The TSA’s Summer Travel Advisory Reminds You to Not Pack This Common Electronic Gadget In Your Check In

Travelers may want to carefully inspect their suitcase before their next flight to avoid a costly mistake. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is advising passengers not to pack portable battery chargers in their checked luggage. Due to recent incidents where lithium ion batteries have exploded or caused damage, the TSA has reportedly updated its guidance and prohibits the chargers from being checked in bags.  

According to AZCentral, while the TSA “publicized the new rules on social media to educate flyers ahead of the summer travel season,” the rule changes rolled out back in February. A spokesperson from the TSA told Travel + Leisure: “TSA has not ‘banned’ power banks. However, they are only allowed in carry-on bags.”

The good news for travelers is they can still bring them on planes in their carry-on bags, which may be more convenient and accessible during flights, and they can be monitored carefully for any type of damage. 

“Lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only,” the TSA advisory states. 

The agency goes on to explain that the passenger isn’t totally out of the clear once they pass the checked bag counter. If a passenger has to gate-check their bag due to size or the bins being full, travelers must remove the spare chargers from the bag and bring them on the plane before gate-checking the bag.

For travelers who disregard the guidance, the TSA has the ability to charge civil penalties of up to $17,062 per person, per incident, according to the TSA’s website. Another penalty for disobeying the rules could be a temporary or permanent suspension of expedited security programs, such as TSA PreCheck. In some instances, the TSA will also make a criminal referral to local or state law enforcement in addition to the fines or program suspensions. 

The TSA also operates a prohibited items list that provides an exhaustive list of whether items are permitted in either checked or carry-on luggage. The agency shares that knives of any length, including switchblades, are not permitted on board aircraft and through TSA checkpoints. 

The agency also recommends that consumers regularly check the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, website for any potential recalls of wireless portable power banks. As recently as April 17, 2025, the agency recalled 429,200 Caesly power banks because of fire and burn hazards.