Can You Bring a Phone Charger on a Plane? Don't Pack Before You Read This.

You don’t want your phone battery to die in the middle of a flight or while playing your favorite game, but can you carry portable chargers on plane?

The short answer is, yes, you can bring a phone charger on a plane, in your carry-on or checked bag. Phone chargers are safe to bring and use during a flight. In fact, many planes even have outlets so you can charge your phone while flying.

In this post I will cover everything you need to know about taking portable chargers in both carry-on and checked baggage.

Let’s go through the details.

Table of Contents

Are Cell Phone Chargers Allowed In Carry-on Luggage?

According to the TSA, phone and portable chargers are totally fine to bring through security and in your carry-on bag. Most regular chargers and portable chargers (even ones with batteries) are allowed.

Here’s a screenshot from the TSA website to make it clear:

I searched the TSA social media for more answers.

Here is an answer from the AskTSA customer service.

What About Portable Chargers with Batteries?

While most chargers are safe, there’s one thing to watch out for: lithium batteries. These are in many portable chargers and can be risky if not packed correctly.

In 2018, a portable charger caused a fire on board China Southern Airlines flight (luckily before takeoff). To prevent this, the FAA and TSA have rules for lithium batteries:

Regular chargers without lithium batteries are fine in checked bags.

Spare lithium batteries (ones not in a device) can’t go in checked bags.

They must be in your carry-on.

How Many Chargers Can You Bring?

If you’re flying within the U.S., there’s no limit to how many chargers you can bring.

But on international flights, some countries limit the number of electronics you can bring (usually up to 15 items like chargers, phones, and laptops). If you’re carrying a lot of chargers, be ready to explain why or you might have to pay extra fees.

Pro tip: Bring one or two chargers to avoid questions at the airport.

When you charge your phone, turn on airplane mode to make it charge up quicker. If you’re going to travel, it’s a good idea to buy a really good charger. Also, change your phone’s settings to save battery life so it lasts longer.
Maximize charging

Where Should You Keep Your Charger During the Flight?

For easy access, keep your charger in your personal item (like a backpack or purse) under the seat in front of you. Don’t put it in the overhead bin or at the bottom of your bag.

If you’re using a portable charger, keep it handy so you can charge your phone during the flight if needed.

Can You Put a Charger in Checked Luggage?

Yes, but there’s a catch:

Regular chargers (without lithium batteries) are fine in checked bags.
Portable chargers with lithium batteries must go in your carry-on.

If you’re checking a bag with electronics, use a TSA-friendly lock. This lets TSA agents open your bag without breaking the loc, and keeps your stuff safe.

Can You Charge Your Phone on a Plane?

Yes, but it depends on the plane. Many planes have outlets or USB ports at each seat, but not all do.

Before your flight, check the plane model (you can use SeatGuru) to see if your seat has an outlet. If not, bring a portable charger to keep your phone powered up.

How Many Mobile Phones Can You Take On A Plane?

This question for “how many smartphones can I take on an airplane ” was asked on travel.stackexchange and the answer is you can carry a lot devices with you:

The bottom line.

You can bring phone chargers in both your carry-on and checked bags without any issues.

To make your trip smoother, it’s best to stick to one or two chargers this helps avoid unnecessary questions, especially on international flights.

Keep your charger in your personal item, like a backpack or purse, so it’s easy to reach during your flight.

With these simple tips, you’ll never have to stress about a dead phone battery while flying again. Stay charged and travel smart.

I hope this helps

Happy travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.