Power Bank on a plane: hand luggage rules

You can’t go anywhere without a power bank now — especially when traveling, exploring a new city with Google Maps and looking up unfamiliar words in an online translator every half hour. We tell you whether you can take a power bank on a plane, how to transport external batteries in hand luggage, and whether there is a risk when carrying the device in checked baggage.

Can you take a Power Bank on a plane

In short: yes, but not all. And in a number of countries, the transportation of power banks is treated especially strictly. The fact is that in some cases, power banks can explode. Such cases have occurred, and they are quite real. For example, in 2010, a cargo plane carrying lithium-ion batteries crashed. After this, the rules for transporting charging devices were tightened.

An accident with a power bank can be triggered by various factors: high air temperature, poor battery quality, manufacturing defects. The battery ignites if there is damage in the circuit. For this reason, airlines set special requirements for transporting power banks on board an aircraft.

Although the risk of ignition does exist, there’s no need to be afraid: it happens rarely. The chance is literally one in a million. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether you can take a power bank on a plane is, of course, yes! And to reduce the probability of an accident to zero, you should observe all precautions, which we will discuss below.

Which power bank can be taken on a plane

You are allowed to take a power bank with a capacity of less than 100 Wh into the aircraft cabin — with no quantity limit. So if you are flying with your whole family, you can take batteries for everyone. Please note: each power bank must have information about the manufacturer, power marking, and expiration date.

If you are unsure about the power of your device, contact airport security. Staff will check how safe your power bank is for transport and advise on the best way to pack it.

So:

the power bank’s capacity must not exceed 100 Wh;
power banks with a capacity of 100 Wh to 160 Wh can be carried, but no more than two per person;
if the power bank is more powerful than 160 Wh, you will not be allowed to take it on board.

Question: If I want to take a power bank on a plane, can I take two or more?

Answer: Yes, if the capacity of each power bank is less than 100 Wh. Batteries with a capacity of 100 Wh to 160 Wh are also allowed, but no more than two devices per person.

Important: power bank transportation rules may vary depending on your destination. American airlines have particularly strict requirements. We recommend familiarizing yourself with your carrier’s rules in advance.

Rules for transporting batteries in hand luggage

Transporting batteries in hand luggage, rather than in a suitcase, is a precautionary measure. In case of a power bank malfunction, a fire would be easier to localize, as there are fire extinguishers in the cabin.

Rules for transporting batteries in checked baggage

It is strictly forbidden to put power banks in checked luggage. The fact is that if the battery explodes, a fire will start in the compartment, which will be difficult to extinguish. If you decide to put an external battery in checked baggage, you may be asked to remove it, or airport security will confiscate it themselves. Losing a power bank would be a shame, so if you want to keep the device, take it in your hand luggage.

Question: I need a power bank for a plane, can I take it?

Answer: Yes, but only not in checked baggage. Take the device in your hand luggage so that aviation security personnel do not confiscate it.

Checking gadgets and power banks during airport security screening

At the airport, aviation security personnel inspect your belongings: checked baggage and hand luggage. Checked baggage will be inspected without your presence, after you have checked in. If a power bank is found in your suitcase, it will be removed and confiscated.

Hand luggage is checked during the standard security screening procedure after flight registration. Staff may ask you to show the device to verify if the power bank’s capacity meets the permissible limits. If the 100 Wh limit is exceeded, the device will be confiscated. There’s a chance you might pass through without gadget checks, but we advise taking all precautions yourself and not bringing questionable cheap devices or batteries with a capacity that exceeds the norms.

Tips to help you prepare and take a power bank on a plane

Do not use a low-quality power bank

Do not buy a device because of its low price. Firstly, they are unlikely to last long, and secondly, there is a high probability that such batteries have critical malfunctions which — though unlikely, but still possible — could lead to the power bank catching fire.

Do not take a broken power bank on a plane

Drops, impacts, or compression can lead to displacement of internal parts of the power bank and damage to the battery.

Do not use a malfunctioning device

Many passengers do not take this seriously. They think it doesn’t affect the power bank’s operation and continue to charge their phone with it. This is incorrect. A swollen casing indicates that the lithium-ion battery can no longer be used. Do not take a damaged power bank on a plane to avoid an explosion.

In what cases is the device confiscated

Aviation security personnel may prohibit you from carrying a power bank if there is something wrong with your device. There are several such cases:

if the device exceeds the maximum permissible power of 160 Wh
if your power bank has no power marking at all
if you are carrying the battery in checked baggage

To prevent your device from being confiscated:

Make sure your power bank does not exceed the standard limit of 100 Wh.
If your device’s power exceeds 100 Wh and is less than 160 Wh, do not take more than two power banks.

How to prepare for power bank transportation

Place the portable charger in your hand luggage in an easily accessible location. Make sure your device has a power marking. This way, airport staff can assess the safety of your power bank.
If the power bank does not have a power rating, airport security may confiscate it.
Store the power bank in a special case to prevent ignition.
Familiarize yourself with the safety rules of your airport and airline.

To summarize: most likely, you will have no problems taking a power bank on your trip. The risks are minimal, and the restrictions are necessary as a precautionary measure. Charge your phone in advance, calmly put your power bank in your bag or backpack — and off you go!

Well, if you didn’t know whether you can take cosmetics in hand luggage, we have already answered this question in our Blog.