Traveling can be tricky, but we’re here to provide some tips and clarity!
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Whether you’re flying to Disney World or anywhere else in the world, it’s important to be familiar with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules well before even going to the airport. You need to know what you can and cannot pack so that you can avoid any trouble when checking a bag and going through security. With that in mind, we’re keeping you up-to-date with a recent change to the TSA checked bag policy.
Per reports, the TSA recently issued a ban on packing portable chargers with lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage.
Baggage claim!
You can still pack lithium-ion battery-based products in your carry-on, so they aren’t totally banned. In fact, some popular airlines have already practiced this policy for some time, so it’s definitely not unprecedented.
Orlando Airport
The reasoning behind this ban is that lithium-ion batteries can overheat easily, short-circuit, spark, and cause fires.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the rule applies to “Power Banks, cell phone battery charging cases, rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries, cell phone batteries, laptop batteries, power banks, external batteries, [and] portable rechargers.”
As far as potential cabin fires, “Flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin. Passengers should notify flight crew immediately if their lithium battery or device is overheating, expanding, smoking or burning.”
©Southwest Airlines
The FAA explained that, “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. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit.”
Size restrictions are as follows:
- Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery.
- Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery.
Per the FAA, “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). This size covers the larger after-market extended-life laptop computer batteries and some larger batteries used in professional audio/visual equipment.”
Portable battery
For more information on what you can and cannot pack in a checked bag, please visit the TSA and FAA official websites.
Portable Charger
We’ll continue to keep you posted on all kinds of travel news, so stay tuned right here at DFB for all the latest updates!
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How will this new TSA rule affect your upcoming travel plans? Let us know in the comments below!
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This one drives me nuts. The older lithium technology had thin sheets of dielectric material and were prone to what we call “catastrophic failure” modes, like catching fire.The newer batteries, using newer technology and chemistries, are not likely to do this, but the rules are now burned in stone. It’s almost a certainty that everyone’s gotten rid of their old-tech lithiums because they do age out and not take a charge anymore.
Still, my 2 lithium packs, designed to keep phones going for at least 3 park days without a power pack recharge, will be in my backpack, both for travel and in the parks. Just easier that way.
I have no idea if my portable charger has the banned type of battery!
TBF, this makes complete sense. Last time i flew, i had this moment of paranoid anxiety about these things bursting and taking us down.
This new TSA rule banning lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage is a crucial reminder to always stay updated with travel regulations. I’ll make sure to pack my power bank in my carry-on from now on.