Yes, wall chargers and cables fit in checked bags, but lithium power banks must stay in carry-on under TSA and airline rules.
Why Rules Differ Between Chargers And Batteries
Phone chargers come in two broad flavours: simple cable-and-brick kits and portable power banks. The brick and cable set has no battery, so officials label it as an inert electronic accessory. Power banks hold lithium cells that can ignite if crushed, bent, or shorted, so regulators insist they stay in the cabin for quick crew action. The TSA chart lists wall chargers as allowed in checked bags while banning spare lithium packs there. The FAA PackSafe guide repeats that rule and notes that loosened batteries need taped terminals.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Checked Bag | Carry-On |
|---|---|---|
| Wall charger block | Yes | Yes |
| USB or Lightning cable | Yes | Yes |
| Power bank < 100 Wh | No | Yes |
| Power bank 100 – 160 Wh (airline OK needed) | No | Yes |
| Wireless charger pad (no cell) | Yes | Yes |
Packing Wall Chargers Safely
Even though a charger brick has no battery, baggage holds still bounce. Wrap the prongs, tuck the unit in a soft pouch, and keep leads coiled. A tidy kit avoids scratches on screens and stops bent pins that can spark when you plug in later.
Why Airlines Ban Power Banks Below The Floor
A lithium cell burns hotter than a gas lighter. Cargo crews cannot reach the hold in flight, so a small flame could turn into cabin smoke before alarms trigger. IATA guidance warns that recharging or loose banks raise danger and must stay with travellers.
Regional Rule Highlights
The core rule is global, yet some carriers add twists of their own. Delta limits each flyer to two spare batteries between 100 and 160 Wh. Emirates bars smart bags unless the battery can be removed and carried on board. Ryanair lets you bring up to twenty loose cells but only in hand baggage. The UK Civil Aviation Authority says any battery device in checked cases needs a hard switch guard.
Airline Checks At A Glance
| Airline | Spare Battery Limit | Wall Charger Block |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 2 × 100-160 Wh | Allowed in hold |
| Emirates | Battery out of smart bag | Allowed in hold |
| Ryanair | 20 loose cells hand cabin | Allowed in hold |
| US Domestic (FAA) | No loose cells in hold | Allowed in hold |
Tips For Smooth Screening
- Place the charger kit near the top of the suitcase; officers can inspect without digging through clothes.
- Keep a photo of watt-hour markings on your power bank in case gate staff ask.
- Coil cables with a reusable tie so X-ray staff spot clear loops.
What Happens If You Pack A Power Bank In Error
If a scanner flags a battery in checked baggage, staff open the bag, remove the item, tag it, and hand it to you at the gate when time allows. Some hubs may leave it behind for pickup on return. FAA rules state banks above 160 Wh cannot fly at all.
Common Charger Myths
“A phone charger is a battery pack”
A wall charger only moves current; it stores none, so it gets the same treatment as a hair dryer.
“Small banks under 100 Wh can go in the hold”
No. TSA’s list bans any spare lithium, no size noted.
“Airline staff won’t notice”
Modern scanners show battery density in a distinct colour, so a hidden cell pops out at once.
Voltage And Plug Types Abroad
North American outlets push 120 V while Europe, Asia, and much of Africa sit near 230 V. A modern phone charger brick is switch-mode, handling 100-240 V without effort, so no bulky converter is needed. Check the tiny print on the label; if you read “100-240 V 50-60 Hz” you are ready to go.
Smart Suitcases With Built-In Chargers
Many brands sell wheeled bags with a built-in bank and external USB ports. They look neat on the sales page, yet they trigger extra checks. The cell sits near the handle, not deep in the frame, so staff ask you to eject it before check-in. Emirates says a smart bag with a battery that cannot be removed stays off the flight.
Once the cell is removed, slip it in a clear pouch and treat it like any other power bank. Airlines still count it toward the spare battery allowance. Some smart bags use packs above 100 Wh to run laptop chargers. Seek the watt-hour mark near the USB board. If it reads above 160 Wh, ship by courier instead.
Damaged Gear And Fire Claims
Crushed cables or chipped connector shells can short a port and raise heat. The FAA lists battery fires among top cabin incidents in recent years. Australia’s ACCC even recalled thousands of banks after burns and house damage. A charred mark on the casing or a bulge around the cell is a clear sign to recycle the unit. Never pack a swollen bank, even in hand baggage.
Loose coins or keys rubbing on USB pins can spark. Wrap each plug or use a rugged cap sold in hobby shops. A silicone cap cuts the chance of melted gear and keeps dust away. Do the same with spare SIM tools and any metal accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Airport Security Ask Me To Show The Charger?
Screeners may pull aside a bag if X-ray images look dense. A clear pouch lets them see the outline in seconds, so the search ends fast.
Are Wireless Charging Pads Treated As Batteries?
If the pad has no cell inside, rules match a wall brick. Some travel pads hide a thin bank under the coil; that counts as a spare battery and must ride in the cabin.
What About Solar Power Banks?
Panel units still hold lithium cells, so the location rule stays. Fold the panels and place the bank in a seat-back pocket once on board to keep light off it.
Can I Check A Laptop Charger?
Yes, the AC adapter and cord ship like a phone brick. Any spare laptop battery must remain with you.
Do Foreign Airlines Follow The Same Watt-Hour Caps?
Yes. IATA sets the base rule used by every civil carrier. Some carriers ask you to tell them if you carry banks above 100 Wh.
Are USB-C GaN Fast Chargers Safe In The Hold?
Gallium nitride models run cooler, yet the rule treats them like older silicon bricks because no cell sits inside. Pack them deep so weighty items cannot crush the prongs.
Quick Recap Before You Zip The Case
- Wall bricks and wires can ride below.
- No bank, smart bag cell, or spare lithium pack in the hold.
- Check watt-hours; ask the airline if above 100 Wh.
- Remove any swollen or recalled unit from your travel kit.
Happy charging trips start now. With these notes you can cruise through screening and land ready to post that holiday snap without hunting for an outlet.