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Ever wondered if you can bring your trusty power bank on a plane? Good news – you absolutely can, but there's a catch!
To keep everyone safe, these little lifesavers (and their bigger siblings, desktop chargers!) and even our handy trackers need to be in your carry-on baggage ONLY. That's right, no checked bags for these lithium-ion powered pals!
Here's the key
- Carry-On is King: Power banks must go in your hand luggage.
- Check the Wh: Most standard power banks (under 100 Wh) are fine. Larger ones (100-160 Wh) might need airline approval, and anything over 160 Wh is a no-go.
- Protect Those Terminals: Keep them safe from short circuits with a case or by taping them up.
Don't see Wh on your power bank? No problem! Many power banks only show mAh (milliampere-hours). You can easily convert it using this formula:
Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000
Most power banks operate at a nominal voltage of 3.7V. For example, a 20,000 mAh power bank would be (20,000 mAh × 3.7V) ÷ 1000 = 74 Wh. Easy peasy!
What About Other Devices?
These rules generally apply to any spare lithium-ion batteries. So, while your desktop charger (if it's just a wall plug) is fine, if it has a built-in battery or you're carrying a separate battery for it, the same rules apply. Similarly, battery-powered trackers are usually low capacity and fine, but if you have spare batteries for them, they also belong in your carry-on.