The accessory you use on every trip has been banned during the entire flight by many airlines.

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After a fire caused by one of these portable chargers in the cabin of a South Korean Air Busan aircraft, some of the most important aviation brands have decided to further tighten the rules (in Europe) on items that can be carried in the cabin and hold.

So, from now on, be warned: if you usually travel with external batteries (commonly known as power banks or chargers), these can no longer be placed in the hold, and some of these devices may also be prohibited in the cabin, next to you, depending on their power capacity.

The new rules for power banks and batteries

@nick-shandra

There’s no denying that, for most people, the hustle and bustle of baggage checks at airport security gates is one of the most stressful moments of the trip. Between taking off your shoes and separating liquids, there is one item that continues to cause some confusion and delays: power banks.

Contrary to what you might assume, these types of electronic devices cannot be checked in your luggage, especially for the reason we mentioned above: lithium batteries can overheat or short-circuit , which could cause a fire in an area that is not easily accessible to the crew , who in the cabin will know how to deal with this type of incident.

Therefore, make sure you carry this type of portable charger in your carry-on luggage; if you put it in your checked luggage, your baggage will most likely be held or opened by airport security authorities.

But don’t worry, not all power banks are allowed in carry-on luggage. Let’s find out what you can take with you and what has to stay on the ground.

What chargers can you carry in your carry-on baggage?

@cdc

Although you can carry these types of items in the cabin, with you or under the seat and never in the overhead compartment, the truth is that not all of them are allowed:

• Up to 100 Wh
  • Most common power banks (up to approximately 27,000 mAh) are allowed without prior authorization;
• Between 100 Wh and 160 Wh
  • Generally require airline approval;
• Above 160 Wh
  • Strictly prohibited on passenger flights.

Similarly, even if you can carry them with you (up to two of these devices), you cannot use them during the flight: it is recommended that you charge your electronic devices before boarding, or you can charge them using the USB ports installed on the plane itself.

Secret Lisbon tip: check the label on the back of your device; if the voltage and capacity are not legible, security may confiscate it because they cannot verify compliance.

These rules apply to all flights operated by the following airlines:

• Air France
• Swiss Airlines
• Eurowings
• Austrian Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Air Dolomiti
• Emirates
• Cathay Pacific
• China Airlines
• EVA Air
• Singapore Airlines
• Korean Air
• Thai Airways

Prohibited items

@shutterstock

In addition to the necessary precautions with this type of portable battery, there are other products or items that are not allowed in the cabin and that should be kept in mind:

• Cheeses and sausages
  • If you are taking Queijo da Serra or Camembert cheese with you, remember that security considers them to be liquids. If they are creamy or spreadable, they must be placed in the hold or they will be confiscated. Cured and hard cheeses are allowed without any problems.
• Tools and DIY items
  • Did you buy a small box cutter or screwdriver for a quick repair? Even if they seem harmless, any tool with a blade or shaft longer than 6 centimeters will be prohibited in the cabin.
• Liquids
  • After September 11, everyone had to do the math, and there have been some changes: several European airports that had relaxed the rules on liquids due to new 3D scanners have reintroduced the 100 ml limit in transparent bags.
• Lighters and matches
  • Only one lighter per person is allowed, and it must be carried in your pocket (close to your body) and never in your bag, whether it is hand luggage or checked baggage.

In summary:

1. Power banks: up to a maximum of two, always in your hand luggage, never in your checked luggage (and be careful with the capacity);
2. Liquids: maximum 100 ml per bottle, totaling 1 liter;
3. Sharp objects: small nail scissors are allowed (blades longer than 6cm are not), but tools are not;
4. Food: solids yes, creamy foods no.

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