When it comes to travelling, power banks are the must have things to keep laptops, mobile phones, and other gadgets charged on the go especially on the long-haul flights. However, airlines has restricted some items to carry in the flights due to safety reasons. If you wish to know about the allowed items, you can call at +1-855-300-3027 and the representatives will tell you about the same.

Further, the safety regulations forbid the passengers from bringing some large power banks on the flights. It resulted in making restrictions, rules, and the best practices for carrying such things on the plane. Before starting your travel, there are some things that you need to know regarding carrying a power bank, as mentioned in the article below.

 

Understanding Rules For Power Banks

As per the guidelines of the international Air transport association and the Transportation Security Administration, power banks are determined as the external lithium-ion batteries. Besides, other countries may have different or similar rules, So it is always better to check it with your airline and destination before flying.

Here are the general rules for the power bank on the flights are:

• Passengers can carry a power bank with a rating of 100 wh or less per battery. Similarly, it is equivalent to about 10,000 mAh at 10 or 20,000 mAh at five bolts, the typical lithium-ion battery voltage.
• Make sure that the power bank does not defected or damaged as any level of damage would make it prone to the combustion, may cause a dangerous situation.
• It is suggested that you keep your power bank in your carry-on only and not in the checked baggage. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries can short-circuit, overhead, or even get punctured, which may lead to explosions and fire.
• Containing and detecting a fire in the cabin is easier than the cargo hold.
• Likewise, the power bank should be for personal use only, not for distribution or sale.

 

Why Airlines Power Bank Ban?

Airlines restricted the power bank from checked-in with your cargo luggage for the safety purpose. Now a days, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries provide power for most portable electronic items. From digital camera and smartphone to remote-controlled toys and hearing aids, all can be found in various things.

Under the extreme situation, these batteries have the ability to burst into the flame. Although a vary rare occurrence, their is still a risk that it can happen at any time. In addition to this, airlines would rather handle the risk of lithium-ion batteries in the cabin than the luggage compartment where no one will know incidents such as catching fire has happened.

 

Protocols For Power Bank’s Maximum Capacity Permitted On Flights

The capacity of power banks can be measured in watt-hour (Wh) or milliampere-hour (mAh). Similarly, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) suggests that the power banks must not exceed 100 Wh. So, you must have the airline’s approval to carry the power bank on the aircraft if you have a portable battery measured between 101 and 160 Wh.

• There are only two battery packs permitted of the size per person on the plane.
• Similarly, passengers can bring portable battery powered electronic devices and consumer type batteries in their carry-ons when it comes to the personal use.
• Spare batteries are protected from short circuits and damage.
• Passengers must secure the battery-powered devices from heat generation and accidental activation.
• A power bank rated above 160 Wh is prohibited on the airplane.

 

Check The Capacity Of Your Power Bank

Generally, the capacity of power bank is printed in its packaging or body, making it easy to locate. Look watt-hour or Wh and avoid to carrying or buying a power bank that is more than 100 Wh. Moreover, you can calculate your power bank’s capacity by multiplying the voltage (V) by the milliampere-hour (mAh) rating and then divide it with 1000.

Here is the prove formula: Wh = V * mAh / 1000

Besides, you can also use the online calculators to know the capacity of your power bank in milliampere-hour or watt-hour.

 

Standards Followed By Airlines For Carrying Power Banks

There are general rules for bringing power banks on flights, but certain rules may vary by airline based on the type of flight, whether it is domestic or international. Look at the following guidelines before carrying your power bank on the plane:

• Airlines allow you to carry your power bank with a rating of 100 Wh or less for each battery.
• Your power bank should not be recalled or damaged.
• Moreover, it should be easily accessible and compact during security checks.
• The power banks must be stored in the hand luggage or carry-on baggage.

Further, it is advisable to check with your airline regarding the specific rules for power bank as they may have additional allowance or restrictions.

 

Why Power Banks Ban On Flights?

• The lithium -ion batteries in a power bank cause a risk to flights as they can combust and create a dangerous situation.
• It is happens in the cargo, then it could undetected and lead to a great threat to the crew, passengers, and the airline.
• For every passenger’s safety on-board, now airlines requires to carry all power banks and other devices with batteries in their hand luggage or carry-on baggage.
• Similarly, the cabin crew can immediately react when a device produce fire or other harmful situation that could arise from malfunction or overheating devices.

 

Tips to Carry Power Banks On Flights

Here are the tips to ensure a safe and stress-free journey while carrying a power bank on your flight:

• Passengers must pack their power bank in separate bags for easy access during the security screening.
• Similarly, you must take out the power bank and show it to the security officer.
• It is advisable to turn off your power bank before boarding the plane and do not use it throughout the travelling duration.
• Likewise, most airlines do not permit passengers to use power banks onboard as they can pose a fire hazard if they overheat and malfunction.
• Instead, you can use the charging ports that are available on certain seats or at the airport.
• You must protect your power bank from extreme temperature and physical damage, metal objects, and moisture. Besides, do not crush, drop, puncture, or expose your power bank to water or fire.
• Keep in mind that do not carry your power bank in your pocket or near coins, keys, or any metal items that can cause a short circuit.
• In case of swollen, damaged, smoking, or leaking, immediately dispose of your power bank.
• Do not try to charge or repair a faulty power bank. Get in touch with the airline staff or the airport authority at the same time if you observed any issue with your power bank.

 

Final Takeaway!

Travelers who need to carry a power bank for their journey must be updated with the rules and regulations for the same by visiting the official website of the airline or by connecting with the customer service team. As we mentioned earlier, there are strict rules and conditions regarding a power bank on a flight, as they can be a cause of safety risk if they are too damaged, large, or misused. Flyers should adhere to the specific rules made for power banks carrying on the flights to ensure a safe journey for themselves and fellow-travelers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are power banks not allowed on planes?
Airlines banned power banks on the checked baggage on the planes as they contain lithium-ion batteries that may lead to a serious risk if it damaged during transit. However, most carriers allow power banks in the carry-on luggage with specific capacity limitations.

Is a 20000mAh power bank allowed in a square flight?
All type of portable mobile chargers and the lithium batteries are not permitted in the check-in luggage. Besides, the portable mobile chargers and the lithium batteries with rating of above 160Wh are not allowed even in the carry-on baggage.

Can I carry a 20000mAh power bank in flight?
Yes, you can bring a powerbank with a capacity of 20,000 mAh that has a capacity of approx. 74 Wh. So, you can carry it onboard on the flight by keeping it in your hand luggage or carry-on baggage.

Does TSA check power bank capacity?
Yes, the battery voltage should not be more than 12 volts and the battery watt hour rating must not be more than 100 watt hours. Similarly, the battery powered equipments must be secured against accidental situations and the productions of heat.

What is the largest power bank allowed on flights?
The largest power bank that is permitted on the planes is up to 160 watt-hours. Power banks can be carried with the airline approval for the batteries exceeding 100 Wh. Also, you can contact your airline to know about the specific rules for bringing power banks on the flights.

Can I take a power bank on an international flight?
Yes, but the power banks are only allowed in carry-on baggage and nit in the checked baggage. Similarly, the powerbank should not exceed a maximu capacity of 100 Wh or 27,000 mAh. Additionally, a person can carry up to two rechargeable batteries with them onboard.