The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is shaking things up with a new rule for air travel. To lower the risk of fire hazards, they’re no longer allowing portable chargers with lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage (this change is all about keeping everyone on board safer).
Getting why the ban is in place
Lithium-ion batteries are popular because they work well in lots of gadgets. But they can sometimes overheat and even spark if they’re damaged. This is especially worrisome when they’re stowed away in the cargo hold of an airplane. As AFAR magazine points out, “In the cargo hold, a fire can spread quickly and is difficult to control, posing a greater risk to the aircraft and its occupants” (the limited space and tricky access make any fire hard to deal with once it starts).
So, the TSA now requires that portable chargers be kept in carry-on bags instead of checked luggage. This way, cabin crew members can quickly step in if something goes wrong in the cabin.
What counts as “carry-on only”
Besides portable chargers, a bunch of other items with lithium-ion batteries have also been moved to the “carry-on only” category. This list includes:
- cell phone batteries
- laptop batteries
- external batteries
- power banks
Keeping these items close by means any issues like overheating or sparking can be dealt with right away.
Airport security staff are on the lookout to enforce this rule. They have the power to confiscate any portable chargers that sneak into checked luggage (or flag items that don’t meet the guidelines), which could lead to delays or the loss of your items. So, sticking to these rules is a must.
FAA guidelines and airline rules
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supports this move by letting passengers bring two lithium-ion batteries onboard for personal use, as long as they aren’t meant for resale. Also, spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries must be packed in carry-on luggage only. This rule goes hand in hand with policies from airlines like United Airlines, which have long banned lithium-ion battery chargers from checked bags.
E-cigarettes or vapes are treated the same way—they have to be in your carry-on and can’t be used on the plane. This overall strategy is all about reducing fire hazards during flights.
Other banned items and recent TSA issues
It’s not just lithium-ion batteries getting the boot from checked luggage. Other items that pose fire or explosion risks, like certain aerosols (spray paint or bear spray), are also off-limits. These measures show that authorities are seriously committed to making flying as safe as possible for everyone.
A recent incident in Los Angeles really brought things home—a woman was caught with over 80 banned items in her carry-on bag, including 82 consumer-grade fireworks, three knives, two imitation firearms, and one canister of pepper spray (a clear sign that strict security checks are needed at airports).
TSA gives the green light to new items
While some items are facing tighter rules, the TSA is also allowing 11 new items to be brought onboard in any size. These include:
- over-the-counter medications
- breast milk or baby formula
- ice packs
Plus, new computed tomography (CT) scanners are being set up at some of the country’s busiest airports to boost security even more.
This mix of tighter restrictions in some areas and more flexibility in others shows that aviation authorities are working hard to adjust their rules based on the latest safety considerations while still making travel as convenient as possible. As travelers get used to these new packing tips, staying informed about the rules will help keep airport experiences smooth and safe for everyone.
