Are Power Banks Allowed on Planes?

Power banks are necessary modern items that can be helpful when traveling, particularly when flying. Having a power bank on hand can be a lifesaver when you must stay connected on a lengthy flight, whether traveling for business or pleasure.

But are power banks allowed on planes? Yes, however, there are certain limitations.

Before boarding an aircraft, it’s critical to be aware of the regulations regarding power banks because different airlines have different policies.

FAA Regulations Regarding Power Banks

Even if the portable device is stored in carry-on luggage, the FAA requires that passengers check their power banks before taking off. In addition, each battery can hold up to 100 watt-hours.

You should always examine the power bank’s label if you are unsure how many watt-hours it has. Any power banks with more than the allowed number of watt-hours must be stored securely in checked luggage.

Additionally, the FAA forbids storing any power banks containing lithium batteries in checked luggage. Instead, they must fit into the traveler’s carry-on bag. Lastly, the FAA mandates that carry-on luggage be used to store any power banks with a voltage greater than 12 volts.

What Type of Power Banks Are Allowed on Board?

Whether or not the power bank can be brought on the plane will depend on its size. Power banks with a 100-watt-hour (Wh) or lower capacity are generally permitted in carry-on luggage.

Before leaving, it is necessary to confirm with the airline what restrictions there may be on the size of power banks that can be brought on board.

How to Calculate the Watt-Hours (Whh) Of Your Power Bank

When traveling with a power bank, the essential factor is its watt-hour rating. Therefore, you need to know the voltage (V) and capacity (mAh) of a power bank to calculate its watt-hours (WHH).

It is calculated using the formula WHH = V x mAh / 1000. For instance, if your power bank is 10000 mAh with a voltage of 3.7V, the watt-hours would be 37Wh (3.7 x 10000/1000 = 37).

However, power banks with a voltage greater than 12 volts or WHH of more than 100 are prohibited on board.

Why power banks are considered dangerous on planes?

Power banks on airplanes are considered risky because they could overheat and catch fire. It is particularly true for power banks with large voltages or watt-hour capacities.

A power bank that overheats might spark a fire inside a plane, endangering passengers and crew.

Because of this, strict guidelines limit the watt-hours and voltage of power banks that can be brought on board.

Safety Checklist for Carrying a Power Bank on a Plane

Before flying with a power bank, there are certain safety precautions that passengers should take:

• Make sure the power bank has been approved for use in aircraft: Before bringing a power bank on board, it is necessary to confirm with the airline that it has been approved for airplane use.
• Make sure the power bank is only charged up to 30 to 40% of its capacity: This will help to lower the possibility of short-circuiting or overheating, both of which can be dangerous in a small area like an airplane.
• Check the watt-hour rating of the power bank to make sure it is under the limit allowed on planes (100Wh): All power banks must have a watt-hour rating of under 100Wh in order to be allowed on a plane.
• Make sure the power bank can be easily inspected by airline staff: Keep the power bank in an area that is simple to get to in case airline staff needs to check it out before you board the plane.
• Before traveling: It’s crucial to inspect the power bank for any signs of damage, such as a cracked cover or loose connections.
• Be sure to turn off the power bank before passing through airport security: Before passing through security at the airport, power banks should be turned off to reduce any security issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bringing power banks on airplanes is generally safe, assuming they comply with the airline’s rules and battery capacity specifications. However, before departing, ensure the airline accepts power banks and familiarize yourself with any additional policies they may have.