What You Should Know About Traveling with Power Banks

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to see their phone dip below 50%, you probably own a power bank or two to keep your gadgets charged on the go. And when it comes to traveling, especially on flights, having a fully charged power bank feels like a lifesaver. But then, the question comes up: Can I travel with a power bank on a flight?

Is it allowed? Will airport security give you a hard time? Should you just leave it at home to avoid any drama? If you’re scratching your head trying to figure this out, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about flying with power banks, including some practical tips for smooth travels.

Can I Carry a Power Bank on a Flight?

In short, yes — you can bring a power bank on a flight. In fact, most of us have done it without even thinking much about it. But there are a few rules and restrictions you’ll need to follow to avoid any unwanted surprises at the airport.

Here’s the main thing: airlines and aviation authorities like the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and IATA (International Air Transport Association) have specific regulations when it comes to power banks and lithium-ion batteries. Why? Because lithium-ion batteries, which power most power banks, have a history of catching fire or even exploding when mishandled. Scary, right?

But before you panic, keep in mind that this is rare, and there are protocols in place to minimize these risks. So, you just need to ensure your power bank is safe to travel with, and that it’s packed the right way.

Regulations You Should Know About

To keep things simple, here’s what you need to know: power banks are considered dangerous goods if they exceed a certain watt-hour (Wh) capacity or have too much lithium content. As such, most airlines require that you carry power banks in your hand luggage or personal item. This rule is pretty much universal. Power banks are not allowed in checked luggage due to the potential fire hazard.

Now, how big of a power bank can you bring? This depends on the airline, but most follow IATA’s guidelines:

Power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh (watt-hours): These are typically allowed in carry-on baggage without any special approval. The majority of power banks on the market fall into this category.
Power banks with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh: You can still carry these, but you’ll need approval from the airline beforehand. Airlines generally allow no more than two such devices per passenger.
Power banks over 160Wh: Unfortunately, these are generally banned on flights, unless you’re shipping them via cargo under strict conditions.

To make sure you’re in the clear, check your power bank to see its Wh rating. If it’s only labeled in milliamp hours (mAh), you can calculate it yourself by using this formula: Wh = (mAh x Voltage)/1000. Most standard power banks are rated at 5V, so if you’ve got a 10,000mAh power bank, it would be around 50Wh.

So, if you’re traveling with a regular 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh power bank, you’re good to go!

How Should I Pack My Power Bank?

Once you’ve confirmed your power bank is within the allowed capacity, the next question is, how should you pack it?

Hand Luggage Only

The golden rule here is to pack your power bank in your carry-on baggage. Airports are strict about this. If you accidentally toss your power bank in your checked luggage, there’s a good chance it’ll be flagged during the security screening. You might even get called back to remove it before your bag is loaded onto the plane.

Why is this the case? It’s all about safety. If a power bank malfunctions and catches fire, it’s much easier for the crew to deal with it in the cabin than in the cargo hold.

Precautions to Take

When packing your power bank, take a few extra precautions to avoid any mishaps:

Make sure your power bank is turned off or stored in a way that it won’t accidentally turn on.
If your power bank has any exposed terminals, cover them with tape or put it in a protective case. This reduces the risk of short circuits.
Avoid packing a power bank that’s damaged or swollen. If your power bank has seen better days, it’s best to leave it at home.

Spare Batteries

This isn’t exactly about power banks, but it’s still related. If you’re traveling with spare lithium-ion batteries (like those for your camera or other gadgets), the same rules apply — they should be in your carry-on luggage, and they should be protected to avoid short circuits.

How Many Power Banks Can I Bring?

Another common question is whether there’s a limit to the number of power banks you can bring on a flight. In most cases, there isn’t a strict limit on the number of power banks you can carry, as long as they each fall under the 100Wh capacity. However, bringing an excessive number of power banks might raise some eyebrows at security.

If you have power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh, the limit is usually two per person, and again, you’ll need airline approval to bring them onboard.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to travel with multiple power banks, make sure to distribute them between your personal bag and carry-on luggage to avoid any red flags at security. But honestly, unless you’re trying to power a small village, one or two power banks should be more than enough for your trip.

International Travel with Power Banks

If you’re flying internationally, things can get a bit more complicated because different countries have their own regulations for power banks. Most countries follow the general IATA guidelines, but some may impose stricter limits or have extra security checks.

For example, China has strict rules on the number of power banks and their capacity. Power banks must be clearly labeled with their capacity, and they can’t exceed 160Wh. In other countries, regulations might not be as strict, but it’s always a good idea to check with your airline before you fly, especially if you’re not flying out of your home country.

If you’re traveling to a country where English isn’t the primary language, it might also help to have a translation of the regulations in case you run into any language barriers at the airport.

Conclusion

So, to sum it all up: yes, you can absolutely travel with a power bank on a flight, but there are some key things to keep in mind. Your power bank needs to stay in your carry-on bag, it should be under 100Wh (or approved if it’s between 100Wh and 160Wh), and you should pack it carefully to prevent any accidents.

As long as you stick to these rules, you’ll be just fine, and you’ll be able to keep all your gadgets charged and ready for your journey.

Traveling with a power bank is common and, for many of us, essential. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination with a dead phone, right? So go ahead, pack that power bank, follow the guidelines, and enjoy your flight.