When traveling by air, carrying power banks (portable chargers) and neck fans with batteries requires adherence to specific aviation safety regulations. Here are the guidelines for these two types of items:
✈️ Power Bank (Portable Charger) Regulations
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and most airlines, the main consideration is the “Wh” value, which will be explained at the end:
- Below 100Wh: Can be carried in hand luggage without airline approval.
- Between 100Wh and 160Wh: Requires airline approval, with a maximum of two per passenger.
- Above 160Wh: Prohibited from being carried on board.
- Unmarked Capacity: If the power bank does not indicate its capacity or cannot be calculated from other parameters, it is prohibited from being carried on board.
Generally, power banks with a capacity below 20,000mAh usually comply with regulations and are rated below 100Wh.
Additionally, power banks must be placed in hand luggage and are strictly prohibited in checked baggage.
🌬️ Portable USB Fans/Neck Fans with Battery Regulations
The regulations for carrying portable USB fans and neck fans mainly depend on the type of battery they use:
- Lithium Batteries:
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- Can be carried in hand luggage but are prohibited in checked baggage.
- It is recommended to choose products with international certification and ensure the battery capacity is within the specified limits.
- Dry Batteries:
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- Can be carried in hand luggage or checked baggage.
- Pay attention to the restrictions on the number of dry batteries imposed by different airlines.
- Lead-Acid Batteries:
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- Prohibited in both hand luggage and checked baggage.
- Due to their instability, lead-acid batteries can swell or even explode from impact or pressure changes, posing a threat to aviation safety.
✅ Tips and Reminders
- Before Purchase: Choose products with clear labeling of battery type and capacity, and avoid purchasing items with unknown sources or unclear labeling.
- Before Departure: Check the latest regulations of the airline you are flying with to ensure your items comply with the requirements.
- Security Check: Place battery-containing devices in your hand luggage for easy inspection during security checks.
In summary, power banks and battery-operated portable fans/neck fans can be carried on airplanes if they comply with relevant regulations. However, to ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to thoroughly understand and adhere to the airline’s regulations before traveling.
🔋 A Simple Explanation of What Wh Is
Wh refers to the “Rated Energy Capacity (Watt-hour)” of a battery, abbreviated as Wh. This value is a unit that measures how much energy a battery can store and is a crucial basis in aviation transportation regulations.
Wh (Watt-hour) = Voltage (V) × Capacity (Ah)
For example:
- If a power bank is 3.7V × 10,000mAh (which is 10Ah),
- Its energy capacity is: 3.7V × 10Ah = 37Wh.
Such a capacity is completely acceptable for carrying on an airplane as it is below the 100Wh limit.
✈️ Why Do Airlines Restrict Wh?
Devices containing lithium batteries pose risks of overheating, expansion, and even fire in high-altitude environments if their capacity is too high. Therefore, aviation safety regulations impose clear restrictions on Wh values.
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