While I was traveling a few months ago, TSA pulled my backpack aside at security after it went through the scanner. I was baffled. As it turned out, I was carrying five power banks I was testing and had forgotten to remove them. All was fine once they inspected and saw what they were, but it was a reminder that some electronics can raise red flags.
To begin with, portable power banks have to be brought on the plane with you in your carry-on luggage and can't be stored in your checked luggage. Electronics like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and handheld gaming systems must travel with you. At a minimum, take laptops out of your bag for the security scan, and consider removing other electronics as well to avoid red flags. Specific rules apply to items with lithium batteries, both installed and uninstalled, along with other tech items you might want to travel with. Being informed ahead of time can help you avoid a hold-up when you're rushing to make your next flight.
Most portable power banks do not exceed the 100 watt-hour limit, and you must bring it in your carry-on bag along with devices with built-in batteries like cameras, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches. The only exception might be super-high-powered power banks for laptops, but even many of those nowadays, like the 25K Anker Power Bank, meet the limit, so you can travel with them. That one taps out at 90Wh and is advertised as being "flight approved."
You should check the power bank's specifications for watt-hours (Wh) or use the formula mAh x voltage divided by 1,000.
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