TSA bans power banks in checked bags after in-flight fire incident

Key Takeaways

• Starting March 1, 2025, TSA bans power banks and spare lithium batteries from checked luggage on all commercial flights.
• Incidents like the Air Busan fire showed in-flight power banks can cause dangerous thermal runaway, prompting the new policy.
• Carry all battery-powered devices and spare batteries in your carry-on; checked bag violations could mean fines, confiscation, or delays.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently made a major change to what you can pack in your checked luggage when flying. Now, power banks, portable chargers, and many lithium battery-powered items are officially banned from checked bags. This decision follows serious safety concerns linked to an in-flight fire caused by a power bank, highlighting the risks these devices can pose if not handled properly.

What Led to the New TSA Ban?

The most important reason for this new rule is passenger safety. The TSA updated its policy after a frightening event on an Air Busan flight in South Korea. A power bank stored in the overhead compartment suddenly caught fire a few minutes after takeoff. Smoke quickly filled the cabin, and the 170 people aboard had to evacuate in an emergency landing. Luckily, everyone escaped safely, but it was a close call.

This isn’t the only time a battery fire has happened on a plane. Similar problems have been reported worldwide, including a well-known incident on a Southwest Airlines flight. When lithium-ion batteries overheat, they can go into what experts call “thermal runaway.” In simple terms, this means the battery can overheat so much and so fast that it leads to a fire, which can then grow very quickly.

With incidents like these happening more often, the TSA decided it had to act. Starting March 1, 2025, it will be against the rules to put these high-risk battery items in checked luggage on any commercial flight.

What Items Are Now Banned From Checked Luggage?

It’s important to know exactly which items the new TSA rule covers. From March 2025, the following battery-related items must not be packed in checked bags:

• Power banks
• Portable battery chargers or rechargers
• Special phone cases with built-in batteries
• Lithium batteries (both rechargeable and single-use) that are not installed in a device (called “spare” or “uninstalled”)
• Extra phone batteries
• Laptop batteries
• External batteries for devices

What does this mean? Whether you have an extra battery for your phone, a backup battery for your laptop, or a rechargeable battery pack, these cannot go in the checked bag you hand to airline staff at the ticket counter.

However, there are some batteries you can still check in—but with restrictions. If a battery is built into a device and you cannot take it out (for example, in some laptops and smartphones), these may still be allowed in checked bags. You should always follow your airline’s rules to be sure.

The TSA provides clear guidance about what can and cannot go in either type of bag on its official “What Can I Bring?” page. For detailed rules and any special exceptions, check directly with your airline or visit the TSA website.

Why Are Power Banks and Lithium Batteries Not Allowed in Checked Bags?

The main concern is the risk of in-flight fire. While on the ground, fires in checked bags are already dangerous. But once the plane is flying, it becomes much harder to deal with a fire in the cargo hold beneath the cabin.

Here’s why:

• Cabin crew can see and respond to fires: If something starts smoking or catches fire in the main cabin, flight attendants are trained and have equipment to act fast. They know exactly how to put out battery fires and keep passengers safe.

• Fires in the cargo hold are hidden: If the same thing happens in the cargo area where nobody can see it right away, it could go unnoticed and get much worse before anyone knows. Crew cannot reach the cargo area in flight, which makes fighting a fire there nearly impossible.

A flight attendant quoted in the incident’s report described it this way: “Flight attendants are equipped to identify and manage lithium battery fires within the passenger cabin. Conversely, if such an incident were to take place in the cargo hold, there would be no means for crew members to extinguish it.”

What Should Passengers Do to Follow the New Rules?

These new rules mean all flyers need to be much more careful about what they pack and where. If you travel with portable electronics—whether it’s for work, study, or just to keep your phone charged on the go—here’s what you need to do:

1. Keep all power banks and spare lithium batteries in your carry-on bag: Don’t put these in your checked bag, not even by mistake.

2. Watch for gate or planeside bag checks: Sometimes, airlines run out of cabin space, and they may ask you to gate-check your carry-on bag. In these situations, before you hand your bag to staff, take out all batteries and power banks and keep them with you inside the main cabin.

3. Protect exposed battery terminals: To stop batteries from short-circuiting (which can trigger a fire), cover any bare battery ends with tape or keep them in their original packaging.

4. Know the size limits: Bigger batteries with more power may have extra restrictions. Airlines and the FAA set size rules based on watt-hour ratings. If you’re not sure, check these limits before flying.

If you ever notice your device getting hot, smoking, or burning during a flight, tell a flight attendant right away. They are trained exactly for these emergencies.

Comparison Table: What Can Go Where?

Here’s an easy way to remember the new rules.

Key:
❌ = Not allowed
✅ = Allowed
*Some laptops and smartphones with non-removable batteries can go in checked bags, if they follow airline rules.

If in doubt, it’s always safer to keep electronics and their batteries with you in the cabin.

The Risks: Why Is This Such a Big Issue?

The core of the problem comes down to how lithium batteries work. These batteries are used in millions of devices because they pack a lot of power into a small space. That’s why you find them in everything from cell phones and laptops to cameras and, of course, power banks.

But as batteries get more powerful and higher-capacity, the risk that something could go wrong increases. If a battery breaks, gets crushed, or is poorly made, it can get too hot and catch fire. This is known as an in-flight fire or a “thermal runaway.” In the closed environment of an aircraft, especially in a place like the cargo hold where no one is watching, this can be extremely dangerous.

A fire caused by a power bank on a flight, as seen in the Air Busan case, is very hard to handle if it’s in a checked bag. These fires can spread, fill the cabin with smoke, and cause passengers and crew to be at serious risk. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the fast response of crew members is the most effective way to stop a small battery fire from turning into a large-scale emergency. If the same incident happens outside the passenger cabin, the chances of safely stopping it are much lower.

Global Trends: Not Just a TSA Issue

It’s important to know that TSA’s new ban is part of a worldwide movement. Aviation authorities in many countries have already updated their airline rules. This is a result of several high-profile incidents where battery fires put passengers in danger. International airline groups and regulators are working together to create simple, clear rules so everyone understands how to travel safely.

Several airlines, especially in Asia and Europe, already have very strict policies about packing battery-powered devices. In some places, even certain types of electronic cigarettes or toys powered by lithium batteries have restrictions.

What Happens If You Break These Rules?

If you pack a banned battery in your checked luggage and security finds it, here’s what can happen:

• The item will be removed from your bag at the airport, and you may not get it back.
• TSA officers may need to search and open your luggage to remove any unsafe items.
• You could miss your flight if you have to return to security for your battery-powered items.
• Airlines may refuse to check your bag until you remove the prohibited batteries.
• In some cases, repeated rule-breaking can lead to travel bans.

That means paying attention to these simple steps can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Often-Asked Questions About the New Ban

1. Can I still bring my power bank or extra battery on the plane?
Yes, you just need to keep it in your carry-on bag. Check the size limits with your airline.

2. What counts as a power bank?
A power bank is any device designed to charge other devices, like your phone or tablet, when you don’t have access to an outlet.

3. What about batteries inside devices, like in my laptop or phone?
If the battery is built-in and can’t be easily removed, you usually can check the device with your luggage. But some airlines suggest you still keep all valuable electronics with you in the cabin.

4. Can I tape over my spare batteries?
Yes, this is a good idea. Taping the ends of battery terminals prevents accidental sparks.

5. Are there exceptions for medical devices?
Most airlines have special rules for medical devices, especially if you need batteries for something essential to your health. Always ask your airline ahead of time.

What Should You Do Next if You Are Traveling Soon?

• Double-check all your devices and chargers before you pack.
• Put every power bank, extra battery, and portable charger in your carry-on.
• If TSA or airline staff say your carry-on must be checked at the gate, remove every battery-powered item before handing over your bag.
• Don’t ignore any battery that feels hot or looks damaged—show it to the airline staff.
• Protect yourself and others by following every rule for safe air travel.

Travel can already be stressful, but following these new TSA rules helps keep you, your fellow travelers, and airline crews safe from the serious danger of an in-flight fire. Give yourself plenty of time to pack smartly and avoid problems at the airport.

Helpful Resources

For more details and the latest guidance on what you can bring when you fly, be sure to review the TSA’s official guidelines on flying with batteries.

In summary, the TSA’s new rule on banning power banks, portable chargers, and spare lithium batteries from checked luggage is a direct response to recent in-flight fire events. By moving these items to the carry-on bag only, the risk can be managed quickly by trained crew if something goes wrong during the flight. Take time to check your bags and stay updated on airport announcements to make your journey safer and easier.

Learn Today

TSA → Transportation Security Administration; U.S. agency regulating safety and security for all airline travel, including baggage screening policies.
Lithium-ion Battery → Rechargeable battery type commonly found in phones, laptops, and portable chargers; can overheat and pose fire risks when damaged.
Power Bank → Portable device designed for recharging electronic gadgets, usually containing one or more lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries.
Thermal Runaway → A chemical reaction in lithium batteries causing them to rapidly overheat, often resulting in fire or explosion in enclosed spaces.
Checked Luggage → Suitcases or bags handed to airline staff before flight, stored in airplane’s cargo hold and not accessible to passengers during the flight.

This Article in a Nutshell

Air travelers must adapt as TSA bans power banks and spare lithium batteries in checked bags from March 2025. Prompted by serious in-flight fires, the new rule requires these items in carry-ons only. Carefully check your bags, follow TSA guidelines, and avoid packing battery devices in checked luggage for safety.
— By VisaVerge.com