Understanding the airline’s rules and regulations for carrying luggage is a must before departure. Many people will have a question: “Can I bring my power bank on the plane ?” This is an essential item.
Even some first-time passengers don’t know that airlines have regulations on carrying items containing batteries.
If you are still unclear about airline rules and regulations , this article will explain them in detail for you, so please continue reading.
Regarding whether passengers can bring power bank on board the plane? The answer is: Yes; however, not all power banks can be taken on board the plane. The latest regulations from the International Air Transport Association allow passengers to carry power banks with a capacity of no more than 100wh.
Therefore, please understand the policies of the airline you are flying on before departure to avoid having your belongings seized during airport security check.
Latest regulations from ICAO and authorities on carrying power banks
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): Regulations on portable electronic devices (PED) (including power banks) allow passengers to carry lithium batteries (including power banks) not exceeding 100wh in their luggage. With the approval of the airline, mobile power bank with a capacity exceeding 100wh but not exceeding 160wh are allowed to be carried. Power banks with a capacity exceeding 160wh are not allowed to be placed in carry-on or checked baggage without the approval of the airline.
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization): It does not directly regulate passengers carrying power banks on aircraft. Individual airlines usually have their own policies and restrictions on the transportation of power banks.
EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency): There are no specific regulations for passengers to carry power banks on airplanes. Each airline in the EU may have its own policy for the transportation of power banks.
IATA (International Air Transport Association): It is stipulated that passengers can carry power banks containing lithium -ion batteries in carry-on luggage, mobile power banks with a capacity of 100 watt hours (Wh) or less. Mobile power banks with a capacity of more than 100wh require approval from the airline.
It is worth noting that as time goes by, the policy for passengers to bring power banks on board the aircraft will also change; Or as the safety of products improves with the advancement of science and technology , passengers may be able to carry power banks with more than 160wh on board the plane;
It can be seen that different airlines have slightly different regulations, so passengers should check with the operating airline for the latest policy before traveling. Additionally, if traveling internationally, passengers should ensure that their power bank complies with FAA regulations and those of any other relevant aviation authorities.
Civil Aviation Administration information inquiry channels
You can log on to the following official websites to check the latest policies of various civil aviation organizations.
EASA : https://www.easa.europa.eu/
How to determine the watt -hour of a power bank
Conversion between unit values
“mAh” represents the battery capacity , Ah=1000mAh
“V=Voltage” represents voltage.
“Wh” represents watt- hours , the number of watts available per hour.
Calculation formula : (mAh)/1000 x (V) = (Wh)
The “mAh” and “V” values are generally marked on the charger, and then “Wh” is calculated based on the above formula. However, regular mobile power bank manufacturers will now use “Wh” Marked on the product.
For Example
mobile power bank PQ11 from www.gotohipower.com company:
Battery capacity 10000 mAh, voltage 9v, Wh =10000mAh/1000x5v=50Wh,
Obviously, the Wh of this mobile power bank is less than 100, so it can be carried directly on the plane.
The five Q series power banks with lighting function that we have just launched have battery capacities ranging from 30,000 mAh to 80,000 mAh and a voltage of 5V.
The minimum Wh =30000 mAh /1000x5v =150Wh, it can only be carried on the plane with the approval of the airline.
The maximum Wh =80000mAh/1000x5v=400Wh, which exceeds the maximum limit of 160Wh, so it cannot be carried on the plane.
In Conclusion
To sum up, each airline has slightly different regulations for passengers to bring power banks on board. Under normal circumstances, mobile power banks with a battery capacity of 5000mAh and below can be carried; however, it is recommended that passengers carry power banks for their own sake. For the safety of you and other crew members, do not carry large- capacity power banks on board the aircraft.
FAQ
As long as my power bank is within the specified range, can I carry it on the plane?
It is okay according to the airline ‘s regulations, but you need to make sure that the specifications on your mobile power bank are clearly marked and easy to identify, because the security personnel will carefully check this information when you pass through the airport security check. And you need to make sure that your power bank is purchased from a regular mobile power manufacturer, the product quality is reliable, and it has passed CE, FCC, ETL, PSE, UN38.3 and other relevant certifications, and those without any quality guarantee Even if the power bank ‘s watt- hour is within the specified range, it is recommended that you do not take it on the plane.
Where should I buy safer power banks from?
you should look for the brand, choose a brand-certified product or a certified power bank manufacturer, and read user feedback.
You can purchase products through the official website of the brand company, or ask them about the purchasing channel nearest you.
What information should I pay attention to when buying a power bank?
In addition to paying attention to the watt -hours of the power bank, you also need to pay attention to the battery materials used in the power bank. Before purchasing, you should ask the power bank supplier to understand that the battery must be a safer lithium -ion battery and not made of other Produced from inferior materials.
Are there any restrictions on the size of the power bank?
No, currently airlines only have restrictions on the watt-hours of power banks, and there are no restrictions on size yet. However, as time goes by, more regulations may be introduced.