Traveling With Batteries: TSA Limits + Best TSA Approved Power Banks
As technology continues to play an integral role in our lives, many travelers find themselves carrying various battery-powered devices, from smartphones and laptops to cameras and portable chargers. As a traveling content creator, I require a lot of battery power. However, airline regulations and TSA guidelines regarding battery sizes can be confusing and even stressful. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the TSA's limits on battery sizes and provide you with a curated list of top-approved batteries to ensure you don’t run into any issues with your batteries while traveling.
What’s The TSA’s Maximum Battery Size Limits?
Carry-on Baggage Limit - 100 watt-hours (27027.03 mAh ) per battery
Or
Special Approval Spare Battery Limit - Max quantity 2 - 160 watt-hours (43,243.24mAh) batteries
Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit.
Lithium-Ion Batteries: Commonly used in portable electronic devices, fall under TSA regulations based on their watt-hour (Wh) rating. In carry-on baggage, batteries up to 100 watt-hours (or 27027.03 mAh ) are generally permitted, which covers most personal electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and smaller laptops.
Lithium Metal Batteries: Lithium metal batteries (Non-Rechargable) are often used in medical equipment such as hearing aids. In carry-on baggage, batteries with up to 2 grams of lithium content are generally allowed.
Power Banks and Portable Chargers: Power banks, also known as portable chargers, are classified as spare batteries by TSA. Therefore, they must comply with the limits mentioned above for both lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, depending on the type of battery they contain.
It's important to note that some airlines may have additional restrictions or requirements beyond TSA guidelines, so always check with your airline before you travel.
With the airlines approval you can bring a maximum of two spare batteries up to 160WH with you in your carry-on. But you must get approval from the airline you’re flying with. Just ask while you’re checking in at the airport.
Top Approved Travel Batteries for Air Travel In 2024
Now that we understand the TSA limits on battery sizes, let's explore some top-approved batteries that you can confidently bring on your next flight:
Pro tip: Please avoid knockoff power bank companies. These knockoffs cut corners or important things like voltage regulation which can end up destroying your device's batteries over time. Just stick with reputable companies.
Best Battery For Laptops
Anker Prime 27,650: A new addition to Ankers power banks, and at about the size of a soda can this is the best it gets for travelers who need to get work done. The Anker Prime 27,659mAh is just about the biggest and fastest powerful portable charger, providing a reliable power source for your smartphones and even bigger devices like your laptop. With a capacity of 27,650mAh, and 99.54Wh it falls almost at the TSA's limits for carry-on items. Its fast-charging capabilities ensure that your devices stay powered up throughout your journey. And it can recharge in an insane 37 minutes!!! Which is amazing for layover recharge sessions. This is absolutly the best choice for anyone traveling with a laptop or any other power-hungry devices
Best Battery For Traveling Light
Anker 733: If you're looking to lighten your tech bag, and carry less charging devices the Anker 733 Power Bank is an excellent choice. Its 10000mAh capacity makes it TSA-compliant and perfect for charging all your devices at the same time and having some emergency charges on the go. Instead of needing a charging brick for your AirPods, phone, and laptop. Just bring this and lighten up your load.
Most Convenient Battery
Anker MagGo 10K: This newly updated and ultra-convenient 10,000mAh Battery pack can effectively almost triple the power of your iPhone. Which should be plenty even for long travel days. It also has little features like its kickstand, making it easy to watch videos with. If you don’t want to mess with charging cables and want to easily use your phone while it’s charging I’d recommend this power bank.
The updated version brings a ton of benefits like the new screen on the side that shows battery stats and charge level. It’s also now Qi2 Certified which assures fast, secure, and more efficient charging. This brings 15W wireless charging speeds over the previous 7.5W, doubling the charging speed to get you charged up sooner.
Conclusion
Understanding the TSA limits on battery sizes and choosing approved batteries can make your air travel experience much smoother. Remember to pack your batteries properly, especially if they are spares, to prevent any potential mishaps. By opting for reliable and TSA-compliant batteries, you can keep your devices powered up all the way to your destination.
Before you embark on your next adventure, double-check the latest TSA guidelines and any airline-specific regulations to ensure you have a seamless travel experience with your battery-powered devices. So, pack your bags, charge your gadgets, and get ready for your trip with your trusted batteries by your side. Happy travels!
