Keep your mobile charger (power bank or adapter/cable) in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage, due to fire risks from lithium-ion batteries; protect ports from short circuits with tape or a case, and keep it easily accessible in case of issues, following crew instructions for use during the flight.
Carry-on baggage only – not permitted in checked luggage.
You must pack power banks and any loose/spare lithium batteries in your cabin bag. If your carry-on is gate-checked (e.g. on a small plane), remove any power banks to keep them with you in the cabin.
Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.
You generally don't have to take out standard phone or laptop chargers (cords and bricks) in carry-ons, but you must take out power banks (portable chargers) and any large, dense electronics like laptops for X-ray screening, placing them in separate bins to allow clear imaging. Power banks must always be in carry-on bags, never checked luggage, due to fire risk.
Ensure your power bank is within the allowed capacity, pack it in your carry-on luggage, and be mindful of its use during the flight.
Power banks must be in carry-on baggage. A maximum of two power banks per passenger may be carried and the onboard use and charging of these devices is not permitted. If you are traveling with a power bank, you should keep it within easy reach during the flight.
Charging cables and plug-in adapters don't contain lithium batteries, so they're permitted in both carry-on and checked bags.
Keep it in your hand luggage – Never pack power banks in your checked suitcase. Keep it cool – While it's okay to use a power bank to charge your devices during the flight, make sure to overcharging or heating it up. And if you're not using it, switch it off for peace of mind.
Many airlines, including Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, etc.), Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Thai Airways, China Airlines, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, and Jeju Air, have banned the in-flight use and/or charging of power banks due to fire risks, requiring them to be carried in hand luggage, protected from short circuits, and stowed under the seat or on your person, not in overhead bins. Rules vary, but generally, usage is prohibited, though passengers can still carry them, typically up to 100Wh.
Here's what to expect when taking your carry-on bag through security screening next time you fly. You will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening.
Not allowed in a carry-on are sharp objects (knives, box cutters, scissors with pointed tips), firearms/ammunition, flammable liquids/solids, tools (hammers, screwdrivers), many sports equipment (bats, golf clubs, ski poles), and self-defense items (pepper spray, stun guns), plus liquids/gels over 3.4oz/100ml, and hoverboards/e-scooters with lithium batteries. Always check the TSA website or your airline for specific rules before flying.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
You should keep your mobile charger, including power banks, in your carry-on baggage during a flight. Chargers with lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked luggage due to safety regulations.
You generally don't have to take out standard phone or laptop chargers (cords and bricks) in carry-ons, but you must take out power banks (portable chargers) and any large, dense electronics like laptops for X-ray screening, placing them in separate bins to allow clear imaging. Power banks must always be in carry-on bags, never checked luggage, due to fire risk.
Always put your chargers and spare batteries in your carry-on before you head to the airport. Also, leave some charge in your power pack.
These are only allowed as carry-on items. Store them in a bag that stays with you, in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you. Powerbanks must not exceed 160Wh.
You need to unload your phone before going through TSA security at the airport (and you might want to avoid public charging ports, too), but beware: Placing your phone directly into one of TSA's plastic security screening bins could lead to it getting stolen.
Standard charging cables and wall plug adapters can be packed in either, but portable chargers (power banks with batteries) are restricted to carry-on bags only. Here's a breakdown of official guidelines from global aviation authorities (IATA, TSA, EASA) on where to pack your phone charging gear when flying.
The 80/20 charging rule for lithium-ion batteries (phones, EVs) suggests keeping the charge between 80% and 20% to maximize battery lifespan by reducing stress from full charges (100%) and deep discharges (0%), which degrade battery health over time, though it requires more frequent charging and isn't a strict law but a guideline for longevity.
Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams).
Many airlines, including Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, etc.), Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Thai Airways, China Airlines, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, and Jeju Air, have banned the in-flight use and/or charging of power banks due to fire risks, requiring them to be carried in hand luggage, protected from short circuits, and stowed under the seat or on your person, not in overhead bins. Rules vary, but generally, usage is prohibited, though passengers can still carry them, typically up to 100Wh.
The good news is yes, phone chargers are allowed on planes! But hold on; where you pack them makes a difference.