Planning summer travels? Be informed about current regulations for bringing extra battery chargers on flights. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery chargers, or power banks, offer convenient on-the-go device charging. However, due to recent incidents involving smoke and fire, aviation authorities have provided updated guidelines.
The Rules on Power Banks for Flights
It’s crucial to note that lithium battery chargers can’t be packed in checked luggage. They should be in your carry-on. Generally, you can carry two lithium-ion power banks up to a 100-watt-hour capacity without airline approval. This capacity is sufficient for multiple cellphone charges. For non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries, the limit is two grams of lithium per battery. Most AA and AAA batteries contain less than a gram of lithium.
The Federal Aviation Authority states that newer lithium-ion batteries should display watt-hour (Wh) ratings. If your power bank’s capacity is stated in milliampere hours (mAH), calculate the watt-hour rating by dividing the mAH by 1,000, then multiplying by the device’s voltage, typically 3.7 volts. For a 10,000 mAH rating, you get 37 watt hours. Larger lithium-ion batteries, ranging from 100 to 160 watt hours, like those used in professional video gear, require airline approval.
Reasons for Avoiding Checked Luggage
Lithium battery fire risks are taken seriously by airlines after several incidents. One significant case in January 2025 involved a fire on an Air Busan plane in South Korea, leading to an evacuation of all 176 people on board. The FAA recorded nine lithium battery air incidents this year, six involving power banks. Such concerns can disrupt flights even without actual issues, as shown by an EasyJet flight diversion due to a faulty power bank report.
Lithium batteries in a plane’s cargo hold pose a risk because smoke or fire makes crew response impossible. The International Air Transport Association emphasizes keeping them in the cabin for potential crew intervention with fire-resistant bags and insulated gloves. Although the risk of a lithium-ion battery causing a fire is low, it is hazardous if it occurs.
Professor Paul Christensen from the University of Newcastle highlights that lithium batteries store substantial energy in small spaces. Problems occur if a battery is crushed, overcharged, or overheated, potentially causing “thermal runaway,” resulting in heat and toxic gases. Christensen advises inspecting your power bank for signs of damage like bulging or overheating. Avoid substandard power banks from unverified manufacturers to prevent defects.
Airline In-Flight Rules
Onboard, airlines have specific rules for power banks in the cabin. Do not place them in overhead bins. Keep them accessible in the seatback pocket or under your seat. Refrain from using power banks to charge devices during flights and from using onboard power sockets to recharge them. If a battery slips down the seat side, avoid adjusting the seat, which can damage the battery, causing it to overheat. Instead, notify a cabin crew member trained to retrieve it safely.
Consult Your Airline
The FAA advises consulting your airline since individual and international rules might be stricter than U.S. regulations. For instance, Southwest Airlines, as of April, limits passengers to one charger each. Carriers often provide detailed battery type and device rules, including those for laptops, tablets, and e-cigarettes.
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