Can I use my power bank on a plane?

Hey adventurers! I’m Jeffrey C, a travel blogger. The power bank is essential for Long flights or long trips. It keeps my phone juice.

Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of maximizing battery life. I’ve also become skilled at navigating airport security with my trusty portable chargers. 

If you’re wondering whether you can bring your power bank on a plane, the short answer is yes – with a few regulations to keep in mind. Most major airlines will allow portable chargers up to 100 watt-hours or 27,000mAh in your carry-on bag.

In this guide, I will share how to use the power bank and TSA rules. Also, I will share tips on how to pack a power bank. Let’s go to start.

Is my power bank allowed on the plane?

As an avid traveler, I always pack my trusty power bank to keep my devices charged on the go. But before you toss one in your carry-on, you’ll want to ensure it’s allowed on the plane. The good news is that most major airlines permit power banks, but there are a few regulations to keep in mind.

According to the TSA and IATA, power banks with 100 watt-hours (27,000mAh) or less can fly in your carry-on luggage. Some airlines allow higher capacities with prior approval. To check your power bank’s rating, look for the specifications on the product listing or printed on the device. It’s best only to bring power banks marked with the capacity to avoid issues.

Pro tip: only pack power banks in your carry-on. Due to fire risks, they’re prohibited in checked baggage.

If your power bank exceeds the 100Wh rating, you have a couple of options:

1. Contact your airline in advance and ask if they’ll allow it. Some may permit higher capacities, especially if it’s your only charging device. It never hurts to ask!
2. Purchase a compliant power bank that falls within the regulations. Many affordable and high-quality options are available at 27,000mAh and below.
3. Leave it at home. As much as we rely on our devices, sometimes going off the grid on a flight can be relaxing! You can always charge up once you land.

Follow these tips to fly confidently with your power bank. Keep your essential electronics powered up.

TSA Regulations on Bringing Power Banks on Planes

One essential item I always leave home with is my trusty power bank. But can you bring a power bank on a plane? The short answer is yes, with some regulations.

According to the TSA, most major airlines allow you to bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours or 27,000mAh in your carry-on luggage. That covers many of the power banks on the market. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t wrap your power bank in foil or anything metal. Please keep it in the box it came in or a safe case.
• Label your power bank with its watt-hour or mAh rating to speed up the screening process. This information should be printed on the item or its packaging.
• Lithium-ion batteries are subject to certain restrictions. Power banks must be in your carry-on- not checked bags. And you can only bring two larger power banks (100-160Wh) per person.
• Keep power banks separate from metal objects like keys or loose change in your bag. This prevents short-circuiting and helps TSA agents get a clear X-ray image.
• Check with your specific airline for their policies, as some allow even higher-capacity power banks with advance approval.

The bottom line is with some simple precautions, and following TSA guidelines, you can feel free to pack your power bank for charging on the go.

Where Should I Pack a Power Bank?

Most major airlines, including Delta, American, United, and Southwest, allow passengers to carry on power banks. The power banks must have a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours or 27,000mAh.  These provide enough juice to recharge your phone and tablet during a flight. 

However, power banks with larger capacities typically require approval from the airline first. It’s best to check with your specific airline for their policy and request approval at least two weeks before your trip.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) require that all power banks containing lithium-ion batteries be packed in your carry-on luggage. Lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked baggage due to the risk of 

overheating. I always pack my Anker PowerCore portable charger in my personal item or laptop bag to easily access it during the flight.

Some tips for packing your power bank:

Choose a protective case to prevent damage. I use a hard-shell case.

• Place it in an easy-to-reach pocket of your carry-on. Don’t bury it at the bottom of your bag. 
• Bring your charging cable so you can recharge the power bank in the airport if needed. 
• Label your power bank with your name and contact details if it needs to be found. 
• If you want to charge more than one device at once, look for a power bank with more than one USB port.

Following these rules and tips gives you a fully charged phone, tablet, and other gadgets. They will keep you productive or entertained on your next flight.

TSA Regulations on Lithium Batteries and Power Banks

Most major airlines follow the guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). They do this with portable chargers and rechargeable batteries. 

According to the TSA, you can bring power banks and portable chargers in your carry-on luggage. They must meet the following requirements.

1. Capacity Limit of 100 Watt-Hours

• Power banks must have a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less per battery. This is equivalent to 27,000 mAh. Most standard power banks you can pick up at an electronics store will meet this requirement. Higher capacity power banks may be allowed with prior airline approval, so check with your carrier if you need more clarification.

2. Carry-On Only

• Power banks must be packed in your carry-on luggage only. Could you not put them in checked baggage? There is a small fire risk if a lithium-ion battery is overheated, so carry-on bags allow them to be properly monitored.

3. Avoid Overheating

• Take precautions to prevent overheating. It can happen if power banks charge other devices for an extended time. Please don’t leave them plugged in and charging close to your body during flight.

Follow these TSA guidelines for your portable charger. Doing so will keep your essential electronics juiced up during your flight. It will also do so beyond your flight.

Recommended Power Banks for Airplane Use

I always recommend checking with your specific airline ahead of time to confirm their latest policy.

For my needs, I like to carry two power banks:

The Anker PowerCore 10K is compact, TSA-approved, and gives my phone a full charge. It’s a great all-purpose option for any traveler.

The RAVPower 20K mAh power bank is larger but can quickly charge my tablet, Bluetooth headphones, and phone. I get airline approval for the higher capacity before bringing it in my carry-on.

Some other tips for using a power bank on your flight:

• Only charge your electronic devices; don’t plug in the power bank to charge during the flight.
• Turn your power bank off entirely when not in use. This prevents it from overheating in a confined space.
• Consider a power bank with fast-charging technology to maximize your battery life during a layover. The Anker PowerCore+ can charge up to 80% of compatible phones in just 30 minutes.

I use a solar-powered charger like the RAVPower 24W Solar Charger for hiking and camping. It is approved for air travel and charges via sunlight. How cool is that?

Conclusion

So, the verdict is in – you can bring your power bank on a plane, but do your homework first. If you follow the rules, your trusty portable charger can join you on your adventures to keep your electronics juiced up even at 30,000 feet.

I always pack mine in my carry-on, clearly label its capacity, and have never had any issues. Of course, check with your airline for their latest guidelines before heading to the airport.

A power bank is just one more thing to help this travel writer bring the world’s stories to life, one charge at a time.

Let me know if you have any other questions about tech gear for your adventures