How To Check Whether A Power Bank Is Allowed Plane
When planning to travel by air, understanding the regulations surrounding power banks is crucial to avoid any issues during security checks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you determine whether your power bank is allowed on a plane.
Where to Pack Your Power Bank
Power banks containing lithium-ion batteries must be packed in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage. This is due to safety concerns, as loose lithium batteries in checked bags pose a higher fire risk.
Capacity Limits
To ensure your power bank is compliant, it must meet specific capacity limits:
- General Rule: Power banks with a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less per battery are allowed in carry-on luggage without additional approval.
- Larger Batteries: If your power bank has a capacity between 101 and 160 Wh, you can obtain airline approval to carry it, but you are limited to two such batteries per person.
Conversion from mAh to Wh
Since many power banks are rated in milliampere-hours (mAh), it's helpful to know how to convert this to watt-hours (Wh). The formula is:
[ \text{Wh} = \frac{\text{mAh} \times \text{Voltage}}{1000} ]
For example, a 20,000 mAh power bank with a nominal voltage of 3.7V would be:
[ \text{Wh} = \frac{20000 \times 3.7}{1000} = 74 \text{ Wh} ]
This calculation helps you determine if your power bank falls within the allowed capacity.
Safety and Handling
To avoid any issues during your flight, follow these safety guidelines:
- Protect from Damage: Ensure your power bank is packed in a way that protects it from damage and prevents accidental activation. Store it in its original packaging or a protective case.
- Disconnect and Turn Off: Before boarding, disconnect all USB cables from the power bank and make sure it is turned off to prevent accidental startup during the flight.
- Check for Damage or Recall: The power bank must not be damaged or recalled. Always check the manufacturer's website for any recall notices before your trip.
Additional Considerations
- Airline Approval: For power banks with capacities between 101 and 160 Wh, you must obtain approval from the airline. This approval is typically required for larger batteries used in professional equipment or extended-life laptop batteries.
- Personal Use: The power bank must be for your personal use, not for sale or distribution.
- Installed Batteries: If the lithium battery is installed in a device (like a laptop or smartphone), it is subject to different regulations and is generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Checking with Airlines
While the TSA and FAA provide general guidelines, airlines may have additional restrictions. It's always a good idea to check with your airline for specific rules regarding electronic devices and power banks before your flight.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your power bank is compliant with airline regulations and that you have a seamless and powered-up travel experience.