Flying with Power Banks: Important Guidelines

Are you planning summer travels and thinking about bringing an extra battery charger for your devices? Understanding the latest regulations for carrying rechargeable lithium-ion portable battery chargers, or power banks, is crucial. These devices come in various protective enclosures and are handy for keeping your gadgets charged.

The Rules Around Power Banks on Planes

You cannot place lithium battery chargers in checked luggage. They must be carried in your hand luggage. Most airlines allow travelers to bring two lithium-ion power banks with a capacity under 100 watt-hours without prior approval. This capacity is sufficient to charge a cellphone multiple times.

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

Newer lithium-ion batteries should have a label showing the watt-hour (Wh) rating. If your device lists energy capacity in milliampere hours (mAH), conversion to watt-hours involves calculating using the formula: mAH number / 1000 × device voltage (usually 3.7 volts). For instance, a 10,000 mAH battery equals 10 ampere hours; multiplied by 3.7 volts, it results in 37 watt-hours.

Airline approval is necessary for larger lithium-ion batteries with a capacity between 100 and 160 watt-hours, often found in professional video equipment or medical devices.

Why Lithium Power Banks Can’t Go in Checked Luggage

Due to safety concerns following several incidents, airlines are vigilant about lithium battery fires. A notable incident occurred in January 2025 when a fire broke out on an Air Busan plane in South Korea, leading to the evacuation of all 176 passengers. The FAA has reported nine lithium battery-related air incidents, with six involving power banks.

The threat of lithium batteries in cargo holds arises because crew members cannot promptly identify and combat smoke or fire. Keeping these devices in the cabin allows the crew to use fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves to handle overheating devices effectively.

Christensen, a professor of electrochemistry, highlights the risks of lithium batteries. Despite the low chance of short-circuiting, mishandling can lead to catastrophic fires. The stored energy may cause serious hazards during crushing, overcharging, or overheating, triggering ‘thermal runaway’—a chemical reaction releasing heat and toxic gases.

Christensen advises inspecting power banks for damage, such as bulging or excess heat during charging, as these could indicate malfunctions. It’s essential to avoid purchasing low-quality power banks from unverified manufacturers to reduce the risk of defects or contamination. Such issues can result in thermal runaway even long after purchase.

In-Flight Rules

Once onboard, airlines enforce strict rules regarding power banks. Passengers should keep power banks accessible, ideally in the seatback pocket or under the front seat, rather than the overhead bin. Avoid using them to charge devices during the flight and refrain from recharging with the plane’s power sockets.

If any battery or device slips between the seats, do not adjust the seat yourself; ask the crew for assistance. Moving the seat can crush or damage the battery, leading to overheating or fire risks.

Check with Your Airline

The FAA emphasizes that individual airlines and international rules might be stricter than U.S. regulations. It’s prudent to verify current guidelines with your airline. For instance, Southwest Airlines announced in April that it limits each passenger to one charger. Airlines often maintain detailed regulations for various battery types, including lithium-powered laptops, tablets, and e-cigarettes.