How to transport a power bank in an airplane?

Powerbank is an external battery equipped with output connectors (usually USB). It is designed to charge phones, smartphones, flashlights and other devices that can be charged via USB.

In most airports, it is forbidden to take power banks in luggage: they can only be carried in hand luggage.

These devices are considered fire hazard: they will catch fire if a circuit occurs. The International Air Transport Association, IATA, treats power banks as spare batteries. According to its requirements, their capacity should not be higher than 100 Wh, and the lithium content should be up to 2 grams. It is recommended that the charge level at the time of flight was not more than 30%.

If the airline allows, you can carry devices with a battery capacity of up to 160 Wh and with a lithium content of up to 8 grams. This should be agreed with the carrier in advance.

Rules of transportation of power banks established by Russian airlines:

Each airline may have its own characteristics regarding the transportation of batteries in luggage and hand luggage, which are usually associated with the power of chargers.

For example, Azimuth airline allows the transportation of power banks with a capacity of up to 160 Wh only in hand luggage, while larger batteries are not allowed even as dangerous cargo.

S7 recommends transporting large batteries such as car batteries via S7 Cargo.

Russia Airlines accepts power banks with a capacity of no more than 100 Wh and with a lithium content of no more than 2 grams, also only in hand luggage.

Under the terms of Aeroflot, batteries with a capacity of up to 100 Wh can be carried not only in the cabin, but also in luggage, while they must be inside the equipment, and the packaging must prevent spontaneous inclusion. The company may also allow the transport of more powerful batteries in luggage. Additional information about the rules of transportation of wheelchairs with batteries of different types can be found on the company's website, as well as on the airline "Victory".

Under Utair rules, external batteries for phones and other portable appliances can be carried in hand luggage. If you need to hand over phones, laptops or tablets, and they have a battery of a non-tablet type, it must be taken out and taken with you to the cabin of the aircraft.

Characteristics of power with which batteries can be taken into the cabin of the aircraft:

- No more than 100 Wh - up to 20 batteries per person.
From 100 to 160 Wh – no more than two batteries per person.

Battery capacity should not exceed 30,000 mAh. All these characteristics should be indicated on the body of the power bank. If this information is not on the battery, the aviation security service can withdraw it.

Charging devices or batteries on board the aircraft is generally prohibited.

Requirements for packing power banks in hand luggage:

When carried in hand luggage, spare batteries should be stored separately, for example in original packaging, plastic bags or protective covers. The open poles of the batteries can be wrapped with tape - this will help isolate the terminals and prevent short circuit.

Advice for travelers:

1. External batteries with a capacity of up to 100 Wh can not usually be carried in luggage - only in hand luggage. Before traveling, check with your carrier all the rules regarding the transportation of necessary equipment to avoid unpleasant surprises at check-in. Information can be found on the websites of Aeroflot, Pobeda, Russia, Azimut, Utair and S7 airlines.

2. When inspecting, pay attention to the main characteristics of the external battery - capacity and power. Most power banks for charging phones are allowed to carry in hand luggage. Make sure this data is on the device itself.

3. Avoid transporting power bank without identification marks - such devices can be seized during inspection.

4. If the power of your battery exceeds 160 Wh, check on the website of the airline you fly, whether it is possible to carry such equipment. Some airlines may carry high-power batteries as dangerous cargo.

5. The power banks you take into your carry-on baggage should be packed well to avoid short circuits. Any methods that insulate the terminals are suitable: winding the battery poles, packaging in separate packages or boxes.

6. When transporting the battery in luggage, it is important not only to carefully pack the device, but also to fix its position in the suitcase, for example, shifting it with personal belongings or clothes.

Text: personalguide, photo:https://unsplash.com

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