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Power banks are devices that store energy and can be used to charge electronic devices, such as phones, laptops, and tablets. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), power banks are considered battery-powered devices and are not allowed in checked baggage. This is because power banks can overheat and pose a fire hazard.
In addition, the TSA recommends that power banks be carried in carry-on baggage so that they can be properly screened. When going through security, you may need to remove your power bank from your carry-on bag so that it can be placed in a bin for x-ray screening.
If you have any questions about what you can bring on an airplane, the TSA has a comprehensive list of items that are allowed and prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Why can power banks cause fire hazards?
Power banks are devices used to recharge electronic devices, like cell phones and laptops, when there is no outlet available. Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage because they are considered a fire hazard.
When a power bank is placed in checked luggage, there is a chance that it could overheat and catch fire. If the power bank is in close proximity to other items in the luggage, the fire could spread quickly and cause serious damage.
Power banks are allowed in carry-on baggage, but they must be placed in the “personal item” or “laptop” bag, not in the main compartment of the carry-on. The power bank must also be turned off while going through TSA security checkpoints.
Why are power banks not allowed in checked baggage?
Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage because they can pose a fire hazard. If the power bank is damaged, it could overheat and start a fire.
If you are traveling with a power bank, you will need to keep it in your carry-on baggage.
They can overheat and cause fires
Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage because they can overheat and cause fires. lithium-ion batteries, which power banks contain, are known to be volatile and can catch fire if they overheat. While this is rare, it is a risk that is not worth taking when it comes to air travel.
If you must bring a power bank with you on a flight, it must be kept in your carry-on bag and should be turned off while the plane is taxiing, taking off, and landing.
They can be damaged by other items in baggage
While power banks are designed to be durable, they can be damaged by other items in baggage. This is especially true if the power bank is placed against something sharp, such as a screw or nail. In addition, power banks can be damaged by exposure to extreme temperatures, such as those found in a hot car or in the hold of an airplane.
How to transport power banks safely
There are currently no federal regulations in the United States restricting the transportation of power banks in either checked or carry-on baggage. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that passengers “avoid placing any spare lithium batteries in their checked baggage.”
The reason for this recommendation is that power banks — which are essentially portable batteries — can overheat and catch fire when placed in close proximity to other items in luggage, such as clothing. In fact, there have been a number of incidents reported in which power banks have caused fires on airplanes.
To be safe, the FAA suggests that passengers transport power banks in their carry-on bags, where they can be monitored more easily. If you must put a power bank in your checked baggage, make sure it is turned off and securely packed so that it cannot move around or come into contact with other items.
Below List of Power banks under 100-watt hours that are allowed in your carry-on.
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Conclusion
While it is true that power banks are not allowed in checked baggage on most airlines, there are some exceptions.
Some airlines, such as Southwest, American, and Delta, do allow power banks in checked baggage. So, if you are flying on one of these airlines, you should be able to pack your power bank in your checked luggage without any problems.
However, even if an airline does allow power banks in checked baggage, there are still some restrictions that you need to be aware of.
For example, most airlines will only allow you to bring one power bank per person, and the power bank must be under a certain size and wattage. So, before you pack your power bank in your checked luggage, make sure to check the airline’s restrictions to make sure you are in compliance.
