Yes, you can bring a portable charger through TSA security, but it must go in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage

Portable chargers—also called power banks—are permitted in carry-on bags at TSA checkpoints. However, they cannot go in your checked baggage under any circumstances. The reason is the lithium battery inside. If a battery fails in the cargo hold where no one can monitor it, the risk of fire is much higher than in the cabin where crew can respond when ready.

You can bring one portable charger through security without declaring it or removing it from your bag. TSA officers will see it on the X-ray screen, but you do not need to pull it out or tell them about it unless they ask. The charger itself is not a restricted item—the battery inside is what TSA regulates.

Key Takeaways

  • Portable chargers must stay in your carry-on bag; checked baggage is prohibited for any device with a lithium battery.
  • You can bring one portable charger through security without removing it or announcing it to the officer.
  • Chargers with batteries larger than 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 27,000 milliamp-hours (mAh) require airline approval before you board.
  • If your charger is damaged, swollen, or leaking, leave it at home—do not attempt to bring it through security.
  • Some airlines have stricter rules than TSA, so check your specific airline's website before packing.

Understanding the watt-hour and milliamp-hour limits

TSA allows portable chargers up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) without special permission. If you do not know your charger's capacity, look for a label on the back or bottom that lists "Wh" or "mAh" (milliamp-hours). Most phone chargers fall well below this limit—a typical 20,000 mAh charger is around 74 Wh.

If your charger is between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, you can bring it, but you must tell your airline in advance. Some airlines allow one or two chargers in this range; others do not. Call the airline's baggage department or check their website before you pack. Chargers larger than 160 Wh are prohibited entirely.

The conversion between mAh and Wh is not straightforward because it depends on the charger's voltage. A rough estimate: divide the mAh number by 3 to get an approximate Wh. So a 27,000 mAh charger is roughly 90 Wh, which is under the limit. But for chargers over 20,000 mAh, check the label for the actual Wh rating to be certain.

What happens at the security checkpoint

When you walk through TSA security with a portable charger in your carry-on, the X-ray machine will show it as a rectangular object with a battery inside. The officer monitoring the screen may ask you what it is, or they may wave you through without comment. Either way, you do not need to remove it from your bag unless the officer specifically asks.

If the officer does ask, straightforward tell them it is a portable charger. They will not confiscate it. TSA officers are trained on lithium battery rules and know that chargers in carry-on bags are permitted. The only reason they might stop you is if the charger looks damaged or if the X-ray image is unclear.

Damaged or swollen chargers must stay home

Do not bring a portable charger through security if it is visibly damaged, cracked, swollen, or leaking. A swollen battery is a sign that the lithium inside is degrading and poses a real fire risk. TSA will confiscate it if they spot it, and you will not be able to bring it on the plane at all.

If your charger has been dropped, sat on, or exposed to water, inspect it carefully before packing. Press gently on the sides—if it feels puffy or if you see any bulging, leave it at home and buy a new one. A damaged charger is not worth the risk, and TSA will turn you away if they catch it.

Airline rules may be stricter than TSA rules

TSA sets the federal baseline, but individual airlines can impose stricter limits. Some airlines allow only one portable charger per passenger. Others prohibit chargers over a certain capacity even if TSA would allow them. A few airlines have banned portable chargers altogether, though this is rare.

Before you pack, visit your airline's website and search for "portable charger," "power bank," or "lithium battery" in their baggage policy. If you cannot find the answer online, call their baggage or customer service line. It takes five minutes and prevents you from having to surrender the charger at the gate.

What to do if TSA stops you

If a TSA officer pulls your charger out of your bag and says it cannot go through, ask them why. If it is because the charger is over 160 Wh, there is nothing you can do—you cannot bring it on the plane. If the officer is unsure about the capacity or thinks it looks damaged, ask to speak to a supervisor. Supervisors have access to TSA's lithium battery guidelines and can make a final call.

If you are told the charger cannot go in carry-on but the officer does not explain why, do not argue at the checkpoint. Instead, ask for the TSA supervisor's contact information and follow up after your trip. TSA has a customer service line and a website form where you can report inconsistent enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a portable charger in my checked bag?

No. Lithium batteries in checked baggage are prohibited by TSA and the FAA. Portable chargers must go in your carry-on bag only. If you accidentally pack one in checked luggage, the airline will find it during screening and remove it before the flight.

Do I need to remove my charger at the security checkpoint?

No, unless the TSA officer asks you to. You do not need to announce it or pull it out. The X-ray machine will show it, and the officer will either wave you through or ask what it is. If asked, straightforward say it is a portable charger.

What if my charger is 150 Wh?

You can bring it, but you must contact your airline in advance. Chargers between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval. Some airlines allow one; others do not. Check your airline's policy or call their baggage department before you pack.

Can I bring multiple portable chargers?

TSA allows up to two portable chargers per passenger in carry-on baggage, as long as each is under 100 Wh. However, some airlines limit you to one. Check your airline's specific policy before packing more than one charger.

What if my charger is swollen?

Do not bring it. A swollen battery is a sign of internal failure and poses a fire risk. TSA will confiscate it if they spot it. Discard the charger safely—many electronics retailers and recycling centers accept old batteries—and buy a new one.