Source: O_Lypa/Shutterstock.com

Can you bring a portable charger on a plane? It’s something that many people wonder about prior to taking to the skies for a new destination. Part of the reason people question this notion is that, over the years, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has banned a bevy of different items. For instance, headed to the U.S. or UK, you cannot bring a tablet or laptop if you are coming from certain countries like Turkey.

Since there are so many restrictions, folks sometimes find it difficult to know what is okay and what is not. This brings us back to the question: Can you bring a portable charger on a plane?

If you want your device to stay charged during your travels, but are unsure if you should purchase a portable phone charger for the trip, this piece is for you.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Can You Bring a Portable Charger on a Plane?

With very few exceptions, all major battery types are indeed allowed on airplanes. However, they cannot be placed in your checked bags as the TSA website states the following about power banks:

“Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.”

That said, it is still wise to check with your specific airline, as each has its own policies.

Frankly, having to pack portable chargers and power banks in carry-on luggage is fine since you will ultimately need them in the cabin anyway.

Source: Miriam82/Shutterstock.com

The reason this rule exists is for safety. The fact is that certain types of batteries can start a fire. If this were to occur, it is best that it happens in the cabin, where the problem can be easily addressed, as opposed to in the cargo hold.

Therefore, if you accidentally pack a power bank in your checked luggage, do understand that it is likely to be confiscated. However, this does not mean that all devices which use lithium batteries are unable to be checked.

For instance, if you have a device which has a battery installed in it (such as a laptop), this can be placed in a bag that will be checked. That said, expensive electronics are often stolen from checked bags, so this isn’t really advisable anyway.

What you cannot do is pack a lithium-ion battery in your checked luggage that is not installed in a device, such as a power bank.

Therefore, portable chargers, power banks, battery packs, cell phone battery case chargers and similar items must be placed in your carry-on bag.

Pick Up a Portable Phone Charger for Your Next Trip

However, do be aware that there are limitations to the battery capacity that can be brought on the plane. According to the TSA’s lithium battery limit guidelines:

“With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams).”

Flying with a Portable Charger

So, can you bring a portable charger on a plane?

The answer is yes, with a few minor exceptions. As long as the charger is under a certain size and packed in your carry-on bag, you should be cleared for takeoff.

That said, if you want to keep your phone charged and keep your hands and personal space clean along the journey, we recommend you pick up a portable sanitizer like the MagicFogger. With this device, you can give your phone some extra juice and fight off any potential bugs you could pick up while traveling.

That’s a win-win in our books.

Purchase a Portable Sanitizer and Keep Surfaces Clean No Matter Where You Go