Powerbank on the plane – What you need to know

Have you ever thought about taking your next flight with a powerbank in your luggage? Do you know what you need to consider if you want to take a powerbank with you on the plane? This article provides answers. Learn about the strict guidelines for transporting powerbanks on most airlines, how the U.S. Safety and Security Administration handles it, and what general guidelines you need to follow. Learn everything you need to know about powerbanking on airplanes.

Advantages of a powerbank

Whether you’re flying economy or business class, the number of power outlets on the plane is always limited. So, if you have a powerbank with you, you can be sure that all your devices will be powered and ready to go when you arrive at your destination. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your laptop, phone, or other device won’t be left without a power source during your flight.

Are you allowed to take a powerbank on the plane?

Most airlines allow you to bring a powerbank on the plane, carry-on or in checked baggage. However, there are restrictions on the size and amount of energy the powerbank can hold. We recommend that you check with your airline for their powerbank policies, as most airlines may have different regulations. In addition, it is always a good idea to stow powerbanks in your carry-on luggage so they don’t get damaged or lost in checked luggage. The type of powerbank doesn’t matter much. A solar powerbank on an airplane carries a similar potential risk as any other model.

How do individual airlines feel about powerbanks on planes?

Whether a powerbank is allowed on an airplane depends primarily on the safety regulations of the lead airline. However, even the airlines are not completely free in their specifications. They also have to adhere to the regulations of the aviation authority or the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Accordingly, up to two powerbanks with a nominal capacity of up to 27000mAh are permitted per person.

The guidelines of the airlines Condor, Eurowings and tuifly state that carrying a powerbank on the plane is only allowed in the hand luggage. There should be no more than two, as airlines strive to keep the amount of lithium-ion batteries on board as low as possible.

General requirements

It is strictly prohibited to carry a powerbank in your checked baggage due to the risk of fire from spontaneous combustion. There have been many incidents where batteries have ignited unexpectedly and, if left unnoticed in an unattended cargo hold, could easily cause significant damage. To ensure the utmost safety on board, don’t carry these batteries in your suitcase when traveling by air.

If you want to take a powerbank with you on your flight, make sure ahead of time that there are no recalls on your model. Unfortunately, there have been a plethora of battery-related issues in recent years, both with laptops and smartphones, as well as powerbanks. So if there’s ever a major problem with devices from the same model or manufacturer, recalls and bans on bringing those items aboard planes are common.

USA – Am I allowed to bring a powerbank on a plane?

Since September 11, 2001, the U.S. has had some of the strictest security regulations for air travel. This naturally begs the question of whether powerbanks are allowed here as well. In short – yes! Provided they meet the technical requirements of IATA. This means that only rechargeable batteries with a nominal capacity of up to 27,000 mAh may be taken on board and that each passenger may only carry two of them in their hand luggage.

Conclusion on the subject: powerbank on the plane

Carrying one in your carry-on luggage is generally allowed, as long as the guidelines or regulations of the respective airlines are followed and there is no active recall for this model. However, carrying the device in your checked baggage is not permitted. This rule also applies to items such as e-cigarettes or other devices that must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) specifications and related airline regulations.