Power banks: what to remove if your cabin bag is checked

FAA passenger guidance places power banks and spare lithium batteries in the aircraft cabin. If your cabin bag is checked at the gate, remove these items before handing it over.

Protect the terminals against short circuits. The authority also warns about damaged batteries and advises checking carrier restrictions.

This guide describes the US reference. Airlines may impose stricter quantity or capacity limits; permission to carry a battery is not permission to use or charge it during the flight.

Spare lithium batteries and power banks need particular care because damaged equipment and short circuits can create risks. FAA guidance tells passengers to keep these items in the cabin and protect electrical terminals. If a cabin bag is checked at the departure gate, the batteries must be removed before the bag is handed over.

The relevant question is not simply whether a power bank fits inside the bag. Electrical capacity, device condition and airline limits may determine whether it is accepted. Permission to carry a device also does not automatically mean permission to use or charge it during flight. On itineraries involving multiple carriers, check the rules of each airline and any restrictions affecting damaged or spare equipment. The aim is to avoid problems before reaching security.