TSA battery rules can be confusing, and summer travel often means long days for both you and your electronics — especially if you’re delayed. If you’re in the market for travel gear, the best way to keep your devices charged is by using a power bank.
But it can be tough to figure out what kind of mobile chargers fit within the Transportation Security Administration or Federal Aviation Administration’s rules so they aren’t taken away at the security checkpoint.
All battery packs face very strict guidelines for air travel. Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries and portable batteries that contain lithium-ion can only be packed in carry-on baggage. They’re limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. With airline approval, you can bring two larger spare batteries (up to 160 Wh).
Here are our favorite battery packs that are within the FAA and TSA’s rules so you can keep your smartphone, tablet, laptop or headphones juiced up during long airplane rides. Whether you need a boost to keep binge-watching your favorite series or keep up with calls before boarding, these portable chargers will have you covered.
Does TSA allow batteries in carry-on luggage?
The TSA allows various batteries to be carried in your carry-on luggage with some restrictions. Dry cell alkaline batteries like AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt are permitted, as are rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries, including those in laptops and power banks, are allowed but limited to 100 watt hours per battery, with the option to carry up to two larger 101-160-watt-hour batteries with airline approval.
Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are permitted up to 2 grams of lithium per battery. All batteries must be protected from damage and short circuits, such as by keeping them in their original packaging or using tape to cover the terminals.
Does TSA allow batteries in checked luggage?
According to the TSA guidelines, uninstalled lithium ion and lithium metal batteries — including power banks — must only be carried in your carry-on luggage.
This is because loose lithium batteries in checked bags pose a greater fire risk if they are damaged, and need to be kept in the cabin where crew can respond quickly in the event of an incident.
Other than this restriction on spare lithium batteries, most common battery types like alkaline, NiMH, and NiCad are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Just make sure they are properly protected from damage and short circuits.
If in doubt, consult the TSA’s website. It has a helpful “What Can I Bring?” tool that shows you everything that’s prohibited in checked and carry-on luggage, so you can be sure all your items make it to your final destination.
Best TSA-approved power banks
This power bank from Anker is a CNN Underscored favorite. It packs a 10,000mAh capacity and has a USB-A port, USB-C port and a built-in USB-C cable, so you can charge your phone on the go without packing an extra cable. Plus, it offers 30-watt charging speeds that can charge an iPhone 14 to 50% in just 30 minutes.
This device has more than 50,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and for good reason. It's dubbed one of the thinnest 10,000mAh power banks on the market, making it ideal for travelers who want to stay charged on the go. It can charge an iPhone 14 Pro Max 1.5 times, and it has both USB-A and USB-C ports for maximum compatibility.
The Clutch Pro USB-C Portable Charger is a sleek and powerful solution for on-the-go charging. With its 5,000mAh capacity, it's compatible with a range of USB-C devices, including Android phones, tablets and the latest iPhones. Its magnetic design allows for easy attachment to your phone or magnetic-safe cases, making it perfect for travel and approved for airplane carry-on. Compact and slim, it won't take up much space in your pocket or purse.
Mophie is one of the better-known names in the power bank world. It has offered consistently high-quality portable batteries for smartphones and tablets for years. One of its flagship power banks, the Powerstation 2023, is on sale for just $40 at Amazon and Best Buy. Its 10,000mAh battery capacity should get you through long travel days, and dual USB ports mean you can charge multiple devices at once.
If you have a MagSafe-compatible iPhone, it's hard to beat the convenience of the Anker 321 MagGo Battery. Simply pop this battery on the back of your iPhone and it will wirelessly charge your device as you go about your travel day. It has a 5,000mAh capacity, which Anker states will provide 19 hours of video playtime for an iPhone 14 Pro Max. And at around $25, the price is right.
This top-rated battery pack from Anker packs the most power you’re allowed to take on a flight. It features a 45-watt USB-C port to charge your laptop and 15-watt USB ports to charge smartphones and other small devices. The extra battery itself charges quickly and will reach a full charge in less than three and a half hours.
Even better, it comes with a 60-watt USB-C wall charger and USB-C cable as well so you’re equipped with everything you’d need. It’s on the pricier side, but the speed at which it can repower your devices and the included wall charger and charging cable make the battery worth the splurge.
We like this pick from Anker because of the low price and slim design. It’s super lightweight and easy to slip into a purse, backpack or pocket. It features trickle charging mode so you’re able to safely charge smaller devices like your earbuds. It’ll take 5.5 hours to recharge if you use a 10-watt wall charger. Overall, the slim design makes this a great pick for super-convenient portability.
The PowerCore Fusion doubles as both a wall charger and a 5,000mAh portable battery. It’s a perfect option if you’re looking to travel light, as you’ll have power on the go and an easy wall plug once you arrive at your destination. It’s compact, measuring 2.7 inches by 1.2 inches, which makes it easy to toss in your carry-on. The portable battery charges via the wall plug, which also helps to reduce your cable clutter.
This is a wireless power bank that's great to use while traveling since it eliminates the need for extra wires if you’re using Qi-enabled devices. As a bonus, there’s a designated charger for your Apple Watch. Plus, you can your tablet with its USB-C port that has a max output of 18 watts for compatible devices.
Zendure’s portable charger has a sleek and high-tech look while packing a 10,000mAh battery to charge your smartphone up to three times. It’s made of a crushproof composite material, so it’s safe from bumps and knocks when you toss it in your bag. We also like its eye-catching design and color options.
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