You don’t want your phone battery to die in the middle of a long flight or while playing your favorite game, but can you actually bring a portable charger on a plane?
You can bring a phone charger on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage. 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.
You will need to pack any phone chargers or power banks with lithium batteries in your carry-on bag.
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.
TL,DR
You can bring a phone charger or portable charger on a plane.
Regular chargers are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
Portable chargers or power banks with lithium batteries must stay in your carry-on bag.
Most airlines also let you use your charger during the flight, and many planes have USB ports or power outlets available.
Portable chargers for smartphones (image courtesy Flickr)
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:
The TSA allowed taking phone chargers in both carry on and checked bags
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 found in many portable chargers and can be risky if they are not packed correctly.
In 2018, a portable charger caused a fire on board a 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 installed 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 electronic devices 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 help it charge faster. If you travel often, it’s a good idea to buy a high-quality charger. Also, change your phone’s settings to save battery life so it lasts longer.
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 lock and helps keep your belongings 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.
Image courtesy (Blues Roots Flickr)
How Many Mobile Phones Can You Take On A Plane?
This question, “How many smartphones can I take on an airplane?” was asked on travel.stackexchange, and the answer is that you can carry a lot of devices with you.
Image courtesy (travel.stackexchange)
Final Thoughts
You can bring phone chargers in both your carry-on and checked bags without any issues.
To make your trip smoother, it is 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.
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.
