TSA Says This Item Is No Longer Permitted In Your Checked Bag

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Summer is just around the corner, and with it, dreams of vacations, road trips, and flights to exciting new places. As you start making your travel plans and pulling out your suitcases, there’s an important update from the TSA and FAA that every traveler needs to be aware of. It concerns a common item many of us depend on daily, especially when we’re away from home.

Ensuring a smooth journey starts long before you reach the airport. Knowing what you can and cannot pack, particularly in your checked luggage, is key to avoiding delays and surprises at the security checkpoint.

The Item You Can’t Check – Portable Power Banks

Let’s get right to the point. That incredibly useful gadget you rely on to recharge your phone or tablet on the go – your portable power bank or any loose, uninstalled lithium-ion battery – is no longer allowed in your checked baggage.

This means any spare batteries for your camera, your drone, or that portable charger for your smartphone must not go into the hold of the plane. They absolutely must be packed in your carry-on bag and travel with you in the cabin.

Why This Rule is So Important

You might be wondering why such a rule exists. The simple answer is safety. Lithium-ion batteries, which power so many of our modern electronics, can pose a fire risk.

If these batteries are damaged, short-circuited, or exposed to extreme temperatures or pressure, they can overheat, catch fire, or in rare instances, even explode.

In the unlikely event that a battery fire occurs in the cabin, flight attendants are trained to quickly identify and address the situation. However, a fire in the cargo hold is much more difficult to detect and control, posing a serious threat to the aircraft and everyone on board. This rule helps mitigate that risk.

What You Need To Do Instead

So, what’s the solution? It’s straightforward: make sure all your portable power banks and spare lithium batteries are packed in your carry-on bag.

When you pack them, it’s also crucial to protect the battery terminals to prevent accidental short circuits. You can do this easily by:

• Keeping them in their original retail packaging.
• Placing each battery in a separate protective case or pouch.
• Taping over the exposed terminals with non-conductive tape (like electrical tape).

This simple step keeps them from coming into contact with metal objects (like keys or coins) that could cause a short.

Understanding Battery Limits

Most common portable chargers and the batteries inside your standard personal electronics (like phones and laptops) are well within the permitted size limits. Generally, batteries up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are allowed in carry-on bags without special approval.

For larger batteries, between 101 and 160 Wh, airline approval is usually required, and there’s often a limit of two such batteries per passenger. Any battery over 160 Wh is typically forbidden from both checked and carry-on luggage. You can usually find the Wh rating printed on the battery itself.

Other Smart Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip

Beyond the battery rule, here are a few more tips to ensure your summer travel is as stress-free as possible:

• Check Airline Specifics: Always review your particular airline’s website for their baggage size and weight limits. These can vary, and you don’t want any surprises at check-in.
• Use the TSA’s Online Tool: If you’re unsure about whether an item can go in your carry-on or checked bag, the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool on their website is an excellent resource. Just type in the item, and you’ll get clear guidance. You can also download their mobile app.
• Arrive Early: Especially during busy summer months, allow plenty of time at the airport. This gives you breathing room for security screening, unexpected lines, or gate changes.
• Label Your Luggage Clearly: Make sure all your bags, both checked and carry-on, have identification tags with your name and contact information. It’s also smart to place a copy of your itinerary or contact details inside your checked bag.

By being prepared and following these important guidelines, particularly the one about keeping those power banks and spare lithium batteries in your carry-on, you’ll help ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey for everyone. Have a wonderful and safe summer adventure!

You can read the full rules regarding lithium batteries on flights on the Federal Aviation Administration website.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.