Power banks are banned from checked bags because lithium cells can ignite and need to be accessible to crew in the cabin.
Portable chargers use lithium cells. Those cells pack dense energy in a small case. When abused, damaged, or shorted, a cell can overheat in a chain reaction called thermal runaway. Cargo holds have fire suppression, yet crew can’t reach an item sealed inside a suitcase mid-flight. Keeping spare batteries in the cabin lets crew act fast, isolate smoke, and cool the source. That single access point is the big reason these packs must stay out of the hold.
Why Power Bank Devices Are Barred From The Hold
Rules match physics. A lithium cell can vent gas, burn fiercely, and reignite. Firefighters treat these fires as stubborn. Inside a cargo hold, the response tools are limited to detection and halon. That system buys time, but hands are still the best tool on a plane. In the cabin, crew can douse, cool, and monitor a pack. In the hold, no one can open a bag to find the heat source.
Short circuits are another trigger. Coins, keys, or a loose cable across exposed terminals can start a runaway. Packs tossed in a checked bag face crush, vibration, and temperature swings during loading. A tight cabin rule—carry-on only, terminals covered, and caps on ports—kills most of those risks.
| Risk | What It Looks Like | Why Cabin Access Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Runaway | Hissing, smoke, hot case, flames | Crew cools, contains, and monitors |
| Short Circuit | Spark from coins, wet cables, crushed ports | Terminals can be covered or pack isolated |
| Damage In Transit | Dented pack from baggage handling | Visible in cabin; removed from service |
| Hidden Fire | Smoke inside luggage in the hold | Hold is sealed; no rapid hands-on response |
| Re-Ignition | Fire returns after first knockdown | Ongoing watch is possible in cabin |
Carry-On Rules You Can Trust
Airlines and regulators treat these packs as spare lithium batteries. That label matters. A spare battery is any cell not installed in a device. The rule set is simple across regions: cabin only, terminals protected, and capacity limits based on Watt-hours.
Capacity Limits In Plain Terms
Most consumer packs fall under 100 Wh. Those travel without extra steps. Packs from 101–160 Wh need airline approval before you fly. Anything larger stays home. Bring only the number your airline accepts and spread them across your hand baggage if you carry several.
Protection Steps That Pass Checks
- Cover ports or tape the contacts. Many packs ship with a cap; use it.
- Pack each unit in a sleeve or small pouch to avoid rubbing and impact.
- Switch packs off. If your model has a button or display, make sure it’s dark.
- Never charge a pack inside a bag or in an overhead bin. Keep it visible while in use.
How Thermal Runaway Starts
Inside each cell sits a flammable electrolyte. Heat can build from a short, a crush, a manufacturing flaw, or a bad charger. The separator melts, the reaction speeds up, and the cell vents hot gas. Neighboring cells then heat and fail. That chain is the runaway. In a cabin, you get a smoke odor and eyes on the source within seconds. Water or a halon unit can cool the pack. Crew can then place it in a thermal containment bag or a metal bin. In the hold, no one sees the early cues.
Real-World Triggers You Can Avoid
- Loose metal in the same pocket, like coins and keys
- Cheap cables with torn insulation
- Off-brand chargers that push unstable current
- Packs left in hot cars before a trip
- Drops that dent a cell near a corner
Reading Labels: Wh, V, And mAh
Your pack may list capacity in milliamp-hours. Airlines test limits in Watt-hours. Use a quick conversion: Wh = (mAh × Volt) / 1000. Many packs use 3.7 V cells. A 10,000 mAh unit at 3.7 V equals 37 Wh. A 26,800 mAh unit at 3.7 V equals 99 Wh. Both fit the common limit with room to spare.
Where To Find The Rating
Look near the ports or on the back label. You’ll see a line with “Wh” or both “mAh” and “V.” If a label is missing or worn off, treat the pack as suspect. Choose a model with clear printing and a fresh casing.
What Happens When A Pack Flares Up
Cabin crews drill for this. The flow is direct: stop charging, cool with water or a halon unit, keep cooling, then stow in a fire bag or a pot. They brief the captain, watch the area, and land if needed. That playbook depends on a simple fact—the item must be reachable. A sealed suitcase in the hold breaks that chain.
Official Guidance At A Glance
Two anchor sources set traveler-friendly rules across the globe. You can read the FAA battery rules and the IATA lithium guide for exact wording. Both point to the same idea: spare cells and portable chargers stay with you in the cabin, with terminals covered and heat managed in plain sight.
| Source | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FAA | Carry-on only for spare cells and portable chargers | 100 Wh free; 101–160 Wh with airline approval |
| IATA | Classifies packs as spare batteries | Terminals insulated; cabin only |
| TSA | Prohibits packs in checked bags | Follows FAA hazard policy |
Practical Packing Plan That Works
Pick one pack that fits your trip instead of carrying a pile. A 20,000 mAh unit usually lands near 74 Wh, enough for phones and earbuds on a long haul. Slip a short cable into the same pouch so you don’t dig around your seat. Keep the pack where you can see it while charging. When you land, feel the case. If it’s warm, give it air and stop charging for a while.
Checklist Before You Leave Home
- Check the Wh rating. Under 100 Wh avoids approvals.
- Inspect the case for dents, swelling, or leaks.
- Charge to 30–60% if you’ll store it for weeks.
- Pack each unit in a sleeve or retail box.
- Bring spare cables in good shape.
What About Power Banks Installed In Bags?
Some suitcases hide a pack behind a panel. Most brands design that pocket so the pack pops out. Use that feature. Remove the pack and carry it in the cabin. If you can’t eject it, don’t fly with that bag. Brands publish quick-release steps on product pages and in manuals.
Special Cases: Large Packs And Niche Gear
Laptop-class batteries near 100 Wh sit on the edge of the free limit. A few power-tool packs and camera bricks cross into the 101–160 Wh range. Contact your airline before you book if you need those. They may allow two in the cabin with prior approval. Larger energy banks meant for camping or jump-starting cars don’t fly in passenger cabins. Ship those by ground.
Damaged Or Recalled Batteries
Never travel with a damaged or recalled unit. Airlines and regulators treat those as hazards in any location. Replace the unit and recycle the old one at a drop-off site. Many electronics stores accept them.
Why This Rule Makes Flights Safer For Everyone
Quick access beats distant suppression. Crew carry halon units, water, gloves, and containment bags. Passengers nearby can point to smoke in seconds. A cabin team can act, check, and act again. That loop keeps a single bad cell from becoming a bigger event. Keeping spare cells with you is a small trade for a big safety margin.
Fast Answers To Common Trip Scenarios
Can You Check A Phone With Its Battery Installed?
Yes, yet power the phone off and cushion it. Pack it near the top so a bag check is easy. The rule targets spare cells and portable chargers, not a device with a built-in pack. That said, many travelers carry phones in hand luggage so they stay reachable.
Can You Bring More Than One Pack?
Airlines often allow several small packs in the cabin. Space them in separate pouches and keep ports covered. If any model lands above 100 Wh, ask your airline about limits and approval needs.
Can You Use A Pack During Flight?
Yes, if it stays visible and cool. Don’t bury a charging device in a seat pocket full of paper or fabrics. Many airlines ask that you avoid charging during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Follow crew instructions if they pause charging during bumps.
Safe Charging Habits On The Road
Stick with brand-name chargers that match the ratings on your pack. Use short, undamaged cables. Give the pack clear space while charging. If you smell sweet-metallic fumes or feel heat that stings your hand, stop charging and tell the crew on board or unplug it on the ground.
The Bottom Line For Travelers
Portable chargers belong in the cabin, with ports covered and capacity within the posted limits. That simple habit keeps any battery event in reach of trained hands. Pack smart, label up, and fly with peace of mind.