Michael Turner
Regulatory facts: Many civil aviation authorities and IATA classify loose lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries as dangerous goods. Spare battery packs and power banks are allowed only in the cabin: packs under 100 Wh are normally permitted, packs between 100–160 Wh require airline approval, and units over 160 Wh are prohibited for passenger carriage and must be shipped as cargo with special documentation.
Installed vs spare batteries: A battery built into a device can often be placed in hold baggage, but carriers commonly prefer devices with installed cells to remain in the cabin to reduce fire risk and enable crew response. Loose cells, replacement batteries and external battery packs must be carried onboard in your hand baggage.
How to calculate capacity: Watt-hours = voltage × ampere-hours. Convert mAh to Ah by dividing by 1,000, so a 3,000 mAh cell at 3.7 V is 3 Ah × 3.7 V = 11.1 Wh. Marked Wh values on power banks override estimates.
Packing recommendations: Stow all spare cells and external packs in an accessible pouch inside your cabin bag; keep plugs and cords together to avoid screening delays. Insulate exposed terminals or tape them, keep original packaging when available, and do not place power banks inside checked suitcases. Wall adapters and charging cables can be checked but should travel in-cabin to prevent loss, damage and to allow use during delays.
At security and before flying: Expect requests to remove larger electronics for X-ray inspection. Check the specific airline policy and the national aviation authority of departure and destination for restrictions and approval procedures for items above 100 Wh. If transporting high-capacity cells commercially, use approved freight channels and documentation rather than passenger bags.
Should mobile power adapters go in the aircraft hold or cabin bag?
Store spare lithium batteries and portable power banks in your cabin bag; do not place them in the aircraft hold.
IATA/FAA rules: spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must be carried in the cabin. Capacity limits: ≤100 Wh allowed without airline approval; >100 Wh up to 160 Wh requires airline approval and is limited to two spare units per passenger; >160 Wh is prohibited from passenger carriage. Electronic devices with installed batteries may be placed in the hold, but keeping the device with you reduces risk of theft, water damage and handling-related failure.
Terminal protection: insulate exposed terminals (tape or terminal covers), keep each battery/power bank in its own protective pouch or original packaging, and avoid loose contact with metal objects or loose change. Present spare batteries separately if asked during security screening. Declare units above 100 Wh to the airline before boarding.
Convert mAh to Wh using Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000; use nominal voltage 3.7 V for most lithium-ion cells. Examples: 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 27,000 mAh ≈ 99.9 Wh; 30,000 mAh ≈ 111 Wh (airline approval required).
Small wall adapters and data cables contain no high-capacity cells and are technically permitted in the hold, but pack them in the cabin for access and theft prevention. Keep power devices accessible for inspections and weigh your checked containers before travel using a best luggage digital scale.
Can I pack wall adapters and USB cables in the aircraft hold?
Yes for passive AC adapters and data cords only: adapters that contain no lithium cells may be placed in the aircraft hold, but portable battery packs and spare lithium cells must remain in the passenger cabin with you.
Regulatory limits for lithium-ion cells: up to 100 Wh may travel in the cabin without airline approval; 100–160 Wh typically require airline approval and are limited in quantity (commonly two per passenger); >160 Wh are generally prohibited from both cabin and hold. Spare lithium batteries and power banks are not permitted in the hold under FAA, EASA and most national rules.
Packing recommendations for items you do put in the hold: place adapters and cords inside a rigid or padded pouch to prevent crushing; isolate exposed metal connectors with tape or connector caps; coil cables loosely (no sharp bends) and secure with a soft strap; separate small electronics from heavy items to reduce impact damage; keep receipts or model labels for high‑value adapters in case of inspection or loss.
If you travel with a power bank, remove it from checked bags and carry it in the cabin; note its Wh rating printed on the pack and have documentation ready if requested. Policies vary by carrier and country, so consult your airline and the relevant civil aviation authority before departure.
If in doubt about a specific item (integrated battery inside an adapter, unconventional power bricks, or international differences), keep the unit with you in the cabin to avoid seizure or delays.
Power bank rules for the aircraft hold and capacity thresholds
Do not place power banks in the aircraft hold; keep them with you in the cabin and accessible during the journey.
Standard limits: up to 100 Wh – allowed in the cabin without airline approval. Between 100 Wh and 160 Wh – allowed only with airline approval and typically limited to two spare units per passenger. Above 160 Wh – prohibited from both cabin and hold.
Convert mAh to Wh using: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Most power banks use a 3.7 V cell voltage. Examples: 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh ≈ 99.16 Wh; 50,000 mAh ≈ 185 Wh (prohibited).
Label-check: use the Wh marking on the device or calculate from mAh. Protect terminals (tape exposed contacts or use original packaging), switch the unit off, and carry spare batteries in the cabin only. Confirm the carrier’s policy before travel and declare units requiring airline approval.
How airlines and airport security differ on power-adapter and battery rules
Keep spare lithium batteries and portable power banks in the cabin; only devices with batteries installed should be placed in the aircraft hold unless the carrier explicitly permits otherwise.
- Focus of each authority
- Airport screening (TSA, EASA checkpoints) enforces safety during passenger screening: they inspect for prohibited cells, oversized power packs and improper terminal protection, and will confiscate items that pose an immediate fire risk.
- Airlines set carriage limits, declaration procedures and approval requirements for items that increase risk in the pressurised cargo area; they can refuse boarding or require documentation for high-capacity units.
- Standard technical thresholds (apply widely)
- Up to 100 Wh per battery: allowed in the cabin without airline approval.
- 100–160 Wh per battery: allowed only with airline approval; usually limited to two spare units per passenger.
- Over 160 Wh: prohibited on passenger aircraft.
- Lithium metal (non‑rechargeable) cells with >2 g lithium content: forbidden on passenger flights.
- Practical differences in enforcement
- Security checkpoints check compliance with terminal protection and capacity markings; they may let an item through but airlines can later deny carriage at check‑in or gate.
- Some carriers enforce stricter limits than airport rules (fewer spare units, total Wh cap across all items, or outright ban on power banks); budget airlines often have the strictest internal policies.
- Airport staff may confiscate undeclared high‑capacity units during screening; airline staff may require written approval before boarding and can instruct staff to remove items from the aircraft before departure.
- Immediate actions to avoid conflicts
- Check the airline’s hazardous‑goods page for battery/portable power policies before travel.
- Confirm capacity in Wh (look for printed label or calculate: Wh = V × Ah) and keep that spec visible.
- Protect terminals (tape or original packaging) and carry spares in a protective pouch inside cabin bags.
- If a unit is 100–160 Wh, request and obtain airline approval in writing before arrival at the airport.
- Declare any large or unusual power equipment at check‑in and at the gate to avoid removal after screening.
- Country and carrier exceptions
- Certain countries or carriers may ban specific types (e.g., older lithium chemistries or high‑capacity banks); reliance on a single regulatory source is unsafe–verify both airport security and the carrier.
- When connecting through multiple carriers, follow the strictest applicable rule along the itinerary.
If uncertain, leave high‑capacity power units at home or ship them via a specialist hazardous‑goods courier authorised for cargo transport.
How to pack adapters and cables to avoid damage, short circuits and theft
Put each adapter, power brick and cable into its own zip-top anti-static or polyethylene pouch and seal the pouch; wrap exposed metal pins and USB connectors with electrical tape or use heat-shrink caps to eliminate contact points.
Preventing short circuits
Unplug all accessories from mains and devices before packing. Coil cables with a relaxed loop (minimum bend radius ≈ 3× cable diameter) and secure with Velcro straps; avoid rubber bands that can deteriorate. Keep batteries and multi-cell power packs separated from metal objects (coins, keys) and store them in individual insulating bags; place connectors pointing opposite directions when multiple items share a compartment. Use foam dividers or molded EVA inserts to ensure a minimum 1 cm gap between metal contacts of different items.
Protecting against impact and theft
Use a small hard-shell electronics organizer with lockable zipper or a lockable Pelican-style case for high-value adapters and bricks; line compartments with closed-cell foam and use removable foam cubes to prevent movement. Place the organizer inside an internal zipped pocket of your personal bag or on your person during transit; photograph serial numbers and keep receipts in a separate secure folder. For checked storage alternatives, place expensive items in a tamper-evident pouch and pad with soft clothing away from sharp edges. Consider discreet labeling and avoid visible logos to reduce target attractiveness.
Routine checks: test each cable and adapter before departure, replace frayed cords, and remove detachable tips into labeled small bags. For travelers managing many items or business stock, consider additional risk transfer via best small business umbrella insurance.
Can I use chargers onboard and which adapters or port types work?
Use the seat power: small USB-powered gadgets and low-wattage AC equipment are allowed in-flight; check the port label or seat manual for the exact outlet type and wattage before plugging anything in.
Port types and typical power
USB-A: common ports supply 5V at roughly 0.5–2.4A (≈2.5–12W). Some USB-A sockets implement Quick Charge and can deliver up to 18W using higher voltages.
USB-C PD: many newer cabins provide USB-C with Power Delivery. Reported per-port outputs on aircraft are usually 18–45W; PD negotiation often limits laptops to 30–45W even if the device accepts higher input.
AC outlet: in-seat mains are typically 110–120VAC/60Hz on North American-configured aircraft or 220–240VAC/50Hz on others. Available continuous power commonly ranges from 75W to 150W; avoid equipment that needs sustained draws above the seat rating.
EmPower (legacy): older jets use a 15V DC EmPower connector with a special plug and generally supply up to 75W; a dedicated adapter is required to convert that to standard AC.
Practical setup and safe use
Bring a short USB-C cable and a 30–45W USB-C PD adapter as primary items; they cover most modern ports and reduce clutter. Also carry a USB-A-to-USB-C cable for older outlets. Avoid long or coiled cables that can tangle or get damaged during movement.
If you plan to use the AC seat outlet, bring a compact, grounded travel plug that matches the aircraft inlet type; do not assume every outlet accepts every plug form. Never attempt to run high-power appliances (hair tools, kettles, heaters); those often exceed seat limits and may trip protection or be refused by crew.
Expect some USB ports to be data-enabled but supply very low current; for reliable fast charging use the dedicated power port or your own PD adapter. Crew may ask you to unplug during taxi, takeoff or turbulence for safety.
For related equipment notes see are dslr cameras automatic.
