I'm planning a long flight next month and want to bring my Anker power bank to charge my phone during layovers. I've heard the rules changed recently with lithium batteries. What's the current TSA policy on this?
You can bring a power bank in your carry-on bag, but it needs to have a capacity under 100Wh (most standard ones like Anker models fall under this limit). Check your specific model's watt-hour rating on the device or manual, then verify the TSA website closer to your trip since policies can shift.
I've definitely packed power banks on flights plenty of times without issues. The main thing is that most standard Anker models sit under 100Wh, which means they're totally fine in your carry-on. Your best bet is just checking the label on your specific unit for the watt-hour rating to be sure - it'll usually be printed on the back or bottom, and if it's under 100Wh you're good to go. Anything over that needs special airline approval, but honestly the vast majority of portable chargers won't hit that threshold.
The single thing that matters most: find that Wh number on your power bank before you pack it, because the TSA doesn't care about the brand - they care about the battery capacity, period.
Most standard Anker banks are under 100Wh and totally fine in carry-on, which matches what the earlier responses said. But here's where people mess up: they assume their model is fine without checking. The Wh rating should be printed somewhere on the device itself or in the manual. If you can't find it, calculate it from the mAh and voltage (mAh ÷ 1000 × voltage = Wh roughly). Some of the bigger portable chargers actually do creep over 100Wh, and those aren't allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage on most US flights. So yeah, the rule is real and it matters.
One other thing worth knowing: even under 100Wh, the TSA only allows two lithium batteries in carry-on (or one spare battery). If you're bringing multiple power banks for some reason, that's where you'd run into an actual problem. But for a normal traveler with one standard charger? You're almost certainly good to go.
What wattage is printed on your specific model? The folks above are right that under 100Wh flies fine in carry-on, but one thing worth knowing - if you somehow have one over 100Wh, you're banned from both carry-on *and* checked luggage, so it's not just about finding a different spot for it.
Your power bank is allowed in carry-on as long as it's under 100Wh - that's the hard limit the TSA enforces. Most Anker models fall well below this, but here's the thing everyone skips over: you need to actually look at your specific unit because the watt-hour rating should be printed somewhere on it, usually on a sticker on the back or bottom. Don't just assume it's fine because it's a popular brand. Write down that number and double-check it before you pack.
One trap to watch for - if your power bank is between 100-160Wh, some airlines will let you bring it but they have to approve it first, and you'll need it in carry-on only, never checked baggage. If it's over 160Wh, you're basically out of luck on commercial flights. Since you're flying next month, grab your power bank right now and find that Wh rating. It'll take two minutes and save you hassle at security.
Don't just toss your power bank in your checked luggage and hope for the best - that's actually where they're prohibited entirely, even small ones. The TSA allows lithium-ion batteries (which is what power banks use) in carry-on only, so it has to stay with you in the cabin.
Everyone above is correct that you need to check the Wh rating on your device, but here's the thing most people gloss over: if your model is between 100-160Wh, you might be able to bring it, but only with airline permission beforehand. It's not automatic. Some airlines are stricter than others about this middle ground, so calling ahead or checking their website specific rules is worth the five minutes. Your Anker will almost certainly be under 100Wh since most portable chargers are designed to stay well below that threshold, but confirming the number takes literally 30 seconds - just look at the label or check the product specs online.
One last thing: spare batteries or extra power banks count separately toward limits, so if you're bringing multiple, each one needs its own capacity check. I've seen people caught off guard by that rule specifically.
Everyone above is spot on about the 100Wh cutoff - I packed an Anker power bank last year and TSA barely glanced at it once I mentioned the capacity during security. Just flip your unit over, locate that Wh rating on the label, and you're golden if it's under 100; anything above that and you're leaving it behind or checking it (though checked baggage has its own restrictions, so don't count on that either).
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