An iPhone can be charged approximately more than 5 times with a 20,000 mAh (milliamp-hours) power bank, so a power bank is a must-have gadget in your suitcase whenever you travel.
But power banks have some restrictions on planes, as most of the power banks have lithium batteries which makes them dangerous items in the eyes of the FAA.
Here is a general rule about taking a portable charger or a power bank on a plane.
Most airlines permit power banks ( for personal use ) with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours or 27,000 mAh in carry-on bag, uninstalled or separate power banks will not be allowed in checked luggage.
Keep reading if you are afraid that your power bank will be confiscated or not safe at the airport.
Let’s dive right in
Tip: The cool thing is that most daily used power banks are compatible with airlines and FAA requirements and they do not exceed 100 watt hours (Wh) so you bring them in carry-on baggage without any issue.
10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger/ Courtesy of Amazon
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Can You Take A Powerbank Through Security?
The TSA regulates what items you can take through the security checkpoints within and from the United States.
They did mention power banks on their website, as good to go through the security checkpoint in carry-on baggage.
But in the screenshot below you can notice a big bold red sing in front of the checked baggage rules, meaning that uninstalled Lithium ion batteries are not safe to pack in checked baggage.
Can You Take A Power Bank In Carry-on Baggage?
The TSA and the airlines recommend to carry your power bank inside your carry-on bag or personal item.
Though the FAA ( Federal Aviation Administration ) has limited the rating of lithium ion batteries or power banks to 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery which is fine because most of the power banks and other daily used devices do not exceed these ratings.
Here is a response from ASKTSA on twitter emphasizing that power banks limited to a rating of 100 watt hours should be carried in carry-on baggage.
You can take 101-160 WH batteries in carry-on bags but only with prior airline approval.
Can you take a power bank in checked baggage?
According to the FAA and the TSA power banks that contain lithium ion batteries (rechargeable) are not safe and are not allowed in checked baggage, and they must be transported in carry-on baggage.
Only lithium metal batteries (non-rechargeable) are allowed in both carry on and checked baggage.
Uninstalled lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be transported inside your carry on baggage only.
If your carry-on bag is subject to gate checking at the airport, make sure that you remove all your power bank and place it inside your personal item or backpack.
You can read more about traveling with lithium batteries on this detailed post.
How Do You Measure The Battery Capacity Of a Power Bank?
To get the capacity of your power bank is a pretty simple formula.
You can calculate the watt hours y multiplying the Volts and the Amp-hours.
For example this charger power bank is 5 volts and 3.1 Amp-hours.
5 volts × 3.1 Amp-hours.
What hours = 10 watt-hours
Can you use your power bank in your flight?
However most airlines now tend to provide outlets and power sockets on their aircraft but a power bank is still handy and helpful.
Yes, as long as the TSA and the FAA allow power banks on carry-on baggage, you are also allowed to use them during your flight to charge your phone or other electronics.
In addition if your airline has power outlets, that will help give an extra boost for your power bank and your cell phone or computer to keep yourself amused during your flight.
How many power banks are you allowed to take on a flight?
According to the FAA there are no limits to the amount of power banks you are allowed to bring on your flight, but all power banks or batteries must be for your personal use.
any battery or power bank you bring for commerce purposes, it will be confiscated by the airport security, so make sure that you bring only your personal power banks.
When traveling with large power banks for personal use, there is a limit of two pieces of batteries per person for the larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or Lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams).
What is the best Power bank for travel?
If you are planning to get your new power bank, here are some major points to consider before you pick the right one for your next adventure.
Size and weight matters if it comes to a power bank, when traveling you want to be light and minimize everything so you don’t need a bulky and heavy power bank.
Here are our best picks for portable power bank chargers for travel .
- Portable Charger 36800mAh, Power Bank with Tri-Outport & Dual Inport
This is an impressive power bank with powerful and long lasting charging capacity.
With a 36800mAh it’s ultra-high capacity can charge the iPhone 13/12 /11 above 6 times, Samsung Galaxy S20 above 5 times.
The power bank also has a beautiful design, makes it easy to carry along with your phone or place it in your pocket.
So if you are planning for your next flight, give it a shot to this power and Keep Your phone running during your flight.
You can even charge many devices at once if you own a wide usage of cell phones or additional devices.
- Anker Portable Charger, 313 Power Bank
Compact and lightweight, this small power bank is incredibly portable. with a weight of just 7.5 ounces ounces and measuring only 4.5.87 x 2.68 x 0.55 inches, one of the slimmest and lightest 10,000mAh power banks.
The Charger is compatible with Samsung S21 / S20, IPhone 13/12/11 / Mini/Pro/Pro Max/XR/XS, Pixel 4 / 4XL/iPad Mini.
The Anker power bank can easily fit in your pocket, carry a bag or purse for easy transporting and charging while you are on your journey.
- Riapow Solar Power Bank 4 Outputs USB C Quick Charge Qi Wireless Portable Charger
The Riapow power bank provides both USB inputs and sunlight.
One of the most trending power banks among outdoor enthusiasts, this 26800mAh portable power bank can charge 4 devices at the same time.
Final Thoughts: Can You Take a Power Bank On a Plane?
There are plenty of reasons why you should take your power bank on a plane.
Now that you know you can take power banks and other battery accessories on a plane, to do so, make sure that you place all your power banks in your carry on baggage.
Remove any power banks in your bag if it is subject to gate check in.
When traveling with your power bank take extra care not to lose them. It seems that a lot of passengers left their accessories in airplane cabins.
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