How to Avoid Power Bank Confiscation at Airports: Guidelines & Best Practices

Today, power banks are a daily essential to keep your devices charged on the go. That’s why most people bring a power bank when traveling. However, if you travel by flight, your unqualified power banks might get confiscated at the airport.

So is power bank allowed in airport? How to avoid power bank confiscation airports? This blog will introduce the reasons why airports restrict power banks, TSA and international guidelines, best practices to travel with power banks, and recommended models for air travel. Just read on!

Why Airport Confiscates Power Banks?

It happens. When you try to pass the security control at the airport, your power banks are confiscated. So sad. How to avoid power bank confiscation airports? You will need to figure out the reasons first. Here’s why airports confiscate power banks.

• Capacity limits: Most airlines follow the FAA’s rule of 100 watt-hours (Wh) for lithium batteries, and that means the airport power bank limit is about 27,000mAh. If yours goes over the limit without airline approval, it could be confiscated. Generally, anything above 160Wh is usually banned.
• Missing labels: Power banks must be clearly labeled with their capacity for verification. If it's not easily readable or the label is missing, it might be confiscated.
• You Pack It in Checked Bags: Power banks containing lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked luggage. This is because lithium-ion batteries can easily catch fire. Security wants them where they can be monitored and, if necessary, dealt with promptly.
• Damaged batteries: A damaged or swollen power bank is a safety risk. It will be confiscated, regardless of its capacity.
• Regional variations: Power bank airport restrictions might vary from one to another. Some airports or regions may have stricter regulations than others. For example, some locations may enforce lower mAh limits.

TSA and International Guidelines for Power Banks

As you can see, airports may confiscate power banks for safety and regulatory reasons. Is there a guideline that indicates the airport power bank limit? The answer is positive. You can follow the TSA and international guidelines to avoid power bank confiscation at airports.

Carry-on only: TSA and most international aviation authorities have strict rules for carrying power banks due to the potential fire hazard of lithium-ion batteries. They require power banks to be packed in carry-on luggage, not in checked bags.

Capacity limits: While TSA and most international guidelines allow power banks in carry-on luggage, they do have capacity limits as follows:

• Power banks under 100Wh (around 27,000mAh) are allowed without restrictions.
• Power banks between 100Wh and 160Wh may be allowed with airline approval.
• Power banks over 160Wh are generally prohibited on flights.

Multiple Power Banks: Most airlines allow two or more power banks within safe capacity limits. You are recommended to check with your airline before you fly.

Best Practices for Traveling With Power Banks

With the TSA and international guidelines for power banks, you should know how to avoid power bank confiscation at airports. In addition, you can follow these practices to travel safely with your power banks.

1. Smart Packing for Smooth Screening

Always store your power bank in an easily accessible part of your carry-on, as TSA agents may ask to inspect it separately. Meanwhile, it’s better to keep it in a protective pouch. This helps prevent physical damage and reduces the risk of short-circuiting during travel.

2. Stay Charged Multiple Devices

If you have several devices, such as phones, tablets, or earbuds, you can choose a multi-port power bank to keep everything charged at once. In addition, you can choose a power bank with wireless charging to cut down on cables for more convenience.

3. Maximize Recharging Opportunities

Use the airport charging stations to charge your devices. You can also use a high-speed wall charger for quickly recharging during layovers or at your hotel.

4. Keep Your Power Bank Safe and Ready

Do not expose your power banks to extreme heat or cold. Turn them off to save energy and extend battery life when not in use.

5. Use Quality Brands

To avoid power bank confiscation at airports, you might as well use good-quality products. For instance, Anker is a reputable brand that provides power banks with safety certifications, which can largely reduce the risk of malfunction or confiscation at airports.

Best TSA-Approved Power Banks

Trusted brands like Anker often clearly print battery capacity (in mAh or Wh) on the device, which helps you avoid power bank confiscation at airports. Here are the 2 most impressive TSA-compliant power banks from Anker.

Anker 621 Magnetic Battery

With a 5,000mAh capacity, the Anker 621 Magnetic Battery is a TSA-approved power bank designed for iPhone models. The power bank is slim and lightweight, which can be easily slipped into a pocket for travel. Combining wireless charging and a USB-C port, the power bank perfectly blends portability, convenience, and travel safety in one sleek device.

Key features:

• TSA-approved size. Compliant with airline carry-on battery rules.
• Dual charging options: 7.5W wireless and USB-C wired charging.
• Secure and convenient MagSafe wireless charging.
• Anker MultiProtect system to guard against overheating, short-circuiting, and overcharging.

Anker MagGo Power Bank

The Anker MagGo Power Bank is another TSA-approved magnetic charger designed for iPhone users, offering a 10,000 mAh capacity. It's a great pick for those who want a hassle-free charging option while traveling. Its slim, travel-friendly design fits easily in a carry-on and passes TSA checks with no trouble.

Key features:

• Fast 15W Qi2-certified wireless charging for fast, secure, and efficient power boosts.
• Work seamlessly with iPhones compatible with MagSafe technology.
• 10,000 mAh (<100 Wh) fully compliant with airline carry-on regulations.
• Smart display and kickstand for battery monitoring and hands-free use.

Conclusion

To avoid power bank confiscation at airports, it's important to follow key rules: keep the capacity within airline limits (usually under 100Wh), make sure the power bank label is clear and visible, never pack it in checked luggage, and avoid bringing damaged or swollen batteries. These are the most common reasons security may confiscate your device. For safe, travel-ready options that meet international guidelines, Anker offers reliable power banks trusted by frequent flyers.

FAQs

Why are airlines banning powerbanks?

Airlines restrict power banks because they contain lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or catch fire if damaged or improperly packed. Therefore, power banks should meet capacity limits and be carried in the cabin to reduce the risk.

Where should I keep my power bank on a flight?

According to TSA and international guidelines, you should keep your power bank in your carry-on bag during the flight. This is also a must if you want to avoid power bank confiscation airports. Meanwhile, make sure to store it in an easily accessible spot so it can be inspected if needed.

Can you take a 20000mAh power bank in carry-on luggage?

Yes. You can bring a 20,000 mAh power bank in your carry-on luggage based on the guidelines. A 20,000mAh power bank is about 74 Wh, which is under the 100 Wh limit for airline-approved batteries. Just make sure it's clearly labeled and keep it in your cabin bag.

What happens if you put a power bank in checked luggage?

If you pack a power bank in checked luggage, airport security may remove it before your flight. Lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk, and checked baggage isn’t accessible or monitored during the flight. For safety reasons, aviation regulations require all power banks to be carried in your hand luggage. This helps prevent overheating incidents and ensures quick action if a battery malfunctions. To avoid power bank confiscation at airports, always keep it in your carry-on.