Can I take my phone charger in my carry-on?

Keep Your Phone Charger Close: Why It Belongs in Your Carry-On

In today’s hyper-connected world, our phones are essential travel companions. And keeping them powered up requires a charger, naturally. But where should you pack it? The answer is unequivocally in your carry-on bag. Storing your phone charger in checked luggage isn’t just inconvenient; it poses a potential safety risk.

Lithium-ion batteries, the type found in most portable chargers and phones, have a very small chance of experiencing thermal runaway, a condition that can lead to overheating and, in extreme cases, fire. While these incidents are rare, the pressurized environment of the cargo hold can exacerbate the risk. Containing a potential battery issue in the passenger cabin, where cabin crew are trained to handle such situations and have access to appropriate safety equipment, is paramount.

By keeping your charger in your carry-on, you’re not just ensuring easy access to power up your devices during the flight or a layover. You’re also contributing to a safer travel environment for everyone on board. Cabin crew can quickly and effectively address any potential battery-related issues that might arise in the passenger area. This rapid response capability is significantly reduced when a battery is packed away in checked baggage.

So, the next time you pack your bags, remember: safeguard your portable charger, and your fellow passengers, by storing it in your carry-on. It’s a small action that can make a big difference.