Can You Bring a Portable Charger on a Plane? It Depends


Have you ever boarded a plane, excited for your journey, only to notice your phone or tablet’s battery draining rapidly? A portable charger can be a lifesaver when you’re on the go, but navigating the rules about flying with them can be tricky.
Portable chargers, also called power banks, come in a range of lithium battery capacities. Smaller batteries, like those in smartwatches or key fobs, pose minimal concern. However, larger chargers designed to power laptops, tablets, or smartphones must meet specific safety guidelines to be allowed on a plane–where you pack them is important.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling with portable chargers in the U.S. and abroad, with up to date information and actionable advice for unexpected situations.
1. Can You Bring a Portable Charger on a Plane?
The answer is Yes, but there are strict rules. Portable chargers contain lithium-ion batteries. The TSA and international aviation bodies regulate their use to minimize fire hazards.
The highest mAh (milliampere-hour) you can bring on a plane depends on the watt-hour (Wh) limit are set by aviation authorities like the FAA and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which governs overseas travel. You want to stay at 100 Watt hours or less if traveling by air.
1.1 TSA Rules for Portable Chargers
The TSA permits portable chargers in carry-on luggage as follows:
- Watt-hour limits:
- Devices under 100 Wh are allowed by TSA with no restrictions.
- Devices between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval.
- Devices over 160 Wh are prohibited entirely.
- Quantity: The TSA does not impose a strict limit on the number of portable chargers you can bring, but some airlines do.
- Condition: Chargers with damaged casings, exposed wires, or swelling may be flagged at security. Always inspect your charger before travel.
1.2 International Flight Guidelines
Most international carriers follow standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), but specific restrictions vary by country and airline. As with US Domestic flights, the advice is to carry chargers of 100 Wh or less for international trips to avoid delays or confiscation.
PRO TIP: Check your airline’s website or contact their customer service before your flight.

PRO TIP: Always check your power bank’s watt-hour rating or calculate it in advance. Look for chargers explicitly labeled as airline-approved for hassle-free travel.
Not sure what to buy? Be sure to read all about the best power banks for international travel that meet all current TSA and global standards.
1.3 How to Calculate Watt-Hours (If Not Listed On the Device)
The formula is Watt Hours = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the mAh (milliampere-hours):
This is the capacity of the battery, usually printed on the device or its packaging. For example, it might say 20,000mAh. - Identify the Voltage (V):
Most portable chargers operate at either 3.6V (nominal voltage of lithium-ion batteries) or 5V (output voltage for USB devices). Check the charger’s label or manual to confirm. - Convert mAh to Ah:
Divide the mAh value by 1000 to convert it to ampere-hours (Ah).
Example: 20,000mAh ÷ 1000 = 20Ah - Multiply Ah by Voltage (V):
Multiply the converted Ah value by the voltage to calculate watt-hours.
Example: 20Ah × 3.6V = 72Wh
In the example above, 72Wh or Watt-hours is under the 100Wh limit, so a 20,000mAh device is fine to bring on a flight.
2. Where Should You Pack Your Portable Charger?
2.1 Carry-On or Checked Bag?
- Pack in Carry-On Bag ONLY: Portable chargers are NOT allowed in checked luggage due to the risk of fire in the cargo hold.
- Bring a Charger That is Within Allowed Watt-Hour Limits: Review the guidelines above.
- Quantity: The TSA does not impose a limit on how many you can bring, but some airlines do.
- Condition: Chargers with damaged casings, exposed wires, or swelling may be flagged at security. Always inspect your charger before travel.
NOTE: Small lithium powered devices such as key fobs, hearing aids, fitness trackers, smartwatches and luggage tracking devices ARE permitted in checked luggage. These must be 2.7Wh or less.
2.2 When you pack your carry-on:
- Place the charger in an easily accessible compartment. Security agents may ask you to remove it during screening.
- Avoid packing it near other electronics to prevent delays caused by dense clusters of wires.
- Pack a small printed specification sheet for your charger if traveling internationally. If you don’t want to carry the box, just print the specs and keep them with the charger. This helps avoid confusion with non-English-speaking security personnel.
PRO TIP: Use a travel organizer with individual compartments for chargers, cables, and small electronics. This keeps everything neat and accessible.
3. What Happens if You Pack a Charger Incorrectly?
Improperly packing your charger—whether placing it into a checked bag or exceeding capacity limits—can lead to delays, confiscation, or even denied boarding. Here’s how to handle the situation if something goes wrong:

3.1 If your Charger’s Watt-hours are Over 100
Request approval from the airline you are traveling on. Some airlines may allow you to bring the charger even if it’s a bit over the approved limit, but still under 160Wh. Ideally, you would want to get this permission before you get on the plane. If, however, your charger is over 160Wh, it will likely be confiscated. Chances are you will not be reunited with it, but you can ask an airport rep.
3.2 If you Packed your Charger In a Checked Bag
As soon as you realize the mistake, inform a flight attendant about the situation. Be calm and clear when explaining that your portable charger is in your checked luggage. Flight crews are trained to handle such situations and will decide the next steps.
3.21 What the Flight Attendant Might Do
Depending on the airline’s safety protocol and the timing, the crew may:
- Notify the captain or ground staff: If the plane hasn’t taken off, ground crew may retrieve your luggage for inspection or removal of the battery.
- Monitor the situation: If the plane is already in the air, they may log the issue for safety follow-up after landing.
3.22 If a Portable Charger Causes a Fire in the Cargo Hold of the Plane
While rare, fires caused by portable chargers in cargo can result in serious consequences. Liability depends on the circumstances and the regulations in place. Here’s a breakdown of potential liability and consequences:
1. Legal and Financial Liability
- Passenger Responsibility:
Passengers are responsible for complying with TSA regulations and airline policies, which clearly state that lithium-ion batteries (e.g., portable chargers) must be packed in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage. If your failure to follow these rules results in a fire, you could be held liable for damages or fined, depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the incident. - Airline’s Role:
Airlines often warn passengers during the booking process or check-in about restricted items in checked baggage. If the airline provided clear guidelines and warnings, and the passenger ignored them, the airline may shift liability to the passenger. - Insurance:
Some airlines carry insurance for in-flight incidents, but they may seek reimbursement from the responsible passenger if the passenger’s negligence caused the issue.
2. Consequences for Passengers
- Civil Penalties:
You could face fines from aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S., for violating regulations about lithium-ion batteries.- FAA fines can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the circumstances.
- Criminal Liability:
In extreme cases where negligence causes significant harm, criminal charges may be filed, although this is rare. Intentional misconduct (e.g., knowingly ignoring warnings) increases the likelihood of criminal charges. - Blacklisting or Bans:
Airlines may bar you from future travel if you violate their safety policies, particularly if your actions result in a hazardous incident.
3. Mitigating Factors

- Accidental Packing:
If the charger was packed in checked luggage accidentally and you promptly notify the flight crew, airlines and authorities are more likely to handle the issue more leniently should a fire break out or if damage occurs in cargo hold. - Device Condition:
If the charger malfunctioned due to a manufacturing defect rather than negligence on your part, liability shifts to the manufacturer.
4. How to Travel Safely with Portable Chargers
Here are the most actionable tips to ensure smooth travel:
- Inspect your charger: Before your trip, check for damage like frayed wires, dents, or swelling. Damaged chargers are safety risks and could be confiscated.
- Use a protective case: This prevents physical damage during travel.
- Label your charger: Add your name and contact info in case it’s misplaced at security.
- Avoid overheating: Turn off your charger when not in use, and never charge devices during takeoff or landing.
PRO TIP: Invest in a high-quality charger with built-in safety features like overheat protection and short-circuit prevention.
5. How Many Portable Chargers Can You Bring?
5.1 General Rules
Most airlines allow passengers to bring multiple chargers in their carry-on bags as long as each charger complies with watt-hour limits:
- TSA Guidelines:
- Portable chargers must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh) for unrestricted travel.
- Chargers between 100 Wh and 160 Wh are allowed only with airline approval.
- Chargers exceeding 160 Wh are prohibited.
- Quantity: TSA does not explicitly limit the number of portable chargers, but some airlines or countries might. For example:
- China: Limits passengers to two chargers under 100 Wh each.
- Europe and Middle East: Many airlines allow several chargers but may flag excessive quantities for inspection.
- Important Note: Some small chargers, such as those under 26,800mAh, are often automatically compliant because they fall under the 100 Wh threshold.
5.2 Chargers with External Batteries
For portable chargers that include external or spare batteries, these must also adhere to TSA and airline regulations for lithium-ion batteries:
- All spare batteries must go in your carry-on luggage—never in checked baggage.
- Protective cases are required for spare batteries to prevent short circuits or damage.
- Limits on spare batteries: While TSA doesn’t enforce a strict number, international flights or smaller airlines may restrict you to two or three spare batteries.
5.3 Practical Considerations
While technically you can bring several chargers, practicality matters. A traveler with five or more chargers may attract additional scrutiny during security screening, and airlines could limit the total watt-hour capacity per passenger.
PRO TIP: Bring no more than two chargers and one or two spare batteries to stay within common airline comfort zones and minimize inspection delays.
6. Lesser-Known Facts About Portable Chargers on Planes
- Solar chargers: These are allowed but may be subject to additional inspections.
- Built-in cables: Chargers with non-removable cables might raise concerns at some security checkpoints.
- Airline USB ports: Many modern planes offer in-seat USB charging, reducing the need for high-capacity power banks.
PRO TIP: If you’re a frequent flyer, consider a small-capacity power bank (<50 Wh) for quick charges and fewer complications at security.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
7.1 Are portable chargers allowed in carry-on bags?
Yes, portable chargers are allowed in carry-on bags, provided they meet capacity limits and are in good condition.
7.2 Can I pack a portable charger in checked luggage?
No, portable chargers must go in carry-on luggage due to the fire risk posed by lithium-ion batteries.
7.3 What is the watt-hour limit for portable chargers?
Portable chargers must be under 100 Wh. Airline approval is required for chargers between 100 Wh and 160 Wh.
7.4 Can I bring more than one portable charger?
Yes, but some airlines and countries impose limits. Research the rules for your specific route by calling or texting the airline before you leave.
7.5 Are solar-powered chargers allowed?
Yes, solar chargers are generally allowed, but they may require additional inspection. Bring specs from the packaging and if you no longer have the box, locate the item online to print out specifications.
7.6 What should I do if TSA flags my portable charger?
Ask if you can move it to your carry-on bag or seek airline assistance for approval if within capacity limits.
7.7 Can I use my portable charger during the flight?
Yes, but avoid charging devices during takeoff and landing to prevent overheating.
7.8 How do I calculate watt-hours for my charger?
Multiply the voltage (V) by the ampere-hours (Ah) listed on the charger. For example, a 10,000mAh charger at 5V = 50 Wh.
8. Wrap Up
Traveling with a portable charger is essential in today’s tech-driven world, but understanding the rules and regulations is the key to staying powered up and avoiding unnecessary hassles.
Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, being prepared ensures a seamless experience from check-in to touchdown. By following the tips in this guide, you can eliminate the stress of unexpected security issues or a low battery mid-journey.
With a little planning and the right equipment, you’ll be ready to enjoy your trip to the fullest—connected, charged, and worry-free.