Having a portable charger or power bank while you travel can be a life saver. I had a reliable one that I’ve used for years. After I passed it on to my sister for use, it was confiscated by airport security in China. The reason? The power bank didn’t have any marking stating the “power bank capacity”. I had no idea this was a requirement.
What Are The Rules for Portable Chargers or Power Banks?
You should always check with your airline for the most up-to-date information. Power bank generally falls under the “batteries” category. I included the basics for some of the major airlines below. (Note: Items in bold are mine)
American Airlines
“Portable electronic devices containing cells or batteries (including lithium) and spares for these devices intended for personal use: Watch|Calculator|Camera|Cell Phone|Laptop computer|Notebook computer|Camcorder.
For lithium-ion batteries, a maximum of 2, not exceeding 160 Wh each, are allowed in carry-on bag with airline approval.”
Click here for up-to-date information.
United Airlines
“Personal devices (except for e-cigarettes and personal vaporizers) installed with a lithium battery of less than 100 watt hours are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. Loose lithium batteries are not permitted in checked baggage on any United flight.”
Also, “If carry-on baggage is checked at the gate, any lithium batteries and power banks must be removed.”
Note: I take the information to mean that power banks are considered loose lithium batteries, and should not be included in checked bags.
Click here for up-to-date information.
Delta
“…consumer electronic and medical devices containing lithium cells or batteries (e.g. watches, calculators, cameras, cell phones, laptops, camcorders, hearing aids, etc.) is allowed onboard as carry-on. Spare lithium batteries are allowed as carry-on only.
Passengers are permitted to travel with lithium ion batteries that contain a maximum of 160 watt hours per battery. Lithium ion batteries installed in a personal electronic device can be transported as checked or carry on baggage.
Lithium ion batteries not installed in a device (spares) must be in carry-on baggage and no more than two (2) spares between 100 and 160 watt hours are allowed.”
Click here for up-to-date information.
Jetblue
Southwest
“Power banks, also known as portable chargers or external battery chargers, are lithium-ion battery packs used to charge other electronic devices e.g. mobile phones, tablets, laptops. Stand-alone power banks are considered spare or loose lithium-ion batteries and must be transported in carry-on baggage only.”
Click here for up-to-date information.
Summary
Most airlines allow you to carry portable chargers or power banks, but you’ll need to take it with you in your carry-on bag.
Airlines should clarify their position on portable chargers since more and more people are using them. Is it considered a device that contains lithium batteries (true) or a “spare” (also true)? The only airline that made it very clear is Southwest. A power bank is considered a “spare”.
When I’m in the market for a new power bank, I’ll be sure to also look for one with a power rating displayed. I am not sure if it was a case of country specific requirement, but I certainly wouldn’t want another power bank to be confiscated at the airport.
Have you run into issues with carrying your power banks through airport security?
I had no idea. I did wonder when I was carrying on my small roller board Away bag and they asked if I had removed the battery. I had but wasn’t sure why it mattered when it was still carry on. Maybe it is the size of it and access to it? I frequently put the bag with my two (one very small charger, and one the Away bag charger) in the overhead bin, so it can’t be a question of accessibility. I have the Away bag with the battery that pops out easily. Maybe its a holdover from the days when you had to have a tool to get the battery out? It was strange. (and to provide context, I am 1k and was the second person on the plane, so there was no way she was worried I was going to have to gate check it).
In any event, I am now going to go check both and see if they say the WH on the outside!