One thing is for sure, in today’s world most people cannot live without their electronic devices, be they smartphones, cell phones, tablets, laptops, iPods etc. So if you are traveling, you will need to keep them charged in the air and at your destination.
But can you take phone chargers on a plane and, if so, where should you keep them?
You will find the full details regarding whether you can bring a phone charger with you
The Quick Answer: Where to keep mobile charger in flight? The type of phone charger that plugs into a mains electricity supply can go in either carry on or checked bags. The type of charger that contains a battery (a power pack or power bank) can only go in carry on and cannot go in checked luggage.
Contents
Can phone chargers go in hand luggage?
Firstly, there are two types of phone charger:
- Mains phone chargers that plug into a power outlet
- Portable phone chargers that contain a lithium battery
Let’s deal with the first one quickly as it is very straightforward …
Plug-in mains chargers
You can take a regular plug-in phone charger in hand luggage through the security checkpoint since they do not contain any form of battery.
Normally you cannot use them onboard as most aircraft do not have mains power outlets.
Can phone chargers go in checked luggage? Yes, regular plug-in chargers can be packed in checked baggage.
Portable chargers/Power banks
Now, these types of phone chargers are more complicated due to their lithium batteries.
Power banks that contain lithium batteries must be removed from your hand luggage and placed in a separate bin for screening through the x-ray machine.
Any device containing a battery, particularly a lithium-ion battery, comes under scrutiny at airport security these days. I believe all portable chargers and power bank chargers currently available contain lithium-ion batteries.
With a few exceptions, you can take these in your carry on bag. The exception is any power banks larger than 100 watt hours. You can take two of these devices per passenger though.
Some airlines will allow up to 160 watt hours so check with your airline if yours are over 100 watt hours but under 160 watt hours.
Can I put phone charger in checked luggage?
It is very important to remember that you cannot put power banks in your checked luggage!
You cannot put any portable charger in checked bags as these count as spare batteries under the Federal Aviation Administration regulations. If you do your checked bags are likely to be opened by airport security officers (breaking in if necessary) and the battery pack confiscated.
This passenger contacted the TSA to say “I have forgotten to take my phone charger out of my hold luggage” and their response:
So where to keep mobile charger in flight? Not only can you take phone chargers in hand luggage but you must keep them in your carry on bag because of the lithium battery!
I have a separate article on flying with power banks where I detail what capacity power bank can be taken on a plane – Is a power bank allowed on a plane?
The TSA has this useful article on taking chargers on a plane – Staying Charged on the Go
I have been using an Anker PowerCore+ 2680 for a while now which works with most devices, can charge an iPhone over 5 times, and is allowed in your carry on bag.
NOTE: You may be asked by security officials to switch your power bank on to show that it is actually a functioning power bank so make sure that it has some charge in it so you can do this. If you can’t then it may be confiscated.
For full details of the regulations on what batteries you can and cannot take in checked baggage and carry on baggage read my post – Can you take lithium batteries on a plane?
You can always use the TSA’s AskTSA service on Twitter if you are unsure as this passenger did below to ask can chargers go in hand luggage:
| Type of Mobile Phone Charger | Carry-On Baggage | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| USB Wall Charger | Allowed | Allowed |
| Standard Charging Cable | Allowed | Allowed |
| Portable Power Bank (under 100Wh) | Allowed | Restricted* |
| Portable Power Bank (100Wh-160Wh) | Allowed with airline’s approval | Restricted* |
| Portable Power Bank (above 160Wh) | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Wireless Charging Pad | Allowed | Allowed |
| Car Charger | Allowed | Allowed |
*Note: Power banks or external battery chargers with a lithium-ion battery are generally restricted in checked baggage due to safety concerns. Always check with your airline for specific regulations and restrictions.
Can I charge a phone on a plane?
Although it is unlikely that there will be a mains power outlet to allow you to plug in a mobile charger, onboard the aircraft you can charge your phone using one of two methods:
Power banks
You can use a portable power bank containing lithium batteries to charge your phone.
It can be removed from your hand luggage during the flight in order to charge the phone.
USB sockets
Make sure you take a USB charging lead with you that fits your devices as most airlines now have a USB port as part of the inflight entertainment system so you can charge devices in the air.
If you are on an airline without then you will need a power bank if your device dies mid-flight. See the advice on portable chargers and power bank chargers below.
Read my full article Can you charge your phone on a plane
Mains travel adapters
If you are traveling abroad then make sure you take a travel adapter with you for your plug in phone chargers or to charge up your power banks or other electronic devices. Mains sockets are different around the world so without one you may be stuck with a device you cannot use.
Ceptics World Travel Adapter
I never travel without my Ceptics World Travel Adapter.
It covers all international power outlets and works with cell phones, iPhones, tablets, iPads, laptops & other devices. Its multiple USB ports allow the charging of more than one device.
You should be aware that most travel adapters are not voltage converters. In the US the voltage is 110v but in many other parts of the world it is 220-240v.
You should check that the device you wish to plug in is capable of handling dual voltage (110-240v). Most new devices work with both. The exceptions are often hair dryers, curling irons and hair straighteners.
Other phone charger FAQs
Can you bring a phone charger cord on a plane in carry on bags?
Yes, you can take a phone charger cord or USB cable on a plane in both hand luggage and checked baggage without restriction.
Are cell phone chargers allowed in carry-on luggage?
You can take plug-in cell phone chargers in carry-on luggage without restrictions. If you want to take a portable phone charger containing a lithium battery it cannot be larger than 100 watt hours.
Can I carry my phone charger in my purse on a plane?
The rules for carrying phone chargers in a purse are the same as for carrying one in your carry on.
Should I lock my luggage when flying?
What items are not allowed in hand luggage
What is not allowed in checked baggage?
I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me
