Chargers are allowed in checked luggage, but lithium batteries have strict limits
You can pack most phone chargers, laptop chargers, and USB cables in checked luggage without restriction. The TSA does not limit chargers themselves—only the batteries inside them. A standard wall charger or car charger with no battery is fine to check.
The real restriction applies to spare lithium batteries and devices with built-in lithium batteries. These are prohibited in checked bags because lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire in the cargo hold's unpressurized environment. This includes power banks, which contain lithium batteries and must travel in your carry-on bag only.
Devices with non-removable lithium batteries—like phones, laptops, and tablets—are allowed in checked luggage, but airlines recommend keeping them in your carry-on instead. If a device overheats during flight, crew members can respond faster if it is in the cabin rather than locked in cargo.
Key Takeaways
- Wall chargers and USB cables with no battery can go in checked luggage without limits.
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked bags and must stay in your carry-on.
- Phones, laptops, and tablets with built-in batteries are technically allowed in checked luggage but are safer in your carry-on where crew can monitor them.
- Different airlines may have stricter rules than the TSA, so check your airline's website before packing.
- Damaged batteries or devices that have been recalled should not be packed in either checked or carry-on luggage.
Which chargers are safe to check
Any charger that plugs into a wall outlet or car outlet and has no internal battery is safe for checked luggage. This includes phone wall chargers, laptop power adapters, camera chargers, and multi-port USB charging stations. The charger itself does not pose a fire risk—it is inert until powered on.
USB cables, charging cables, and cable organizers also have no restrictions. You can pack as many as you want in checked bags. The same applies to wireless charging pads that plug into an outlet, since they contain no battery.
Power banks and spare batteries must stay in carry-on
A power bank is a portable battery pack used to charge phones and tablets on the go. All power banks contain lithium batteries and are prohibited in checked luggage by the TSA and all major airlines. They must be in your carry-on bag where crew can see them if they malfunction.
Spare batteries of any kind—including AA, AAA, 9-volt, and lithium coin batteries—are also prohibited in checked bags. If you need to travel with spares, pack them in your carry-on. Batteries should be placed in a protective case or have tape over the terminals to prevent short circuits during the flight.
Some airlines limit the number of spare batteries you can bring. Most allow two to four spare lithium batteries per person in carry-on luggage. Check your airline's rules before packing.
Devices with built-in batteries: checked or carry-on?
Phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and cameras all contain lithium batteries that cannot be removed. The TSA permits these devices in checked luggage, but this is not the same as recommending it. If a device overheats or catches fire in the cargo hold, no one can respond until the plane lands.
Airlines prefer that you keep high-value electronics and battery-powered devices in your carry-on bag. This protects them from damage, theft, and pressure changes that can affect battery performance. If you do pack a device in checked luggage, make sure it is powered off completely—not just in sleep mode.
Devices that are visibly damaged, swollen, or recalled should never be packed in either checked or carry-on luggage. If your phone or laptop has a cracked battery or shows signs of damage, do not fly with it.
Airline rules vary—check before you pack
The TSA sets the federal baseline, but individual airlines can impose stricter rules. Some airlines prohibit all lithium batteries in checked bags, including those in devices. Others have specific wattage limits for power banks or require advance notice if you are traveling with certain electronics.
Before packing, visit your airline's website and search for "lithium batteries" or "electronics in checked luggage." You can also call the airline's baggage department or ask at check-in. A five-minute call can prevent your bag from being flagged or delayed at security.
What happens if you pack a prohibited battery in checked luggage
If a power bank or spare lithium battery is discovered in your checked bag during screening, the TSA will remove it and may confiscate it. Your bag may be delayed, and you could face a fine. In some cases, the entire bag is pulled from the flight as a safety precaution.
If a battery is not discovered until after the plane lands, the airline may investigate and issue a warning or fine. Repeated violations can result in loss of airline privileges. The safest approach is to pack all batteries and power banks in your carry-on from the start.
Packing electronics safely for travel
If you are checking a laptop, tablet, or camera, wrap it in soft clothing or a padded case to protect it from impact. Place it in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by clothes or towels that absorb shock. Avoid packing it near the edges where it can shift during handling.
For carry-on electronics, use a dedicated tech organizer or small bag to keep chargers, cables, and devices together. This makes security screening faster and prevents items from getting lost in your main bag. Keep your phone and laptop easily accessible—you will need to remove them at the security checkpoint.
Label your chargers and cables with your name or initials using a permanent marker. Chargers look identical, and it is straightforward to grab the wrong one in an airport. A straightforward label takes seconds and saves frustration at your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack my laptop in checked luggage?
Yes, laptops are allowed in checked luggage because the battery cannot be removed. However, airlines recommend keeping laptops in your carry-on to protect them from damage and to monitor the battery in case it overheats. If you do check it, power it off completely and wrap it in protective padding.
Are wireless earbuds allowed in checked luggage?
Yes, wireless earbuds with built-in batteries are allowed in checked luggage under TSA rules. However, like laptops, they are safer in your carry-on. If you check them, make sure they are powered off. The charging case should also be powered off or have its battery depleted before packing.
Can I bring a phone charger on the plane?
Yes. A standard wall charger or car charger with no battery can go in either checked or carry-on luggage. USB cables and charging cables have no restrictions. Power banks must stay in your carry-on only.
What if my power bank is under 100 watt-hours?
Even small power banks are prohibited in checked luggage. The wattage limit applies only to carry-on bags, and even then, most airlines allow only one or two power banks per person. Check your airline's specific rules, as some have lower limits or require advance notice.
Do I need to remove my phone from my bag at security?
Yes. At the TSA checkpoint, you must remove phones, laptops, tablets, and large electronics from your bag and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening. This applies to carry-on bags only. Checked luggage goes through a different screening process and does not require you to remove items.