2024-03-28 21:32:51
A power bank, for example, can be used to quickly charge a cell phone battery. But are these practical devices also allowed on an airplane? It depends on.
Our modern world is hard to imagine without smartphones, tablets or laptops. In order for mobile devices to work, they need a charged battery. If it is empty, power banks can help charge it.
This is helpful, for example, on long journeys on a plane. But are power banks even allowed there? Finally, the devices can have dangerous effects due to a spark or short circuit.
You should keep this in mind if you want to take one or more power banks with you on the plane:
Different countries, different regulations
First: The regulations for taking power banks on planes can vary depending on the country and airline. There is no uniform regulation.
In principle, most international aviation authorities allow power banks to be taken with you. According to the Federal Aviation Office (LBA), the devices are only allowed in hand luggage and only if the power banks meet certain criteria.
Capacity matters
One of the most important criteria is capacity. Most airlines allow power banks with an output of up to 100 watt hours (Wh) in hand luggage. With approval from the airline, the batteries may exceed 100 Wh, but only up to a maximum of 160 Wh.
For lithium metal batteries, there is a maximum lithium content of 2 grams. There are exceptions here too. If the airline approves it, the lithium content of each battery can be more than 2 grams, but not more than 8 grams, according to the LBA.
You can do this additionally
To further increase safety, you can, for example, cover the contacts of the power bank to avoid short circuits. You should also check that the device is undamaged and is not in a location where it will be exposed to excessive heat during the flight.
Here are the tips summarized again
- Before you travel, check the airline’s policy regarding bringing power banks.
- Make sure your power banks comply with airline capacity restrictions.
- Avoid damaging or generating excessive heat on your power bank during flight.
- Transport your power bank in your hand luggage and point out at security checks that you are carrying a power bank in your hand luggage.
If you follow our tips, taking your power bank with you shouldn’t be a problem and you can charge and use your mobile devices even during the flight.