can in no way be found in checked-in baggage for obvious concerns. This is because most portable chargers have lithium ion batteries in them which can result in a fire ooze if mishandled.
Milliamp Hour (mAh) and Watt-Hour (Wh) Limits
Let’s first understand why it is so important for the airlines to focus on the watt-hour (Wh) rating of a battery as the key factor. Typically, upon boarding the plane, batteries and equipment with batteries of less than 100 watt-hours (Wh) may be taken aboard, with no special permission. For batteries in between 100Ω and 160Ω, it is still possible to bring them, although they can only be carried on the condition that you ask the airline in advance. Most consumer electronics, which typically include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even headphones, usually fall within this 100Wh limitation.
That however has not made it easy for batteries since a good number of them tend to show their capacity in milliamp hours (mAh), unnecessary. For rapid safety conclusions, a battery of not more than 27000mAh battery capacity is permitted to be carried on an airplane.
Types of Chargers Not Allowed on Planes
While the general rule revolves around the 100Wh or 27,000mAh limit, there are additional restrictions:
- Personal Use Only: Portable chargers must be for personal use. Chargers intended for resale are not allowed.
- Damaged Batteries: Any damaged batteries or chargers are strictly prohibited from being brought on board.
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Taking portable chargers in checked luggage
There is a heavier restriction when it comes to keeping portable chargers in checked-in bags. As a general rule, most airlines do not allow items with lithium-ion batteries to be carried in checked luggage for safety reasons. If you have to check a portable battery charger, get a nod from the airline in the first place and ensure that it is switched off. A few classes of batteries such as nonspillable wet batteries, Lithium metal batteries, dry alkaline batteries, and dry rechargeable batteries, among others are acceptable in the checked luggage.
However, battery-operated e-cigarettes or vaporizers are prohibited from being used during the flight. These should be kept in your hand luggage and they are also prohibited for use during the flight. So, when asking if can you bring a portable charger on a plane, remember that keeping it in your carry-on is generally the best practice.
FAQs
What types of portable chargers are allowed on a plane?
You can bring portable chargers with lithium-ion batteries in your carry-on luggage. Ensure they comply with airline capacity limits.
Can you bring a portable charger in your checked luggage?
No, portable chargers with lithium-ion batteries should be kept in your carry-on luggage. They are generally not allowed in checked baggage due to safety risks.
Are there any restrictions on battery size for portable chargers on flights?
Yes, portable chargers must have a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 27,000 milliamp-hours (mAh). Chargers with higher capacities may require airline approval or may not be permitted
