You might have seen reports that some airlines don’t like it when you take a power bank on a plane. But is this really true, or is it just hearsay? And which airlines are the most picky?
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What is a power bank?
A power bank is a portable battery that stores power that you can use to charge your devices on the go. It also can be known as a power pack, or a portable charger.
Why travel with a power bank?
A power bank is really useful when you travel, because you can charge your devices with it even when there’s no power source around.
So whether you take a train with no charging points, stay at a desert camp or just book a hotel room with a single lonely plug socket, you don’t have to worry. You can connect your phone or whatever device you’re using to your power bank and – whoosh, you’re charging!
There are various types of power bank. The really powerful ones can charge devices many times over, and even power a laptop. You can also get them with multiple outlets so you can charge more than one thing at the same time.
What’s the issue with taking a power bank on a plane?
Power banks contain a type of battery called a lithium-ion battery.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in loads of things, including power banks and chargers for things like e-cigarettes, e-bikes and e-scooters.
In the UK/EU, these types of batteries should go through rigorous testing before they’re cleared for everyday use. This is because if they aren’t used correctly there could be a risk that they malfunction.
This is why airlines classify items with a lithium-ion battery above a certain amount of power as a ‘restricted item’. This doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t bring the item with you, but it will impact how and where you can pack it.
The fact that different airlines have different policies on this has led to plenty of confusion about whether you’re allowed to fly with them or not.
So, can I take a power bank on a plane when I travel?
The good news is yes, you can take a power bank on a plane as long as you follow the rules of your chosen airline.
Below are some of the differences that airlines will have when it comes to taking a power bank on a plane.
The type of power bank
The power of the power bank is measured in something called watt hours (wH). Search the type of power bank that you have online to check its power, and then check with your airline as to what’s the maximum wH you can bring on your trip.
Where you keep the power bank
Lithium-ion batteries are classed as a ‘restricted item’, so each airline will have their own rules around how you bring them on the plane.
- Some airlines allow you to put your power pack in your checked baggage, as long as it’s switched off and disconnected.
- Other airlines require you to keep your power pack in your hand luggage. Some even want you to keep it on you at all times, so you wouldn’t store it in a bag that goes in the overhead locker.
If you’re not sure, our advice is to keep your power bank in your hand luggage as this tends to be the option that will work for most airlines!
Using the power bank
The way that airlines word their individual policies varies, so it can be hard to know exactly what the restrictions are in each case.
Most airline policies seem to just specify the rules for physically bringing the items with lithium-ion batteries on board. They don’t refer to their use in-flight.
Many airlines will let you use your power bank as you would use any other electronic device, i.e. you have to turn it off and disconnect it during take off and landing.
Bringing multiple power banks on board
Different airlines also have different rules about the maximum number of items containing a lithium-ion battery – above a certain power – you can bring on board.
Can I take smart luggage on a plane?
Smart luggage is luggage that has a power component, like a built-in charger. Some suitcases and bags are designed to hold a power bank inside, making it easier to charge your devices on the go.
Some airlines will let you check smart luggage into the hold and keep the battery in the bag, as long as it’s disconnected and switched off.
Others will want you to bring the battery part into the cabin with you, or will want you to bring the bag and the battery into the cabin, and to keep them disconnected.
Overall, we think it’s worth disconnecting the battery element and bringing it on board with you as some airlines have been known to turf passengers off who forgot to do this. Better safe than sorry, eh?
Can I take an AirTag on a plane?
Yes you can take an AirTag on a plane.
AirTags (and other brands of similar trackers) have a lithium-ion battery inside, but it’s tiny. Because it’s so small, it has less than 1wH of power, so it’s not classified as a ‘restricted item’ in airlines’ policies.
What Are The Airline Policies on Power Banks?
You can check the power bank policy of the airline you’re travelling with on their website.
The Best Power Banks for Travelling
Over the years, we’ve been able to test many power banks and this is our current go to – the VRURC Portable Power Bank!
This is thanks to the fact that it’s fairly small but still packs a punch at 20000mAh capacity! Its fast charging USB-A and USB-C ports also mean that you can keep your devices topped up without it taking too much time.
Take a Power Bank on a Plane When You Next Fly Off on Holiday
Taking a power bank on holiday is so handy for when you’re not going to be around mains power, there’s no plug socket nearby or when your plans change unexpectedly.
Just remember to recharge it as you go so you don’t get caught out! And follow the rules of the airline you’re travelling with so you know how to store it safely during the flight.
