Can You Bring a Portable Charger on a Plane?

AvatarByDale Richard Airplane Travel Tips And Etiquettes (Do's/Don'ts)

Can You Bring a Portable Battery on a Plane?

Air travel is a convenient way to get around, but it can also be a hassle. One of the many things you have to think about when packing for a flight is what you can and can’t bring with you.

One common question is whether or not you can bring a portable battery on a plane. The answer is: it depends.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rules and regulations surrounding portable batteries on planes. We’ll also provide some tips on how to pack your portable battery safely and securely.

What are the rules for bringing a portable battery on a plane?

The rules for bringing a portable battery on a plane vary depending on the airline. However, there are some general guidelines that all airlines follow.

  • Portable batteries must be carried in your carry-on luggage. You cannot check a portable battery in your checked luggage.
  • Portable batteries must be charged to less than 80% capacity. This is to prevent them from overheating.
  • Portable batteries must be protected from short circuits. This means that you should not wrap them in anything that could cause a short circuit, such as metal or foil.

What are the risks of bringing a portable battery on a plane?

There are two main risks associated with bringing a portable battery on a plane:

  • Fire: A portable battery that is damaged or defective could overheat and cause a fire.
  • Explosive decompression: If a portable battery is exposed to sudden changes in pressure, it could explode.

How can I pack my portable battery safely?

To pack your portable battery safely, follow these tips:

  • Charge your battery to less than 80% capacity.
  • Protect your battery from short circuits.
  • Keep your battery in a fireproof bag.
  • Do not place your battery near any heat sources.
  • Do not put your battery in checked luggage.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of fire or explosion when traveling with a portable battery.

Airline Policy Reference
American Airlines Yes, up to two spare batteries in carry-on bags. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/prohibited-items.jsp
Delta Air Lines Yes, up to two spare batteries in carry-on bags. https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/prohibited-items
United Airlines Yes, up to two spare batteries in carry-on bags. https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/baggage/prohibited-items.html

What are the FAA regulations for carrying batteries on planes?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations for carrying batteries on planes. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.

General regulations

The FAA regulations for carrying batteries on planes are as follows:

  • Lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on luggage. They cannot be checked in.
  • Lithium-ion batteries must be protected from short circuits. This means that they must be in their original packaging or in a battery case.
  • Lithium-ion batteries must not be damaged.
  • Lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh).
  • Lithium-ion batteries must be packed in a way that prevents them from coming into contact with metal objects.

Exceptions to the general regulations

There are a few exceptions to the general regulations for carrying batteries on planes. These exceptions include:

  • Lithium-ion batteries that are part of a device (such as a laptop or phone) are allowed to be checked in.
  • Lithium-ion batteries that are larger than 100 Wh but not more than 160 Wh are allowed to be carried on board if they are accompanied by a written statement from the manufacturer.
  • Lithium-ion batteries that are more than 160 Wh are prohibited from being carried on board.

Additional information

For more information on the FAA regulations for carrying batteries on planes, please visit the FAA website.

What are the different types of batteries and their restrictions?

There are two main types of batteries: lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more powerful and have a longer life than lead-acid batteries, but they are also more flammable.

Lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used in portable electronic devices. They are also used in some electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are typically small and lightweight, and they can provide a lot of power for a long time. However, lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if they are not handled properly.

The FAA regulations for carrying lithium-ion batteries on planes are very strict. Lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on luggage. They cannot be checked in. Lithium-ion batteries must be protected from short circuits. This means that they must be in their original packaging or in a battery case. Lithium-ion batteries must not be damaged. Lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh). Lithium-ion batteries must be packed in a way that prevents them from coming into contact with metal objects.

Lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries are less powerful and have a shorter life than lithium-ion batteries, but they are also less flammable. Lead-acid batteries are typically used in cars and trucks.

The FAA regulations for carrying lead-acid batteries on planes are less strict than the regulations for carrying lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid batteries can be carried in either carry-on luggage or checked baggage. Lead-acid batteries must be protected from short circuits. This means that they must be in their original packaging or in a battery case. Lead-acid batteries must not be damaged. Lead-acid batteries must not exceed 300 watt-hours (Wh).

The FAA regulations for carrying batteries on planes are in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members. By following these regulations, you can help to keep yourself and others safe.

How can you safely pack your batteries for a flight?

When packing batteries for a flight, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA has specific regulations in place for lithium batteries, which are the most common type of battery used in portable electronic devices.

Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can catch fire if they are not properly packed. To avoid any potential problems, you should always pack your batteries in a carry-on bag. This will ensure that they are close to you at all times and that they are not accidentally damaged.

When packing your batteries, you should also make sure that they are:

  • Fully charged. A fully charged battery is less likely to overheat than a battery that is partially charged.
  • Loosely packed. Batteries should not be tightly packed together, as this can increase the risk of a fire.
  • Protected from impact. Batteries should be protected from impact by being placed in a hard-sided container.

You should also avoid packing any batteries that are damaged or defective. If you have any batteries that are damaged or defective, you should dispose of them properly.

Here are some additional tips for safely packing your batteries for a flight:

  • Label your batteries. Label your batteries with the type of battery and the voltage. This will help to ensure that they are handled properly.
  • Keep your batteries in a cool place. Batteries should be kept in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
  • Do not pack your batteries in checked luggage. Batteries should always be packed in a carry-on bag.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your batteries are safely packed for your flight.

What to do if your battery is damaged or defective?

If you have a battery that is damaged or defective, you should not attempt to use it. Instead, you should dispose of it properly.

There are a few different ways to dispose of a damaged or defective battery. You can:

  • Take it to a recycling center. Many recycling centers accept batteries for recycling.
  • Contact the manufacturer of the battery. The manufacturer may be able to provide you with instructions on how to properly dispose of the battery.
  • Throw it away in the trash. If you cannot recycle or return the battery to the manufacturer, you can throw it away in the trash. However, you should make sure that the battery is properly contained so that it does not leak.

Here are some additional tips for disposing of a damaged or defective battery:

  • Do not puncture or crush the battery. This could cause the battery to leak, which could be dangerous.
  • Do not put the battery in a fire. This could cause the battery to explode.
  • Do not dispose of the battery in the trash with other recyclables. This could contaminate the other recyclables.

By following these tips, you can help to dispose of a damaged or defective battery safely.

Can I bring a portable battery on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a portable battery on a plane. However, there are some restrictions on the size and power of the battery.

What are the size and power restrictions for portable batteries?

The batteries must be:

  • No larger than 100Wh. This is equivalent to a battery that is about the size of a paperback book.
  • Packed in your carry-on luggage. You cannot check a portable battery in your checked luggage.

What if my portable battery is larger than 100Wh?

If your portable battery is larger than 100Wh, you will need to get approval from the airline before you can bring it on board. You can contact the airline in advance to request approval.

Can I bring multiple portable batteries on a plane?

Yes, you can bring multiple portable batteries on a plane, as long as each battery is no larger than 100Wh and is packed in your carry-on luggage.

What should I do if my portable battery is damaged?

If your portable battery is damaged, you should not bring it on a plane. You can dispose of the damaged battery at a hazardous waste collection site.

Can I use my portable battery on a plane?

You can use your portable battery on a plane, but you must turn it off before you put it in your carry-on luggage. You can also use your portable battery to charge your electronic devices, but you must turn it off before you put it in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

What if my portable battery catches fire on a plane?

If your portable battery catches fire on a plane, you should immediately inform a flight attendant. The flight attendant will follow the airline’s emergency procedures to extinguish the fire and evacuate the passengers.

you can bring a portable battery on a plane, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, the battery must be lithium-ion or lithium-polymer. Second, the battery must be 100 watt-hours or less. Third, the battery must be in your carry-on bag. Fourth, you may need to remove the battery from your electronic device before you put it in your checked bag. By following these guidelines, you can safely bring a portable battery on your next flight.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are allowed on planes, but they must be 100 watt-hours or less.
  • You must carry the battery in your carry-on bag.
  • You may need to remove the battery from your electronic device before you put it in your checked bag.
  • If you have any questions about whether or not you can bring a portable battery on your flight, you should contact the airline.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.