Can I carry a power bank in luggage?

Power Up On-the-Go: What You Need to Know About Traveling with Power Banks

In our hyper-connected world, having a dead phone battery can feel like a mini-crisis. Enter the trusty power bank – a compact savior for depleted devices. But when it comes to air travel, those portable powerhouses come with their own set of regulations.

Can I Pack My Power Bank? It Depends Where…

The short answer is yes, you can usually travel with a power bank, but there’s a catch – it has to be in your carry-on luggage. Airlines generally prohibit power banks in checked luggage due to safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and pose a fire risk.

The 100 Watt-Hour Rule:

It’s not enough to just toss your power bank in your carry-on and call it a day. Airlines and aviation authorities like the FAA have strict regulations about lithium-ion battery capacity. The magic number to remember is 100 watt-hours (Wh).

• Power banks with a capacity of 100 Wh or less are generally allowed in carry-on luggage without issue.
• Power banks exceeding 100 Wh are usually prohibited, both in carry-on and checked baggage.

How do I know my power bank’s watt-hour rating? Look for a label on the device itself. It might list the Wh directly or provide the milliampere-hour (mAh) rating and voltage (V). You can calculate the Wh using this formula:

(mAh rating / 1000) x Voltage = Watt-hours

Tips for Stress-Free Power Bank Travel:

• Check with your airline: While the 100 Wh rule is generally accepted, it’s wise to confirm specific regulations with your airline, especially for international travel.
• Keep it accessible: Store your power bank in an easily accessible pocket of your carry-on bag, as security personnel may ask to inspect it.
• Protect those terminals: Prevent accidental short-circuiting by covering the power bank’s terminals with tape or using a protective case.
• Pack it properly: Avoid placing your power bank in tightly packed areas where it could overheat.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth journey with your trusty power bank by your side, ready to keep your devices charged and your travel experience powered up.