If you are planning on catching your next flight soon, then TSA has a new travel advisory for you. The Transportation Security Administration wants you to carefully inspect your luggage before your next flight, so you can avoid this mistake, which may result in a huge penalty if not abided by.
In their new summer travel advisory, TSA recommended passengers avoid carrying portable battery chargers in their checked luggage. This new rule was put in place following a series of recent incidents, where lithium-ion batteries have exploded or caused damage.
The agency has updated its checklist and prohibited carrying this common electronic gadget inside your check-in baggage to avoid further damage.
AZCentral reported that the Transportation Administration “publicized the new rules on social media to educate flyers ahead of the summer travel season.” A spokesperson from the agency confirmed to Travel + Leisure, “TSA has not ‘banned’ power banks. However, they are only allowed in carry-on bags.”
The new changes rolled out back in February. As per the new guideline, passengers can still bring their chargers on planes in their cabin bags. This might actually be more convenient since it would be easily accessible during the flight. In addition, the batteries could be monitored carefully to prevent any potential damage.
The TSA advisory emphasized, “Lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.” However, there’s more to it.
The agency continued that passengers could be subjected to gate-checking their bag if the bins are full, or due to the size. In that case, they will need to remove the spare chargers from the luggage and bring them on the plane before gate-checking the bag.
Heading out on #SpringBreak with your “personal” battery-powered devices? Keep any spare lithium batteries in your carry-on and not checked bags. ⚡ Reach out to @AskTSA with any travel questions by texting “POWER” to (275-872). pic.twitter.com/R6pAmUjNgj
— TSA (@TSA) March 25, 2025
This new rule comes with a hefty fine if not followed. TSA announced that any traveler who doesn’t abide by the new guidelines could face civil penalties of up to $17,062. On their website, the agency noted that a temporary or permanent suspension could also take effect if the new guideline is disobeyed, as well as expedited security programs such as TSA PreCheck.
According to Travel + Leisure, TSA could also make a criminal referral to local or state law enforcement.
GSN-Tighter TSA regulations has announced a ban on certain electronic items in checked baggage. Portable chargers and power banks, used to charge smartphones, must now be packed in carry-on bags only, a rule reinforced following recent in-flight fire incidents. pic.twitter.com/iMR2dhzmlF
— HJ (Hank) Ellison (@hjtherealj) May 9, 2025
The long list of prohibited items includes knives of any length and switchblades. These are not permitted through security checkpoints and are prohibited on board aircraft.
TSA recommends that travelers regularly check the CPSC or Consumer Product Safety Commission website for any potential recalls of wireless portable power banks. As of April 17, 2025, the agency recalled almost 429,200 Caesley power banks due to burn hazards or fire.
