Yes. The cord and charging brick may be checked, yet spare lithium batteries and power banks must ride in your carry‑on per TSA rules.
Laptop chargers confuse plenty of travelers. The wall plug and the chunky power brick look harmless, but the system hides lithium‑ion cells in many USB‑C “fast” adapters and almost all power banks. Fire risk drives most bans. Let’s break down the details so you can breeze through bag drop.
| Item | Checked Bag? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Standard AC charger brick | Yes | No active battery inside |
| USB‑C GaN adapter (brick only) | Yes | Still battery‑free |
| Power bank / spare laptop battery | No | Spare lithium cell fire risk |
TSA & FAA Regulations In Plain English
The FAA PackSafe chart draws a bright line: installed batteries under 100 Wh may fly anywhere, but spare lithium batteries are cabin‑only.
The TSA “What Can I Bring?” list repeats the ban for power banks and phone chargers in the hold.
Internationally, IATA tells airlines to forbid any checked bag with an irremovable battery that can charge devices.
Why Spare Cells Are Treated Differently
Loose batteries overheat faster during a short circuit. Cargo fire suppression struggles to stop a lithium thermal run‑away. Cabin crews carry extinguishers and can douse smoke quickly; loaders down below cannot.
Hidden Risks When You Check A Charger
Physical stress: Baggage drops reach 60 g of force. A cracked brick may expose wiring.
Temperature swings: Holds drop near freezing on long hauls; condensation corrodes contacts.
Delayed security: If X‑ray staff see a dubious gadget, your suitcase may be opened, delaying the flight.
Those hazards explain why the FAA asks travelers to carry any charger that doubles as a battery pack in the cabin.
Airline Rules Side‑By‑Side
Carriers echo federal guidance yet add their own twists—especially on “smart” bags with built‑in power banks.
| Airline | Checked Charger Brick | Smart Bag Battery Rule |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Allowed | Battery must be removable or bag stays in cabin [link] |
| Delta Air Lines | Allowed | Remove battery before checking smart bag [policy] |
| United Airlines | Allowed | Follows FAA/IATA removable‑battery rule |
Safe Packing Checklist
Pull spare batteries. Stash any USB‑C power bank, external laptop battery, or hot‑swap module in your carry‑on.
Protect the cord. Coil the cable loosely and secure with a Velcro tie—tight loops strain the copper.
Insulate metal pins. Slip the plug into a small pouch or wrap with a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
Use a surge sleeve. Some chargers include a silicone jacket that absorbs drops.
Label high‑watt bricks. Customs agents in some regions ask for watt‑hour ratings; a sharpie mark speeds the process.
Fire‑Safe Tips For The Cabin
Carry‑on space is finite, yet cabin placement is vital for anything with cells over 100 Wh. Keep the charger near your feet, not overhead, so you can spot heat or odor fast. If you notice hissing or swelling, unplug immediately and alert crew.
The New York Post noted seven cabin fires in 2025 tied to battery packs; vigilance matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a charger count toward my lithium battery limit?
A plain brick with no power‑bank feature is exempt. Spare batteries count toward the FAA two‑spare, 101‑160 Wh limit.
What about chargers with built‑in UPS cells?
If the adapter can run your laptop without wall power, treat it as a power bank and carry it on.
Are Apple MagSafe or Surface magnetic bricks allowed in the hold?
Yes, those contain only transformers, no cells. Pack them snugly in clothing to cushion the prongs.
Key Takeaways
- The plug and transformer pose low risk and may sit in the hold.
- Any loose or built‑in lithium battery belongs in the cabin.
- Check your airline’s smart‑bag policy before your trip.
- Wrap, cushion, and label your gear for a drama‑free arrival.
Stick to those steps and your laptop charger will land as safely as you do.