Can you take phone charger in hand luggage ryanair

Recommendation: Store all mobile charging items – USB wall adapters, charging cables and external battery packs – inside carry-on; do not place spare lithium batteries or portable power banks in checked baggage. Capacity thresholds: up to 100 Wh allowed without airline approval; 100–160 Wh require prior approval (usually max two units per passenger); >160 Wh are forbidden.

How to check capacity: Use the label on the battery. If only mAh is shown, convert to watt‑hours with Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Examples: 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V ≈ 74 Wh; 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V ≈ 99.9 Wh. If Wh is printed, rely on that value for airline assessments.

Packing and screening tips: protect battery terminals (original packaging, insulated pouch or tape over contacts), keep power packs and spare cells with hand carriage, and ensure devices are switched off. Declare units in the 100–160 Wh band when requesting approval; expect staff to ask for individual inspection at security checkpoints.

Policy note: the Irish low-cost operator follows IATA/EU rules: spare lithium batteries and portable power supplies must travel in the cabin only, with the capacity and quantity limits above. If uncertainty exists about a specific unit, contact the carrier before departure and carry manufacturer specifications or packaging for quick verification.

Portable power and accessories in cabin bags

Store USB leads, mains adapters and external battery packs inside carry-on baggage; spare lithium-ion cells must not be placed in checked bags.

Capacity rules: spare batteries up to 100 Wh permitted without approval; 100–160 Wh require prior approval from the carrier and are usually limited to two units per passenger; batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited from both checked and carry-on baggage.

If only milliampere-hour (mAh) rating is shown, convert using nominal cell voltage: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Using 3.7 V as typical cell voltage: 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 27,000 mAh ≈ 100 Wh; 43,200 mAh ≈ 160 Wh.

Protect battery terminals against short circuit with tape, original packaging or individual plastic pouches; separate spare packs from metal objects and keep them accessible for screening. Devices with built-in batteries may remain installed but should be switched off during checks if requested.

Expect security to request removal of external batteries for separate X‑ray. Items over 100 Wh must be declared and approved before travel; non‑compliant units risk refusal at the gate or during security inspection.

Verify the carrier’s official policy and current aviation authority guidance before departure, and retain manufacturer specifications for any high‑capacity units.

Cabin baggage rules for mobile power packs and USB cables

Store portable power packs and all USB leads in cabin baggage only; spare lithium-ion cells are not permitted in checked baggage and must travel in the passenger compartment.

Capacity limits: up to 100 Wh per battery allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh requires written airline approval and is limited to a maximum of two spare units per passenger; greater than 160 Wh is prohibited on passenger aircraft.

If Wh rating is not printed, calculate using Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Examples: 5,000 mAh at 3.7 V = 18.5 Wh; 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V = 74 Wh; 30,000 mAh at 3.7 V = 111 Wh (approval needed).

Packaging and screening: protect terminals against short circuits (tape or original packaging), place each spare battery in an individual pouch, and keep items accessible for security inspection. Devices with internal batteries are permitted in the cabin and follow the same capacity rules if removed.

USB cables and passive mains adapters carry no specific quantity limit but will be inspected; adapters or cases that include an internal battery must comply with the Wh and approval requirements above. Non-compliant items may be refused carriage or confiscated at security or gate.

Security screening: which power adapters need inspection or removal

Place spare power banks and external battery packs into the security tray for separate X‑ray screening immediately upon reaching the checkpoint.

Lithium‑ion capacity limits: up to 100 Wh – screened in tray and normally permitted in cabin bags; 100–160 Wh – require carrier approval and must be presented for inspection (commonly limited to two units); over 160 Wh – prohibited from carriage.

Conversion rule: Wh = (mAh × voltage) ÷ 1000. Most portable batteries list mAh at 3.7 V. Examples: 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; ~27,000 mAh ≈ 100 Wh. Label visibility speeds screening; keep markings exposed or bring manufacturer specifications.

Security officers frequently request power‑on demonstrations for large electronic devices; keep at least one device charged and accessible. If asked, detach external battery packs or spare cells and place them separately in the tray.

Wall adapters, in‑device USB modules and short cables usually stay inside the cabin bag but may be removed if they obscure other items on the X‑ray. To minimize secondary checks, untangle cables and place adapters in an outer pocket or small pouch.

Lithium metal batteries: limitation is 2 g elemental lithium per cell for carriage. Cells exceeding that threshold are typically forbidden; check the cell specification if uncertain and present documentation if requested.

If a spare battery or power bank is discovered in checked baggage, expect removal and possible confiscation at security. Large capacity packs commonly trigger secondary inspection and delay; plan extra time at the checkpoint when carrying devices above 100 Wh.

Power banks and spare lithium batteries: limits and labeling

Store all power banks and spare lithium batteries in cabin baggage; stow them in carry-on only – they are forbidden in checked baggage.

• Watt‑hour limits:
  • <= 100 Wh: permitted without airline approval (common portable packs like 10,000–26,800 mAh at 3.7 V).
  • >100 Wh and <=160 Wh: airline approval required; maximum two spare units per passenger.
  • >160 Wh: prohibited as spare battery and as battery in equipment for passenger transport.
• How to read or calculate Wh:
  1. If device shows Wh, use that value.
  2. If only mAh is printed: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × nominal voltage (typically 3.7 V for lithium‑ion). Example: 20,000 mAh → (20,000/1000)×3.7 = 74 Wh.
  3. Keep specification sheet or photo of the label for verification if Wh is not printed.
• Labeling and proof:
  • Prefer power banks that display Wh or both mAh and voltage. If Wh missing, attach a small note with calculated Wh or a printed spec sheet inside carry-on.
  • If seeking approval for 100–160 Wh items, present manufacturer specs showing Wh value at booking/check‑in or to the operator on request.
• Terminal protection and packaging:
  • Prevent short circuits by taping over exposed terminals, using original packaging, or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch.
  • Do not nest spare batteries inside checked cases or inside devices stored in checked compartments.
• Quantity and mixed configurations:
  • Devices with installed batteries count separately from spare packs; installed batteries are allowed in cabin baggage subject to same Wh limits.
  • Multiple small packs (each <100 Wh) are normally accepted, but security personnel may limit quantity for safety – keep reasoned quantities for personal use.
• At the airport:
  • Present units for inspection if requested; carry documentation for batteries >100 Wh or for non‑standard packs.
  • Failure to produce clear Wh information or to protect terminals may result in removal or disposal of the item.

When in doubt about a specific external battery model, consult the carrier’s dangerous goods contact before travel and retain manufacturer specs demonstrating Wh rating and chemistry.

Packing tips to avoid delays at airport security with power adapters

Store all power adapters, USB leads and small charging bricks in a single transparent pouch placed in the top external pocket of the cabin bag for immediate presentation at screening.

Quick checklist

Pouch: clear, single-compartment, resealable; Placement: top external pocket of the cabin bag for rapid access; Cable management: use Velcro straps or simple loops, avoid knots and loose coils; Terminal protection: cover exposed battery or contact points with non-conductive tape; Device readiness: keep devices charged to a minimum 20% for verification by security.

Packing sequence to speed screening

Remove large multi‑plug bricks and separate power banks into the tray first; place the clear pouch beside them rather than buried; remove bulky protective cases from devices to allow powering on without extracting internal batteries; avoid wrapping cables around battery packs or enclosing multiple batteries together; keep manufacturer labels, serial numbers and any capacity markings visible or positioned on top of the pouch for quick inspection.

For comparison of battery-operated equipment and capacity references consult best battery power pressure washer.

Steps to take if security or airline staff refuse a power adapter

Comply immediately and surrender the power adapter or USB cable for inspection; request a written reason, the regulation cited (e.g. ICAO TI, local aviation security rule), and an incident reference number before leaving the screening area.

Collect documentary evidence on the spot: boarding pass, government ID, timestamped photos of the item (serial number, watt‑hour or mAh label, manufacturer marking), and a photograph of the screening point or conveyor if permitted. Obtain a property/retention receipt containing staff name, badge/ID number, job title, time, and location.

If the item is retained permanently or staff refuse return, request escalation to a supervisor and record the supervisor’s name, badge and contact details. If a supervisor is unavailable, lodge an immediate written complaint with the airport security office and the carrier’s ground operations desk; include the incident reference, flight number, and timestamps.

Submit a formal complaint within 7 calendar days to the carrier and to the airport security authority. Attach: incident receipt, scanned boarding pass, passport copy, timestamped photos, original purchase receipt (if available) and a brief factual timeline. For batteries and power banks, include documented watt‑hour (Wh) ratings or manufacturer specifications to support safe carriage claims.

If a replacement purchase becomes necessary at the airport or after the incident, keep receipts and photograph the new item’s packaging showing specifications. For unrelated bulky replacement needs, consider options like best umbrella stroller with inline wheels.

FAQ:

Can I take my phone charger in my hand luggage on a Ryanair flight?

Yes. Standard USB chargers, charging cables and phone plugs are allowed in cabin bags. Security staff may inspect electronics during screening, so keep chargers accessible. Carrying them in hand luggage is safer than placing them in checked baggage, especially if you also have spare batteries or a power bank.

Are power banks or portable chargers permitted in hand luggage with Ryanair?

Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries and must be carried only in the cabin, not in checked baggage. Common practice from international rules is: battery packs up to about 100 Wh are normally accepted without prior approval; devices between roughly 100 Wh and 160 Wh usually need airline approval before travel; units above 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft. Check the capacity label on the power bank (or calculate Wh = mAh × V ÷ 1000) and consult Ryanair or the manufacturer if the rating falls above 100 Wh.

Do I need to tell Ryanair or remove chargers and power banks at security checkpoints?

For regular phone chargers and cables you usually do not need to declare anything, though you may be asked to place items into a tray for X-ray screening. Power banks often attract extra attention: security officers commonly require them to be presented separately and switched on if asked. If your power bank has a capacity above 100 Wh, contact Ryanair before flying to request permission; failure to get approval for higher-capacity units can result in the item being prohibited at the gate.

Is it okay to pack my phone charger in checked baggage instead of carry-on?

While a single wall charger or cable can go in checked luggage, keeping chargers in your cabin bag is recommended, particularly when you travel with spare batteries or a power bank, which are not allowed in the hold. Storing chargers in hand luggage also reduces the risk of loss or damage and makes them easy to use at the gate or onboard where charging facilities exist.