With the busy summer travel season approaching and millions of Americans preparing to jet off on their vacations, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reissuing a critical safety alert: portable battery chargers, also known as power banks, should never be packed in checked baggage.
The new policy was initially announced in February, but the TSA is now emphasizing it ahead of a seasonal surge in air passenger volume. At the heart of the warning is a growing concern over lithium-ion batteries—the type used in power banks, rechargeable phone cases, laptops and other personal electronics—which can pose serious fire risks if not transported carefully.
Lithium-ion batteries are known to occasionally overheat or catch fire due to a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway.” This process, which can occur without warning, may be triggered by overcharging, manufacturing defects, physical damage or improper storage. In the high-pressure environment of an aircraft cargo hold, the risks increase significantly.
According to the TSA, “Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.”
Failure to follow this rule can result in some severe consequences. According to Time Out, travelers who pack lithium-powered devices in checked luggage could face fines of up to $17,062, lose TSA PreCheck privileges, or even be brought up on criminal charges.
Passengers don’t need to ditch their power banks altogether, just store them correctly. The TSA has not banned these devices but emphasizes that they must remain in carry-on luggage where flight crews are trained to handle any incidents. “Passengers should notify flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device is overheating, expanding, smoking or burning,” the agency states.
Travelers are also advised to pay attention to any product recalls. For instance, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently pulled more than 429,000 Caesly-brand power banks off the market due to fire hazards.
Keep in mind that the restriction doesn’t just apply to power banks. It includes any spare lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries for electronics, such as phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and calculators, as well as external chargers. These devices must be stored with care, and battery terminals should be protected from short circuits to reduce the risk of ignition.
As the travel season heats up, TSA’s message is clear: double-check your luggage. Keeping power banks and other lithium-powered devices in your carry-on can make all the difference in ensuring a safe flight, for you and everyone else on board.
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