TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has just issued an important warning that you should keep in mind if you’re planning to travel by plane soon: portable chargers and all those electronic devices that travel with you may not be carried in checked baggage, we repeat, may not be carried in checked baggage. They will have to go with you in the baggage you carry with you throughout the trip.
The reason? To prevent fires during the flight… is that not enough for you? The announcement has not gone unnoticed, although many travelers are unaware that carrying these devices in checked baggage can result in the confiscation of the item or, worse, in a serious accident… Here we explain in detail what the TSA says, how you should store these devices, and what risks ignoring this warning entails.
Why has the TSA banned these chargers in the airplane hold?
The TSA’s decision is motivated by the fire risk posed by portable chargers when transported in the hold… lithium-ion batteries can overheat or become damaged during the flight, which can generate sparks or even fire in a closed space where it is very difficult to control. And yes, there have been several instances where small fires have occurred, but luckily the crew knew how to react quickly and there was no major damage, but for this very reason, the TSA wants to avoid further incidents at all costs.
What the current regulation says
According to the TSA and airline regulations such as those of United, portable chargers and other devices with lithium batteries must travel in carry-on luggage. This also includes loose batteries, external chargers, and battery cases for cell phones.
What happens if you carry a charger in checked baggage?
Don’t be silly… you don’t need to. Airport security agents are authorized to confiscate portable chargers they detect in checked baggage. Although some travelers may think it’s a detail that doesn’t matter, the TSA explains that in the event of an emergency during the flight, a fire in the hold could spread rapidly, endangering everyone on board, so it’s better to carry them where they can be seen and acted upon quickly if there’s a problem.
What about other devices?
In addition to portable chargers, there are other restrictions to keep in mind. For example, replacement batteries for cell phones and laptops are also subject to this rule. Even devices like electronic cigarettes or vapes must always go in carry-on luggage, never in the hold, and don’t even think of using them during the flight, is that clear?
What other restrictions exist for checked baggage?
The list of prohibited items in the hold is not limited to batteries. Substances such as aerosol paint or pepper spray are banned due to the risk of explosion or fire during the flight, but we think that’s pretty logical, right?
Avoid problems at the airport
To avoid unpleasant surprises, always check the TSA regulations and those of the airline you’re flying with before arriving at the airport. Place your portable chargers and any device with lithium batteries in your carry-on and where it’s easy to access, make sure they’re protected from impacts and if you notice any incident, immediately notify the onboard staff!
It’s not that the TSA doesn’t want you to keep watching that episode of Friends you stopped at 15 years ago, it’s that a charger is much more dangerous than we might imagine… So better to keep it where we can see it so no one is put at risk during our flight!