Is it possible to take power banks and other lithium-ion batteries on a plane? Power bank on an airplane: how to carry lithium batteries. Is it possible to carry a charger in hand luggage?

Since January 2013, the state and airlines have tightened requirements for the transportation of external batteries. According to the new rules, such devices are prohibited from being taken on board an aircraft. Restrictions are set for safety reasons. Is it so? Or are there still some exceptions?

What are lithium-ion batteries and what devices contain them?

Lithium-ion batteries are a modern type of internal battery. It is used to equip the following equipment:

• telephones;
• laptops;
• tablets;
• digital cameras and other mobile devices.

Batteries work based on the chemical reaction of their components. They hold a charge for a long time and are also easy to maintain.

Note. Carrying a lithium-ion battery in the cabin of an airplane has certain restrictions.

They are due to the fact that such batteries can spontaneously ignite and explode. Their combustion temperature reaches 600 degrees. This will not only lead to smoke in the passenger compartment. This temperature is enough to cause deformation of the aluminum fuselage.

Restrictions on the transportation of batteries were introduced for a reason. In 2013, cases of their ignition directly on board were recorded in Japan and the United States. The batteries overheated, causing them to explode. Previously, cases of fire were recorded in the cargo compartment of the aircraft.

Can I take it to the salon?

Transporting an autonomous power bank has certain limitations. This battery has been determined to be dangerous and transportation regulations must be checked with airline personnel. Carriers themselves set restrictions in this case.

According to the rules, the lithium-ion battery must be removed from the equipment. For example, a hoverboard, laptop, netbook, and so on. They take it with them into the cabin, and the devices from which it is removed are checked into luggage.

Note. If the battery is built-in, you need to inform the airline employee about this. The device in which it is installed is considered dangerous. And for him there will be different transportation rules. In some cases, passengers are prohibited from bringing devices with built-in batteries on board an aircraft.

Also, such requirements will be put forward for batteries that are packaged as separate elements. This category also includes batteries that are packaged separately, but are in the same box. These devices may ignite due to a chemical reaction with each other.

Can I take a power bank on a plane? It is possible, but there are certain limitations on its power.

One passenger can carry up to 10 pieces. spare batteries or lithium batteries. They must be in the same suitcase. All laptops and other similar gadgets must be turned off during the flight.

Important. All external batteries must be protected against short circuits.

There are rules for this too. Batteries or devices containing them must be packaged in non-conductive material. A plastic bag is perfect for this. This package can only hold one battery. It should not contain additional items made of metal or other conductive material.

Can I take a power bank on a plane? Yes, if its power does not exceed 160 Wh and its capacity does not exceed 30,000 Mah. Otherwise it will be confiscated. It must be in hand luggage and packed in accordance with established rules.

Can I check it in as luggage?

Lithium ion batteries and power banks are only allowed to be transported in hand luggage. Moreover, their number has been established, which should be in the passenger’s bag in the cabin. It is strictly prohibited to check in such devices as luggage.

The batteries must have a sticker containing the following information:

• manufacturer's name;
• best before date;
• power;
• number of pieces in the package (if more than one battery is transported).

If a passenger mistakenly places a power bank in their luggage, they will be forced to remove the device at the security checkpoint. You need to pack it in your hand luggage. If it is not marked, it will be confiscated as a dangerous item.

Advice. Rules for transporting batteries must be clarified on the airline’s website or by calling the hotline.

Are batteries dangerous during flight?

Unfortunately, cases of fire and explosions of autonomous chargers began to be recorded in 2013. In 2016, there were another 30 spontaneous combustions of these devices. Therefore, airlines impose restrictions on their transportation.

Lithium ion batteries and power banks are dangerous if they are connected to the mains power supply. During the flight, the pressure changes several times. Various chemical reactions occur in them. Some devices cannot withstand such a load and explode under the influence of the power supply network installed on board.

Important! Devices must be packaged and charging on board an aircraft is prohibited.

The exception is mobile phones and tablets. They do not have such powerful batteries as other modern gadgets.

Requirements for transporting batteries by different airlines

A large number of air carriers prohibit the transportation of self-contained batteries in carry-on baggage and as checked baggage. An exception to the rules is for mobility aids for disabled people.

These are the battery transportation requirements put forward by Russian airlines.

To avoid problems with the transportation of batteries and portable chargers, it is better to clarify the nuances of their transportation with the air carrier’s employees.

Having arrived at the airport and having gone through the check-in procedure, passengers check in their luggage. But they have the right to bring certain items that may be needed on board the plane.

And here, of course, every person is concerned with the question: Is it possible to bring electronic gadgets into the salon? After all, these devices will allow you to spend several hours of the flight much more comfortably, distracting you from unpleasant thoughts.

Each visitor to our site receives a unique opportunity to purchase the cheapest air tickets, and will also be able to study complete information about which electronic friends of a person can be carried into the aircraft cabin, and which are better to be checked in as luggage.

What digital equipment can be brought into the cabin?

Hand luggage can include almost any small digital and electronic equipment, which includes:
. mobile phone and charger for it;
. MP3 player;
. tablet computer and e-reader;
. digital camera, video camera and DVD player along with chargers;
. hair styling products, including curling irons, hair dryers and flat irons;
. laptop and netbook with chargers;
. electric razor and toothbrush.

Until recently, there was a strict rule that all electronic devices in the cabin had to be turned off when the plane took off and landed. However, as of July 1, 2016, this rule was canceled. Now airplane passengers will be able to freely listen to music, watch movies and play games not only in flight, but also during takeoff and landing. The only constant requirement from airlines is that mobile communications and Wi-Fi be turned off.

Large electronic equipment can also be carried into the aircraft cabin. However, its dimensions should not exceed the parameters permitted by the regulations of a particular airline.

What electronics are prohibited for transportation in the cabin?

As follows from the previous section, passengers have the right to bring into the aircraft cabin all items equipped with electronics. It is possible that the air carrier will not allow you to use all of them. But the passenger will be absolutely sure of their safety.

It's no secret that luggage can be lost during loading. And it will be a great shame if the camera with memorable photographs taken on vacation during excursions does not reach its destination.

However, please note that restrictions apply to the weight of hand luggage. Airlines set their own maximum weight allowance. But, as a rule, it varies from 7 kg to 10 kg.

In almost all countries, the restrictions imposed on the carriage of items as part of hand luggage are identical. However, they should be reviewed before check-in begins. It is possible that they may be confiscated at the inspection stage.

You should also check your airline's restrictions on the size and weight of carry-on luggage. Even if all items are allowed for transportation, but their weight exceeds the established norm, you will not be able to carry them with you.

When planning a trip, we try to think through everything down to the smallest detail. Chargers are the first thing you need to bring with you. After all, our vacation is not complete without a variety of gadgets that need to be charged.

The charger is a faithful assistant on vacation

I always adhere to the principle - I always take electronic devices, digital cameras and chargers with me in my hand luggage. The baggage transportation rules support my principle and are legally regulated. One can say even more - it is better to carry chargers exclusively in hand luggage. The reason for this is the likelihood of such items catching fire.

It is extremely difficult to trace and eliminate such an incident in the luggage compartment, so it is recommended to keep them with you. It even happens that during customs control you will be asked to transfer these items from your luggage to your hand luggage. Don't be surprised, this is common practice.

It’s better if you pack your luggage correctly from the beginning so that you don’t make a mistake in a hurry. I always go on vacation prepared: I charge my phone and tablet in advance. But if you didn’t have time to do this, then on some planes you can recharge your gadget. To do this, contact the flight attendant and he will be able to tell you in detail how to do this.

It will be useful to take chargers with you if you are flying with transfers. At the airport, you can easily charge your equipment by taking the charger out of your bag. But you won’t be able to get it out of your luggage.

There is also no prohibition on transporting a portable charger - one that charges without contact with the electrical network. It is very convenient and practical. The only disadvantage of this rule is the bulk of some devices. For example, when I take all the chargers with me (especially the laptop charger), it turns out to be an impressive bag. And besides this, there are other things in hand luggage. Therefore, you need to calculate in advance to eliminate the overweight.

The ban was introduced approximately until 2018 (when work on a new packaging standard for lithium-ion batteries is completed).

This news caused a flurry of emotions and a lot of rumors on many Internet resources, but, unfortunately, I could not find information that could be considered reliable on any site. They even broadcast this information on television, but they were wrong again. This topic was explored more fully, but not completely.

I had to figure it out myself. I tried to learn the maximum from what is available at this moment. If there are any changes, I will publish them on this page. If any travelers find any additional information, please post it in the comments to this article.

What did you manage to install?

The ban applies only to batteries containing lithium. This does not apply to other batteries. But there are more and more lithium sources due to their high specific capacity.

The ban applies to all air transportation. Both regular airlines and charters.

Passengers on all airlines from April 1, 2016 may face a serious problem. (this is not an April Fool's joke). It involves the transportation of lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries and lithium batteries. These modern power supplies are used in many electronic devices. One of the largest manufacturers is SONY.

I'm sure your electronic devices have plenty of them. These are phones, laptops, tablets and even watches. Therefore, this issue is important for all travelers.

There is an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO from the English ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization). It is a specialized UN agency that sets international standards for civil aviation and coordinates its development to improve safety and efficiency. The organization includes 191 states, including Russia.

There is also IATA (International Air Transport Association). This is a non-governmental organization.

So, on January 1, 2016, IATA released the 54th edition of the Manual on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. In it, she focused specifically on the transportation of the above types of current sources. This document states that these types of batteries and accumulators can be transported in airplane baggage with a charge of no more than 30%. This prohibition did not apply to power sources located inside transported devices or located together with them in the same package.

For example, if you are carrying a camera with 3 batteries, then one in the camera may be fully charged, and the rest are discharged (less than 30% charge). At the same time, all additional batteries must be packaged in such a way as to prevent the possibility of shorting the contacts.

On February 22, ICAO accepts everything that was in the new edition of IATA. The best place to look is in the document itself. It’s good that there is a primary source in Russian.

Lithium-ion and lithium power sources are recognized as dangerous goods. Lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or cells, spare, for consumer electronic devices, are allowed for transportation only in hand luggage.Products called external batteries are considered to be spare batteries. These batteries must be protected separately in such a way that there is no possibility of a short circuit. Devices that can generate heat (for example, some types of flashlights and many others) are allowed for transportation only with the permission of the operators. Can be carried in both carry-on and checked luggage. Lithium batteries: portable electronic devices containing lithium metal, lithium ion cells or batteries, including medical devices and consumer electronics such as cameras, cell phones, laptops and tablets, when they are carried by passengers or crew for personal use. Batteries must not exceed a lithium content of 2 g for lithium metal batteries and 100 Wh for lithium ion batteries. All power sources that are not inside the transported equipment must be packaged in such a way that the possibility of short-circuiting is excluded.

What does all of this mean?

I will translate from Russian into Russian what concerns innovations.

Note! All your gadgets can only be transported in the cabin in hand luggage. No one talks about what will happen to your phone, flashlight, or even a watch (!!!) that runs on lithium batteries if you check these items in your luggage. But I don’t recommend experimenting.

Any devices that may generate heat if accidentally switched on should not be transported without special permission.

Additional high-power batteries cannot be carried in the cabin or in luggage. It’s difficult to say how to measure the amount of lithium (2 grams or more) if it is not indicated on the power source, but the capacity of 100 W*hours is actually not that large. How is it calculated:

(Capacity W*hour) = (Capacity A-hour)*(Output voltage, V).

If the current is indicated in mA, then it should be divided by 1000. That is, 15,000 mA*hour is equal to 15 A*hour.

That is, if you have an external battery exceeding 20,000 mAh and a voltage of 5 volts, then, in theory, it will not be allowed on board in any form. For example, the Inter Step PB24000 battery is already 120 Wh and is not allowed for transportation.

In addition, all transported equipment containing lithium must be for personal use. If you are taking it for resale, the airline may not allow your luggage into the cabin.

To sum up all of the above, I believe that there is no reason for the panic that was created in the media. In practice, many travelers carried their devices only in the aircraft cabin. There are some restrictions that are easy to take into account.

This material will be updated as the situation changes.

Have a successful flight!

Head of the WelcomeWorld Free Travelers Club Yuri Fedorov

Everyone has Li-Ion batteries, because this is the battery you have in your phone, camera and laptop. We tell you how to carry your gadgets and external batteries, despite airline bans.

Prohibition on transporting power banks

There is indeed a ban on bringing lithium batteries on planes. In 2016, after a series of fires on board aircraft, the international association IATA issued rules that restrict the carriage of batteries based on their lithium content. This was also reflected in the rules for transporting passenger luggage.

Is it possible to take a power bank on a plane?

Airlines and airport authorities apply IATA rules when screening passengers and have the right to confiscate an inappropriate device. There is no need to be afraid of restrictions if you follow the rules for transporting Power Bank:

• Carry an external battery only in hand luggage - it is prohibited to check it in luggage,
• batteries with a capacity of less than 100 W/h can be carried without restrictions, from 100 to 160 W/h - no more than 2 devices,
• The device must have a factory power marking.

According to reviews from experienced tourists, the most thorough inspection of lithium-ion devices awaits you at the airport in Beijing, Bangkok and in US cities.

Get ready to fly with a lithium battery

To avoid problems, prepare for the flight with a power bank at home; the same goes for spare batteries for your laptop, video, audio equipment and other devices.

1. check that the device is not prohibited: convert milliamps to kilowatts,
2. charge the battery at least 30%: you may be asked to turn it on and demonstrate its operation,
3. practice opening the Power Bank to remove and show the batteries,
4. If there are no markings, print out the factory instructions for the device.
5. print the IATA information leaflet to have the flyer at hand http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Documents/LithiumBattery_PassengerFlyer.jpg

One passenger can carry a maximum of 10 lithium batteries, count your devices before your flight.

Passing security checks with Power Bank

During security screening at the airport, present all devices with lithium batteries to the security service. Security officers act according to instructions: if they suspect that the device does not pass through, they will require it to be confiscated, thrown away, or deposited in an airport storage room. Your weapon is politeness, goodwill and calmness:

• show the prepared IATA flyer and calculations,
• open the power bank and take out the batteries,
• ask to explain which specific point of the instructions was violated,
• Call the manager and explain to him that the device complies with the standards.

Liechtenstein, the Dominican Republic, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands do not adhere to IATA prohibitions - when flying to these countries, read the airline's rules.

When the bank is confiscated

In what cases will a device be confiscated at the airport:

• if a battery is found in luggage: the suitcase will be opened, a seizure report will be drawn up, the battery will be taken away,
• if the capacity is more than 30,000 milliamps: the battery will be prohibited from being carried on the plane, it will be required to throw it away or put it in a storage room,
• if there is no factory power marking on the case: if there is no information about the lithium content, the security service will prohibit transportation.

Follow the airline rules: during the scandal with the fire of Samsung Galaxy Note smartphones, carriers prohibited the use of phones on board the plane and took away smartphones from passengers during the flight.

How to calculate the capacity of a Power Bank

You'll have to remember the physics course for the 8th grade: after all, the capacity on the device is indicated in ampere hours, while the limit standards specify watt hours.

Let's calculate whether it is possible to take a Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 battery on a plane: its capacity is indicated on the case: 20,000 mAh and voltage 5 V.
We calculate 20*5= 100 Wh
This means you can carry such a power bank on an airplane without restrictions.
Try to calculate the capacity of your Power Bank and better do it in advance.

Transporting lithium batteries by plane: how to transport other devices

Any devices containing lithium are subject to IATA regulations for the carriage of lithium batteries on an aircraft. Airlines may tighten these requirements, so check the carrier's website after purchasing your ticket.

1. Determine the power of the devices you take with you:
   if the lithium content is less than 2 g per battery, you can carry the device without problems; a capacity of more than 100 watt-hours will require approval from the airline, and over 160 watt-hours will only fly through the airport cargo terminal, with paperwork for dangerous goods.
2. Check if the battery can be removed:
   Spare devices and removable batteries must be packed in hand luggage; the battery inside the device must be carried in luggage if the device is turned off and the battery power is less than 100Wh.
3. Pack the battery:
   To avoid short circuits, take precautions: turn off the device, insulate the contacts, put each battery in a separate bag or plastic container.
4. Prepare for the test:
   The presence of lithium batteries and a large amount of equipment guarantees increased attention from airport security; be patient and prepare your devices for inspection.
5. You can't throw away:
   at the slightest suspicion that the device exceeds the norms, it will be taken away during inspection. If you are confident that you are right, speak English and know the IATA instructions, defend your technology, showing friendly persistence.