Why are power banks not allowed in flights

Published on: September 18, 2025 • Categories: GAMING and ENERGY, TIPS

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Why Power Banks Are Not Allowed in Checked Luggage

Why Power Banks Are Not Allowed in Checked Luggage on Flights

Understanding airline safety regulations regarding portable chargers

The Risk of Lithium-ion Batteries

Power banks, also known as portable chargers, have become essential travel accessories in our connected world. However, if you’ve flown recently, you’ve likely been told that power banks are not allowed in checked baggage. This regulation exists for important safety reasons related to the lithium-ion batteries inside these devices.

⚠️ Important Safety Notice

Power banks are prohibited in checked luggage on all commercial airlines worldwide. They must be carried in your carry-on baggage only.

Why the Restriction Exists

Lithium-ion batteries, which power most portable electronic devices, pose a potential fire risk under certain conditions. Here’s why they’re restricted in checked luggage:

1. Risk of Spontaneous Combustion

Lithium-ion batteries can enter an uncontrollable self-heating state called thermal runaway. This can lead to smoking, fire, or even explosion if the batteries are damaged, defective, or improperly handled.

2. Inaccessible in Case of Emergency

Checked luggage is stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft, which is inaccessible during flight. If a power bank were to catch fire in the cargo hold, it could go undetected until it becomes a serious threat to the aircraft.

3. Difficulty in Containing Fires

Lithium battery fires are particularly dangerous because they are chemical fires that can’t be extinguished with conventional fire suppression systems. They require specific extinguishing agents that aren’t typically available in cargo holds.

4. Pressure and Temperature Changes

The cargo hold experiences significant pressure and temperature changes during flight, which can potentially damage batteries and increase the risk of thermal runaway.

Airline Regulations for Power Banks

Carry-On Only

All power banks must be placed in carry-on baggage only. This allows crew and passengers to quickly respond if a device overheats or catches fire.

Capacity Limits

Most airlines restrict power banks to those with a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours (Wh). Some allow up to 160Wh with airline approval.

Quantity Restrictions

Passengers are typically limited to bringing only a few power banks (usually 2-3) for personal use.

Protective Measures

Power banks should be protected from damage, short-circuiting, and crushing. Keep them in a protective case or cover the terminals with tape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring any power bank on a plane? +

You can bring power banks in your carry-on luggage as long as they are under the airline’s capacity limit (typically 100Wh). Power banks between 100-160Wh may require airline approval. Those over 160Wh are generally prohibited.

Why can’t lithium batteries be in checked luggage? +

The main concern is that if a lithium battery enters thermal runaway in the cargo hold, it could cause a fire that goes undetected and cannot be extinguished, potentially leading to a catastrophic event.

What happens if I accidentally put a power bank in checked luggage? +

If discovered during screening, your bag will be opened and the power bank will be removed. You may face delays and in some cases, fines. If undiscovered, you’re potentially creating a safety risk for the aircraft.

Are there any exceptions to this rule? +

Some medical devices with lithium batteries may have different regulations. Always check with your airline in advance if you need to travel with special equipment.

Travel Safely With Your Power Bank

While power banks are essential travel accessories for keeping our devices charged, it’s crucial to follow airline safety regulations. These rules exist to protect all passengers and crew from the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries.

Always remember:

Keep power banks in your carry-on luggage only
Check the capacity (watt-hours) of your power bank before traveling
Protect your power bank from damage and short-circuiting
Follow airline-specific guidelines which may vary slightly