When traveling, a portable charger is quite literally an essential item on your packing list. Without it, how would you be able to snap all your vacation pics and watch TikToks on where you should grab dinner?
Alas, a traveler’s best friend is now getting confiscated by the TSA after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has increased enforcement on the ban of portable chargers, cellphone battery cases, and power banks that use lithium batteries in checked baggage.
Power banks are banned from checked luggage primarily for the fire hazard they pose due to lithium batteries. If lithium batteries were to overheat or short-circuit, it could potentially lead to what’s called a “thermal runway,” when a battery explodes or catches fire. In a cargo hold, a danger such as that could go unnoticed before turning disastrous.
Fortunately, the power banks, portable chargers and cellphone battery cases will still be permitted in carry-on luggage. Thus, you’ll still be able to get your charge so long as you meet size requirements. According to TSA and FAA guidelines, each device must have a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less. That being said, if you’re required to check your carry-on bag (due to weight, limited space, etc.), you’ll need to remove any portable charger, power bank or cellphone battery cases from your bag.
You may be considering that the same fire risk is true for a power bank in someone’s carry-on luggage. This is true; however, there would be a crew onboard to respond to the incident as quickly as possible.
TSA noted that if travelers attempt to bring a device with prohibited lithium batteries in their checked bag, they may confiscate the item. Thus, to avoid losing your tried and true portable charger, be sure to keep it in your carry-on or personal bag.
Check the TSA website to understand what you can and cannot bring with you on your next flight. Trust us, you might be surprised at some of the permitted items…
Before your next flight you should also be aware of the most common behaviors that could get you flagged by TSA.