Keep your mobile charger (cable/adapter) in your carry-on for easy access, but portable power banks MUST go in your hand luggage, never checked bags, for fire safety. Pack power banks in a dedicated pouch, protecting terminals with tape or a case, and keep them within reach during the flight in case they need attention. Standard chargers (cable/adapter) can technically go in checked bags, but carry-on is best for convenience and safety.
Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.
Regulations for power banks on a flight are specific and vary between airlines. Generally, airlines view power banks as spare batteries. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires placing these in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage isn't an option for power banks.
Is a mobile charger allowed in hand luggage in a flight?
Charging cables (USB cords) and plug-in power adapters for phones do not contain batteries or hazardous components, so they are allowed in both cabin hand luggage and checked baggage.
Do you have to take phone chargers out at airport security?
Can I Pack Chargers in My Carry On? (Adapters & Cables) The short answer is yes. You can bring chargers, including USB cables, power adapters, and charging bricks, in your carry-on luggage. Airport authorities like CATSA, IATA, and EASA allow these items since they don't contain batteries or hazardous materials.
What do you have to put in the tray at airport security?
Be security ready:
Empty your pockets and put coins, keys, mobile phones and other small items in your hand baggage. Keep laptops and electrical items, such as hairdryers, inside your hand baggage. Place outer clothing inside the tray, and put your bag on top. We may ask you to take off shoes and belts.
These are only allowed as carry-on items. Store them in a bag that stays with you, in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you. Powerbanks must not exceed 160Wh.
You can generally take electric and electronic items in your hand or checked baggage, but you need to follow specific safety instructions: Airport security staff may ask you to turn on electronic or battery-powered devices, such as phones, tablets, e-books and laptops, to demonstrate they function.
What happens if I leave a portable charger in my checked luggage?
If you accidentally left your power bank in checked luggage, you could run into issues at the airport. Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which are not allowed in the cargo hold on most airlines due to fire risk. Your bag may be delayed, removed from the flight, or the power bank may be confiscated.
Power banks and spare lithium batteries are strictly prohibited in checked-in luggage. They must be carried in your cabin baggage. Furthermore, under the new 2026 rules, they cannot be stored in overhead bins.
Lithium-ion batteries in power banks can overheat or catch fire if damaged, and fires are difficult to tackle in a confined aircraft cabin or hold. Several incidents worldwide have pushed airlines and regulators to tighten rules on where portable chargers can be stored and whether they can be used during flights.
Power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh) are generally allowed in carry-on luggage without requiring any special approval. If the capacity falls between 100Wh and 160Wh, you typically need airline approval before bringing it on board.
Power banks and articles which have a primary purpose as a power source are considered as spare batteries and can only be carried in cabin baggage under your seat. They must not be used during taxi, take-off, or landing; however, they may be used onboard at other times if monitored (i.e. on your tray table).
Bottom Line. Standard phone charging cables and plug-in chargers can go in either your hand luggage or checked suitcase, but it's wise to carry them on board so they're handy and safe.
Travelers often pack lithium-ion battery power banks to charge their devices. Several airlines in Asia are tightening rules on carrying lithium batteries on planes following a series of overheating and fire incidents on board.
Most airlines let passengers carry power banks in their carry-on luggage, provided they meet specific capacity limits and quantity restrictions. The general rule is that flying with batteries with a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less is permitted without special approval.
Phone chargers, like USB cables and wall adapters, are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, portable phone chargers or power banks must be kept in your carry-on only, due to safety regulations.
Summary for power banks: Pack them in your cabin bag, not the hold. Ensure they have some charge. Most power banks are allowed, but very large ones might need permission. Following these rules will keep both you and your luggage safe and ensure your portable charger doesn't get left on the tarmac.
Battery-operated devices (not exceeding 100Wh) may be transported in checked baggage, but it is recommended that such devices be kept in cabin baggage.
Do I have to put my phone in the tray at airport security?
You need to unload your phone before going through TSA security at the airport (and you might want to avoid public charging ports, too), but beware: Placing your phone directly into one of TSA's plastic security screening bins could lead to it getting stolen.
