Phone Chargers in Hand Luggage or Suitcase: What Travelers Need to Know

Do phone chargers belong in carry-on baggage or checked luggage? International aviation rules say it depends on the type of charger. Standard charging cables and wall plug adapters can be packed in either, but portable chargers (power banks with batteries) are restricted to carry-on bags only​. Here’s a breakdown of official guidelines from global aviation authorities (IATA, TSA, EASA) on where to pack your phone charging gear when flying.

Charging Cables and Adapters (No Batteries)

Charging cables (USB cords) and plug-in power adapters for phones do not contain batteries or hazardous components, so they are allowed in both cabin hand luggage and checked baggage. The Transportation Security Administration explicitly permits phone chargers in carry-on or checked bags, though it “recommend[s] packing them in your carry-on” to prevent loss or damage​. European regulators similarly have no bans on cables or empty chargers – you may stow them wherever is convenient. For practical reasons, many travelers keep these items in hand luggage (so they can charge devices during layovers and have the charger available upon landing). Security agencies advise packing electronics carefully – for example, wrap up loose cables to avoid tangles or screening delays​.

Portable Power Banks (External Batteries)

Portable phone chargers (power banks) contain lithium-ion batteries, which are classified as hazardous if damaged or improperly stowed. **Global air safety guidelines mandate that spare lithium batteries – including power banks – must only be carried in hand luggage, never in checked baggage​​. This rule is in place because lithium batteries can pose a fire risk, and crew can better monitor and handle any battery incident in the cabin. Major regulators are unified on this policy: the TSA bans packing lithium battery packs in checked suitcases​, and IATA (followed by airlines worldwide) likewise lists power banks as carry-on only items.​

Airline safety infographic illustrating lithium battery allowances in carry-on baggage by size. Small batteries under 100 Wh (green) are allowed in reasonable quantities; larger 100–160 Wh units (yellow) require airline approval (max two per passenger); batteries over 160 Wh (red) are forbidden on passenger flights​

Key restrictions for power banks:

• Carry-on baggage only – not permitted in checked luggage​. You must pack power banks and any loose/spare lithium batteries in your cabin bag. If your carry-on is gate-checked (e.g. on a small plane), remove any power banks to keep them with you in the cabin​.
  

• Watt-hour (Wh) limit: Most airlines allow up to 100 Wh per battery without special approval​. (100 Wh covers nearly all phone power banks – roughly equivalent to a 27,000 mAh pack​
  

• Larger batteries (100–160 Wh): Allowed only with airline approval, usually limited to two per passenger in carry-on​. You should contact your airline before flying if you need to bring a large-capacity power bank or spare laptop battery in this range.
  

• Above 160 Wh: Prohibited on passenger aircraft​: Batteries bigger than 160 Wh (the kind used in e-bikes or large equipment) cannot be carried in either checked or cabin baggage under international regulations.
  

Aside from these capacity limits, there’s no strict quantity cap on small power banks for personal use – regulators simply ask that you bring a “reasonable amount” for your own needs. All spare batteries should be individually protected against short-circuit (tape over the terminals or in separate pouches) as a safety precaution​. Airlines also generally forbid using or charging power banks during flight due to safety concerns​, so plan to keep them switched off.

Bottom Line

Standard phone charging cables and plug-in chargers can go in either your hand luggage or checked suitcase, but it’s wise to carry them on board so they’re handy and safe​. Portable power banks, however, must travel in your carry-on bag only – you cannot put loose lithium battery packs in checked luggage under IATA, TSA, and EU aviation rules​​. Remember to check your power bank’s capacity: if it’s over 100 Wh, get airline approval or leave it at home, as devices above 160 Wh are outright banned on passenger flights​.