Does air france allow cell phone chargers in hand luggage

Regulatory status: external battery packs and spare lithium-ion cells are treated as spare batteries (UN 3481). Spare batteries must remain in cabin baggage and cannot be stowed in checked baggage. Terminals must be protected from short circuits – use original packaging, cover terminals with non-conductive tape, or place each unit in a separate plastic bag.

Quantity and approval: most carriers accept multiple personal packs below 100 Wh. For packs >100 Wh and ≤160 Wh airlines typically require prior approval and limit passengers to two such units. Packs >160 Wh are effectively banned for carriage by passengers.

How to verify capacity: rely on the Wh value printed on the device. If only mAh is shown, convert using Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Use 3.7 V as the nominal cell voltage when the voltage is not stated. Example: 20,000 mAh × 3.7 V / 1000 = 74 Wh, which falls below the 100 Wh threshold.

Practical steps at screening: separate power packs from other items, keep manufacturer labels and receipts accessible, and be prepared to present packs for inspection. Contact the carrier’s dangerous-goods or customer-support team and obtain written approval before traveling if any pack exceeds 100 Wh. Keep spare removable batteries with you in the cabin and ensure devices are powered off during checks.

Rules for carrying power adapters and portable batteries in carry-on

Pack all portable batteries (power banks) and USB power adapters in your carry-on; spare battery units are prohibited from checked baggage.

Capacity limits: cells up to 100 Wh are permitted in cabin baggage without prior approval; units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require written approval from the carrier and are limited to two per passenger; units above 160 Wh are prohibited on passenger aircraft.

Installed batteries inside devices may be placed in checked baggage, but keep devices with lithium batteries in your carry-on whenever possible. Spare/uninstalled lithium batteries and power banks must always remain in the cabin compartment.

How to verify capacity: look for a Wh label. If only mAh and voltage are shown, calculate Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Examples using 3.7 V nominal: 5,000 mAh → 18.5 Wh; 10,000 mAh → 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh → 74 Wh; 27,000 mAh → 99.9 Wh.

Packing checklist: protect battery terminals (original packaging or tape over terminals), place each spare unit separately to avoid short circuits, keep cables and wall adapters nearby, and present any high-capacity units for approval at check-in. Do not transport swollen or damaged batteries; notify staff immediately if a battery overheats during travel.

Permitted mobile charging equipment in carry-on

Recommendation: keep portable power packs rated ≤100 Wh in cabin baggage; units between 100–160 Wh require carrier approval (maximum two per passenger) and units >160 Wh are forbidden from checked or cabin carriage.

• USB wall adapters and mains plugs without an internal battery – permitted in cabin and checked compartments, but security may request separate inspection.
• USB-to-USB‑C/Lightning cables, multiport adapters and in-seat charging modules – permitted in carry-on; pack to avoid exposed connectors that can short.
• Wireless charging pads and power mats without integrated high-capacity batteries – permitted in carry-on.
• External battery packs / power banks (lithium‑ion) – permitted in cabin only. Must be carried on and not placed in checked baggage. Labelled Wh rating preferred.
• Battery cases and devices with built‑in batteries (tablets, laptops, mobile devices) – permitted in cabin; spare removable batteries must follow spare battery rules below.

Spare lithium battery rules (portable batteries not installed in a device):

1. ≤100 Wh: carried in cabin without prior approval; no quantity limit beyond reasonable personal use.
2. >100 Wh and ≤160 Wh: carrier approval required before travel; maximum two spare batteries per passenger.
3. >160 Wh: prohibited entirely.

Practical conversion and examples (use nominal cell voltage 3.7 V):

• Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000.
• 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh ≈ 99.16 Wh; 30,000 mAh ≈ 111 Wh.

Packing and screening tips:

• Keep power packs and spare batteries in carry-on pockets for quick access during security checks.
• Protect battery terminals: tape over contacts or keep in original retail packaging or separate plastic pouches to prevent short circuits.
• Labelled Wh or mAh values speed up inspections; if only mAh is shown, provide the 3.7 V conversion or the manufacturer’s Wh marking.
• If planning to travel with batteries between 100–160 Wh, contact the carrier before departure to obtain written approval and note any additional documentation requirements.

Power banks and external batteries in cabin baggage

Keep all portable power banks and external batteries in cabin baggage; do not place spare units in checked baggage.

Watt-hour limits and approvals

Batteries up to 100 Wh: accepted in cabin without prior approval. Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh: require written approval from the carrier and are limited to two spare units per passenger. Batteries exceeding 160 Wh: prohibited on passenger flights.

Packing, protection and documentation

Protect terminals: cover exposed contacts with tape, use original packaging or individual protective pouches. Installed vs spare: batteries installed in devices may travel in checked or cabin bags, but spare batteries must remain in the cabin. Present visible Wh markings or manufacturer documentation at check-in when requesting approval for 100–160 Wh items. Keep power packs switched off, avoid carrying damaged or swollen units, and carry proof of approval if issued. To monitor total bag mass before the airport use a best luggage digital scale.

Lithium battery capacity limits and marking requirements for power banks and external batteries

Keep spare lithium‑ion battery packs under 100 Wh in your carry‑on; packs between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior approval from the carrier and are limited to two spares per passenger; packs exceeding 160 Wh must not travel on passenger flights.

How to calculate watt‑hours

Watt‑hours (Wh) = (mAh ÷ 1000) × nominal voltage. Most consumer packs use 3.7 V nominal. Examples: 5,000 mAh → 18.5 Wh; 10,000 mAh → 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh → 74 Wh; 27,000 mAh → 99.9 Wh; 50,000 mAh → 185 Wh (exceeds passenger limit).

Marking, packing and transport steps

Confirm the pack shows a Wh rating stamped or printed. If only mAh is shown, calculate Wh and label the pack (write or affix a sticker). For packs in the 100–160 Wh range carry written approval from the carrier and keep proof with you. Insulate terminals (cover with tape or place each pack in its original retail packaging or individual protective pouch) to prevent short circuits. Store spare external batteries in the cabin; do not place spares in checked baggage. Devices with built‑in batteries may remain in the device, but removable spares must be carried separately and protected. At security or check‑in, declare packs when requested and present proof of capacity or approval documents if applicable.

Packing rules for removable batteries versus adapters with integrated batteries

Recommendation: Keep spare batteries isolated in protective cases and carried in cabin baggage; devices or adapters with built‑in cells should remain installed, powered off and prevented from accidental activation.

Removable batteries (spares): Remove cells from equipment and place each in its original packaging or a dedicated non‑conductive case. Cover metal terminals with non‑conductive tape or terminal caps. Do not store spares loose with metal objects or loose change. Stow spares in cabin baggage only unless the operator specifically permits otherwise; present them separately at security if asked.

Adapters with integrated batteries (fixed inside the unit): Leave the unit assembled. Power the device down, disable any auto‑on features and use a protective sleeve or hard case. Treat these items as installed batteries rather than spares for packing and screening purposes. If the integrated cell is user‑removable, remove it and pack it following the spare battery rules above.

Protection against short circuits and damage: Use original retail packaging, plastic battery cases, or individual zip pouches to prevent contact between terminals. Do not tape multiple batteries together. Cushion units and spares to prevent crushing and avoid placing them where heavy items might shift onto them.

State of charge and condition: Store rechargeable lithium cells at a partial charge for extended travel and avoid transporting swollen, damaged or wet batteries. Do not attempt in‑flight charging from cabin power outlets if the unit shows signs of overheating or defect.

Documentation and operator rules: Keep any manufacturer labeling and capacity markings visible; carry written approval when required for high‑capacity cells. Check the specific carrier’s policy before travel and declare unusual or multiple spare batteries at check‑in to speed screening.

Security screening and onboard use of portable power devices

Keep all portable battery packs and power adapters in an easily reachable compartment of your carry-on and be prepared to present them separately at the security checkpoint.

Security screening: exact procedures and documents to have ready

Expect X‑ray operators to request separate placement of device-containing bags and to ask you to power on larger electronics to prove functionality. Spare lithium batteries and external battery packs are typically inspected visually and for exposed terminals; if terminals are uncovered, secure them with tape or place each cell in a plastic bag before screening. Packs rated above 100 Wh usually require prior operator approval; those above 160 Wh will be refused for carriage. If your pack shows only mAh, bring manufacturer specs or a receipt and use Wh = (mAh × V)/1000 to convert and demonstrate compliance.

If an item is suspected unsafe (swelling, corrosion, overheating) security will seize it and refuse carriage; retrieval after departure is unlikely. If a power unit is confiscated, request a written property receipt at the checkpoint.

Onboard use and crew interaction

Using personal electronics and external battery packs in flight is usually permitted, but cabin crew may ask that devices be powered down or stowed during taxi, takeoff and landing; follow crew instructions immediately. If a seat power outlet or USB port is provided, charging via that in-seat supply is acceptable unless crew advise otherwise. Do not place spare batteries in checked compartments; keep them on board with you. If a device shows heat, smoke or smell of burning, disconnect it, move it away from other items if safe, and notify crew at once.

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