Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows power banks and portable chargers, but they must be in carry-on luggage only.
❌ Power banks are not allowed in checked luggage due to fire risk.
⚠️ Airlines restrict very large batteries:
- ≤ 100 Wh → unlimited.
- 101–160 Wh → allowed with airline approval (max 2).
- > 160 Wh → prohibited.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Power banks and external batteries ≤ 100 Wh are permitted with no limit.
- Larger ones (101–160 Wh) require airline approval and are capped at 2 per passenger.
- Over 160 Wh (industrial-size packs) are banned entirely.
- Checked luggage:
- Spare lithium batteries, including power banks, are not allowed in checked bags.
- Installed vs spare batteries:
- Power banks are treated as spare batteries.
- Devices with built-in batteries (phones, laptops) are allowed in both checked and carry-on, but safer in carry-on.
- International flights:
- Most countries follow the same 100 Wh rule for lithium batteries.
TSA Power Bank Rules Summary
| Power Bank Size | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Power bank ≤ 100 Wh | ✅ Allowed (no limit) | ❌ Not allowed |
| Power bank 101–160 Wh | ✅ Allowed (max 2, airline approval) | ❌ Not allowed |
| Power bank > 160 Wh | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Checked luggage ban: TSA will confiscate power banks left in checked bags.
- ✈️ Wh rating: Check the label — most consumer power banks are < 100 Wh.
- ✈️ Airline approval: Needed for larger packs (101–160 Wh).
- ✈️ Best practice: Carry 1–2 smaller power banks to avoid hassle.