Can You Take a Portable Phone Charger On a Plane?

Ah, the joys of modern travel. Whether you're jet-setting to a far-off land for a well-deserved vacation or hopping on a quick domestic flight for a business meeting, one thing is certain: you want your devices charged and ready to go. There's nothing worse than a dead phone when you're trying to access your boarding pass, catch up on emails, or watch that last episode of your favorite show. But can you take your trusty portable phone charger on a plane? Let’s dive in and find out!

Can I Bring a Portable Phone Charger on a Plane?

The short answer is yes but with a few caveats. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and airline regulations do allow portable phone chargers on planes, but there are specific rules you need to follow. The key thing to remember is that portable chargers contain lithium-ion batteries, which are subject to certain restrictions due to their potential fire risk.

When packing your portable charger, it’s important to know that these devices must be carried in your carry-on luggage. The TSA explicitly prohibits lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage because of the risk of fire. So, make sure to keep your charger with you in the cabin. This not only keeps you compliant with regulations but also ensures that your charger is accessible when you need it!

Portable Phone Charger Plane Requirements

When it comes to taking your portable phone charger on a plane, there are a few specific requirements you need to be aware of.

Battery Capacity Limits

The TSA allows batteries with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) without special permissions. Most portable phone chargers like ChargeTab fall well within this limit. However, if your charger has a capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, you’ll need airline approval before bringing it on board.

Quantity Limits

If you have portable chargers or spare batteries above 100 Wh but below 160 Wh, you’re typically limited to carrying two. Again, airline approval is required. 

Proper Packaging

To prevent short-circuiting, your portable charger should be placed in its original packaging or have the terminals covered with tape. Alternatively, you can keep the charger in a protective case or pouch. ChargeTab chargers come in a weatherproof, biodegradable and recyclable paper shell!

Factors to Consider When Bringing a Portable Charger on a Plane

Bringing a portable charger on a plane isn’t just about following the rules. Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind to make your travel experience smoother:

Portability

Most airlines charge large fees for checking bags. Savvy travelers try to avoid this expense by only traveling with carry-on baggage; however, space can be tight. Consider carrying a light, compact, portable charger that won’t weigh you down. Limiting components like excessive charging cables can also help make a difference. ChargeTab phone chargers are small enough to fit in your pocket. Each battery has a short, permanently attached charging cable, so you won’t have to worry about packing a separate cord. 

Charging Capability

Traditional power banks need to be pre-charged before you can use them. That means they need to be plugged into a power outlet to store energy. Depending on the capacity of the charger, it could take several hours! Before you get to the airport, you’ll want to make sure your portable charger is properly charged to get you through a long day of travel. With ChargeTab, your phone charger is ready to power up your phone without pre-charging!

Charging Capacity 

With so many moving parts in a travel day, delays are inevitable. You may rely on your phone for several hours, so it’s important to consider how much power you’ll need throughout the day. Many traditional chargers offer more than one full charge for a phone, but they can be bulky. A ChargeTab phone charger offers up to four full hours of power. Available in packs of ten or thirty, you can bring as many as you need for your big trip without needing to pre-charge! 

Sustainability 

Traditional power banks eventually lose their ability to hold a charge, making their use questionable on your travel day. Most depleted power banks end up in a landfill after use. ChargeTab chargers are an eco-friendly, sustainable power source. Once a ChargeTab has been fully discharged, they’re welcomed back into our free recycling program! We pride ourselves in saving used batteries from landfills—refurbishing, testing, recharging, and upcycling them for future use. With sustainable ChargeTab phone chargers, you can rest assured you’ll have up to four hours of power while flying through the air!

Are ChargeTab Portable Chargers Allowed on Planes?

Want to bring a ChargeTab phone charger on the plane? No problem! Just make sure you bring it with you in carry-on baggage. Our batteries are lithium ion, which makes them prohibited in checked baggage. Of course, if you have any questions, you should check with your airline for more details and their specific policies. Whether you have an iPhone or Android, keeping a ChargeTab close at hand ensures you’ll have available power at your fingertips. Power when you need it. Anytime. Anywhere.