Power banks are supposed to make travel easier — until they get your trip grounded. In recent travel news, airlines around the world have issued new guidelines on flying with portable chargers in compliance with new regulations issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for lithium battery safety.
These recent changes, designed to help improve passenger safety, warn travelers and airlines of the dangerous effects that lithium battery overheating, swelling, or fire can cause while on an aircraft. At the same time, many travelers are unaware that not all power banks are cleared for takeoff. Below, Jack Norton, Belkin’s Senior Director of Electrical Engineering, shares his best tips for traveling with peace of mind when taking along a portable charger — from picking a safe charger to how to pack, store, and use one while traveling.
How to tell if a power bank is airplane-safe
“When flying with a power bank, it’s important to follow airline regulations to avoid security issues or confiscation,” says Norton. However, travelers should understand that not all power banks are created equal. Power banks should be purchased from a trusted brand that ensures lifecycle testing and third-party validation to ensure durability, safety, and compliance. For this reason, Norton urges travelers not to purchase bargain-brand portable chargers, which often skip these steps. Skipping testing of batteries can increase the risk of overheating or failure, leading to potential safety risks.
While shopping for a power bank, Norton recommends choosing a high-capacity bank that stays under the 100Wh limit, ideally between 20,000mAh–26,000mAh. “Look for brands with proven track records, full compliance certifications, and robust protection features,” he says.
Understanding the rules and why airlines are enforcing them
Part of knowing how to travel properly with a power bank is understanding the rationale why airlines are cracking down on regulations. Norton says, “The main risk is thermal runaway, where a damaged or poorly made lithium-ion battery can overheat, swell, or even ignite. By requiring carry-on storage and setting watt-hour limits, airlines reduce the risk of undetected fires in the cargo hold.”
In general, the rules for traveling with power banks are consistent worldwide. Norton says travelers may only carry power banks in carry-on luggage, with 100Wh max (160 Wh with approval for some airlines. Due to fire risk, it is never okay to pack a power bank in your checked luggage. Most airlines do allow two or more power banks within safe capacity limits, but it’s recommended to check with the airline before traveling.
How to pack, store, and use a power bank safely when traveling
When it comes time to pack for your next trip, knowing how (and where) to pack your power bank can make travel easier. “Keep your power bank in an easy-to-access pocket so you can remove it quickly during security checks. Store it in a protective pouch to prevent scratches or accidental activation, and avoid packing it near liquids. And always keep it in your carry-on, never checked luggage,” says Norton.
Using a power bank during a flight
Want to use your power bank while on board? Norton says charging during a flight can be done safely if you follow a few best practices:
- Don’t: Continue charging if the bank feels unusually hot; unplug it and let it cool before resuming.
- Do: Use the right capacity for your needs. For shorter trips, a 5,000–10,000 mAh bank is plenty for phones and earbuds, while international travelers or digital nomads may want 20,000–26,000 mAh for laptops and tablets. Just make sure it’s under the FAA’s 100Wh cap.
- Do: Place the power bank on a stable surface (like a tray table) while in use, and use short, undamaged cables.
- Don’t: Tuck the power bank under blankets or pillows, or let multiple devices stack on top of it, since that can trap heat. Never charge the power bank while on board.
Preparing for a trip
Before packing a power bank, remember to do a “Quick check that your power bank is physically intact — no swelling, cracks, or leaking. Make sure the ports are clean and the cables aren’t frayed. If a power bank feels unusually hot when idle, it’s best to retire it and replace it with a certified model,” he says.
