The TSA banned a modern-day trip essential from checked luggage in a recent travel advisory—the latest of several new changes rolling out at airports across the US. Portable chargers and power banks that use lithium batteries (which is most of them) are now officially a no-go in travelers’ checked luggages, according to updated guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Why? The lithium-ion batteries inside most portable chargers have proven to pose a fire risk in the cargo hold—and mid-air combustion is quite frankly the last thing any airline’s schedule needs right about now. The new rule makes it so that lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, are now permitted in carry-on luggage only.
The recent change calls to a bigger issue: Many travelers still don’t know what’s allowed (or banned) in their carry-on suitcases and checked luggage. Between security changes in the US and shifting international regulations—like the back-and-forth on the 100ml liquid limit in the UK and EU—keeping up with packing do’s and don’ts is practically its own pre-travel checklist. Ahead of packing your luggage with all your travel essentials, whether for an international or domestic flight, it’s important to check what’s legally permitted to carry on or below a plane. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a reference list based on the TSA’s Security Screening guidelines.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
Can you take a portable charger on an airplane?
Under the new rule, most portable chargers are not permitted in checked luggage, but you can still pack them in your carry-on. The FAA does not permit “spare lithium metal and spare rechargeable lithium ion batteries for personal electronics such as cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, watches, and more” in your checked luggage.
“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,” the FAA says. “When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.”
If you’re worried about lithium batteries that are installed in a device (like a laptop, cell phone, or camera), check against the FAA’s entry for “portable electronic devices, containing batteries.”
What else is not allowed in checked luggage?
You’d be surprised by the everyday items that are forbidden from checked bags. Bottom line: if it can spark, explode, ignite, or leak, it probably doesn’t belong in your suitcase. When in doubt, check the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool before and as you pack.
Regarding other limitations, these are a few of the most common items that are banned on the TSA’s official list: E-cigarettes and vape pens are other lithium battery culprits, suited for your carry-on only. Lighters with fuel, of butane, torch, or Zippo-style, are permitted for packing, though one per person is allowed. Aerosol sprays like bear spray, spray paint, or large cleaning products are not allowed in checked luggage. Nor are fireworks and flammable items, self-defense items like pepper spray, stun guns, and martial arts gear (most are banned entirely, and if they are permitted, they must be carefully packed and declared).
What are the liquid requirements for carry-on bags?
In the US, the TSA enforces a 3-1-1 rule, which means you can only pack liquids into containers smaller than 3.4 ounces that fit all together in one clear quart-sized bag. This is consistent with the international 100ml liquid limit (3.4 ounces is equal to 100 milliliters).
