TSA Is Cracking Down on Power Banks—Here's How to Make Sure Yours Won't Get Taken Away

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

Last month, while flying out of Denver, I was surprised to see my carry-on luggage pulled aside at the TSA checkpoint. A security agent opened it up and pulled out my power bank, inspecting the fine print on the back. After a pause, he nodded and said it was fine, but added that some of these don't pass. It was the first time in years of frequent travel that my external battery had triggered a manual check, and it caught me off guard.
That quick check wasn't random. In response to safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, the TSA has stepped up enforcement and is paying closer attention to power banks during security screenings. 'TSA has not 'banned' power banks. However, they are only allowed in carry-on bags,' a spokesperson told Travel + Leisure .
Most standard power banks fall under the FAA's 100Wh (or 27,000mAh) limit, but higher-capacity models are increasingly common, especially among travelers looking to charge laptops or multiple devices. If your charger exceeds the limit, isn't clearly labeled with its watt-hour rating, or ends up in a checked bag, it could be flagged, delayed, or even confiscated at screening.
To help you avoid a stressful bag search (or worse, losing your charger entirely), here are eight power banks that meet FAA and TSA standards—and they're all available at Amazon. Many are marked down under $50, including one on sale for just $16.
This is the power bank I keep with me for flights. It's impressively slim—about the size of a phone—and easy to slide into a small purse for long days when I won't be back at the hotel for hours. It delivers 3A high-speed charging and can power up most phones in just over an hour. The soft-touch finish doesn't scratch easily, and it features dual USB ports, allowing me to top off both my phone and earbuds on the go. Bonus: the little paw-print LED light glows when it's on, which is oddly satisfying at 30,000 feet.
This compact yet powerful TSA-compliant charger is one of Anker's best-reviewed models. It features a sleek digital display showing battery percentage, charges devices quickly, and recharges itself just as fast. One shopper said it 'takes about 25 percent of the portable charger's power to take my phone from 10 percent to 100 percent.' Reviewers also appreciate the durable, travel-friendly design, which features a USB-C cable looped directly into the top.
This MagSafe-compatible wireless charger is marked down to just $24, and Amazon reviewers are calling it a game-changer. 'The magnetic alignment is spot-on, snapping perfectly onto my iPhone 13 Pro for seamless wireless charging. It holds securely without any wobbling, even when I'm moving around. The 10,000mAh capacity is more than enough to fully charge my phone at least twice, which is perfect for long days or travel,' one reviewer said.
Other perks include a built-in foldable stand that props your phone up for easy in-flight streaming and a side LED display that shows the battery level. Just note it is not compatible with Android devices.
If you're traveling with a laptop or other power-hungry devices, this high-capacity charger is right at the FAA's 100Wh limit and packs serious power. It features three ports (including a 140W USB-C) and a digital display that shows real-time output and battery life. Despite its size, it's carry-on legal and ideal for long-haul flights, international work trips, or digital nomad travel when outlets are scarce.
Don't let the size fool you—this ultra-compact charger delivers impressive speed and efficiency for its footprint. With 22.5W fast charging and support for both PD 3.0 and QC 3.0, it can quickly power up most phones, tablets, or wireless earbuds. The digital display clearly shows the remaining battery percentage, and the slim, matte finish makes it easy to grip and slide into a small bag or jacket pocket. It's an ideal backup option for day trips or long flights where space is limited.
With more than 80,000 five-star ratings, this Amazon best-seller has become a go-to for frequent travelers. It's slim, lightweight, and powerful enough to charge most phones at least twice fully. Anker's PowerIQ technology automatically adjusts output for fast and efficient charging, and the dual-port setup allows for simultaneous charging of two devices. It's carry-on safe, FAA-compliant, and reliably holds its charge between trips, which is why I keep reaching for it again and again.
If you're heading into the wilderness for a multi-day backcountry trip, such as rafting, backpacking, or climbing, this solar-powered charger is a smart choice. Charge it before your flight and top it off later using the built-in solar panel. The rugged exterior is designed for the outdoors, featuring a wireless charging pad, dual flashlights, and a compass clip for added utility in the backcountry. An Amazon's Choice product, one reviewer said they bought one and liked it so much that they purchased three more.
This sleek, MagSafe-compatible charger is ideal for travelers who want to eliminate the need for cords. It snaps right onto the back of your iPhone and doubles as a fold-out stand for hands-free use—ideal for streaming on flights or checking maps on the go. At 5,000mAh, it won't fully recharge your phone twice, but it's more than enough for a midday boost when you're out sightseeing or in transit.
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