Planning a trip soon? You might want to check your luggage before heading to the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced a new ban on portable chargers, power banks, and other lithium-powered devices in checked bags. This update follows an advisory from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which aims to reduce in-flight safety risks associated with lithium batteries.
Under these guidelines, passengers are required to keep any lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries in their carry-on bags. This category includes power banks, portable charging devices, e-cigarettes, and vape pens. Devices that remain packed in checked luggage could be confiscated, leading to possible delays or interruptions to your travel plans. The FAA recommends taking extra steps to protect battery terminals from short circuits and ensuring all spare lithium batteries travel with you in the cabin.
Why travelers are now required to keep lithium-ion devices in carry-ons
The FAA cites an issue called “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction that can occur if lithium batteries are damaged, overcharged, or exposed to improper conditions. Once triggered, a battery might overheat or even catch fire. Flight crews are trained to handle these emergencies in the cabin, but such incidents in the cargo hold present a greater challenge.
Have you double-checked your suitcase? If any lithium-powered devices are lurking in there, it might be time to shift them to your carry-on bag.
Steps to protect your electronics and comply with these new TSA rules
First, turn off or place your device in “sleep mode” when not in use. Second, avoid overcharging your electronics and refrain from exposing them to extreme temperatures. Third, if you have spare batteries, store them separately and cover their terminals with tape to prevent accidental activation.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to breeze through security without worrying about last-minute bag checks. Below is a brief table highlighting the difference:
| Allowed in Checked Luggage | Must Stay in Carry-On Bag |
|---|---|
| Clothing, shoes, and non-lithium items | Power banks, portable chargers (lithium-based) |
| Toiletries (within TSA liquid limits) | Spare lithium-metal or lithium-ion batteries for phones and laptops |
| Basic electronics without lithium battery | E-cigarettes, vape pens, and any device powered by a lithium battery |
Make sure to pack and label everything properly before you travel.
How the FAA’s advisory aims to prevent unexpected safety hazards mid-flight
By restricting lithium-based devices from checked luggage, officials hope to reduce the risk of sudden battery fires during transit. According to the FAA, early detection and prompt action from flight crews are crucial to passenger safety. This approach also aligns with broader efforts to expand the TSA’s Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), improving overall airport security.
In conclusion, travelers should keep a close eye on their lithium-powered devices and ensure they are accessible in the cabin. Following these guidelines will help everyone have a safer and smoother journey.