🔋 Flying with Power: What Travelers Need to Know About Lithium Batteries and TSA Rules

Whether you're jetting off to Europe or hopping a regional flight to Nashville, one thing’s for sure: your devices need juice. Phones, tablets, cameras, and even travel routers rely on lithium-ion batteries—and so do the power banks we carry to keep them alive. But recent updates from the TSA and FAA mean travelers need to be more mindful than ever about how and where they pack these essential items.

According to the FAA’s PackSafe guide, spare lithium-ion batteries—including power banks and charging cases—must be packed in your carry-on luggage only. They’re no longer allowed in checked baggage due to the risk of overheating and fire. This includes:

✅Power banks

✅External battery chargers

✅Spare camera batteries

✅Charging cases for phones

If your carry-on is gate-checked, you must remove these items and keep them with you in the cabin.

⚠️ Why the Change?

Lithium batteries can undergo a process called thermal runaway, where they overheat and potentially catch fire. This risk increases if the battery is damaged, overcharged, or exposed to extreme temperatures. Fires in the cargo hold are harder to detect and contain, which is why the FAA and TSA now require these batteries to be accessible in the cabin.

🧳 Packing Tips for Lithium Batteries

✅ Keep batteries in their original packaging or cover terminals with tape

✅ Use a padded pouch or battery case to prevent damage

✅ Never pack damaged or recalled batteries

✅ Check your power bank’s Wh rating—it’s usually printed on the label

🔌 Why You Still Need a Power Bank

Let’s be real—our dependency on mobile power is only growing. Between digital boarding passes, translation apps, eSIM management, and travel content creation, your phone is your lifeline. A reliable power bank isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Pro Tip: Choose a power bank rated under 100 watt-hours (Wh) to avoid extra scrutiny. If you need a larger one (101–160 Wh), you’ll need airline approval—and you’re limited to two spares.

🌍 Final Thoughts for All Travelers

Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, these rules apply to all flights departing the U.S. Other countries may have similar or stricter regulations, so always check with your airline before flying.

As our travel gear evolves, so do the rules. Staying informed means staying safe—and keeping your devices powered up for the journey ahead.

🔗Click below for the FAA website.