TRAVEL / BATTERY PACKING

Power-bank rules explained before the gate, with the source beside them.

FAA guidance puts spare lithium batteries and power banks in carry-on baggage. If that bag is gate-checked, keep those items with you in the cabin.

Start with the evidence →

From the desk

TRAVEL / BATTERY PACKING · 2026-10-30

Gate-checking your bag? Remove the power bank first

FAA guidance puts spare lithium batteries and power banks in carry-on baggage. If that bag is gate-checked, keep those items with you in the cabin.

Read the briefing →

TRAVEL / BATTERY PACKING · 2026-10-30

Checking a power bank’s Wh rating: what the FAA formula can—and can’t—tell you

For spare rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, including power banks, the FAA says to multiply voltage by amp-hours to calculate watt-hours. Its guidance lists 100 Wh per battery and describes a larger allowance using the ambiguous wording “exceeding 101–160 Wh,” with airline approval and a two-battery limit. The supplied FAA formula does not explain how to convert a label in mAh.

Read the briefing →

Original explanations of primary material. Our review date is shown separately from the source’s announcement date.