Cropped image of a man waiting in airport lounge charging his phone using power bank before departure. – Photo courtesy of Getty/Debalina Ghosh
As someone who’s taken more than 40 flights over the last three years, I like to think I’m something of a pro when it comes to carry-on packing; I know exactly what items will get me through security without any hiccups, and what ones might get my bag pulled for extra inspection.
You can imagine my surprise when, while navigating the TSA line ahead of my last flight, I watched as a security agent confiscated my go-to portable charger, later informing me that under new airline rules for power banks, it was no longer a reliable option.
Turns out, I’m not the only traveler who has been affected by these new restrictions. Amid growing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, many major airlines are implementing new limits on portable chargers; Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are restricting the number of portable chargers customers can bring onboard, as well as their watt-hour capacity, while United Airlines is requiring passengers to keep their portable chargers within reach during flights, as opposed to in overhead bins.
If you’re planning on traveling this summer, there are some TSA-approved portable chargers you might want to consider purchasing ahead of your next flight, with many of the best power banks on sale ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2026. See which models I’d recommend and shop more portable charger deals below:
TSA-approved Anker Power Bank for travel on sale at Amazon. – Photo courtesy of Amazon
Among the most popular Amazon portable chargers, this Anker power bank features a handy dual-port setup that allows travelers to simultaneously charge two devices.
TSA-approved Wireless Portable Charger for travel on sale at Amazon. – Photo courtesy of Amazon
Besides its powerful quick-charging design, this Magsafe Power Bank is especially handy for in-flight use, thanks to its foldable stand which can be perched atop a plane tray table and offer a secure place to hold your phone. It’s one of the best early Prime Day deals on portable chargers I’ve seen, and with over 4,000 Amazon shoppers buying one last month alone, it’s a travel gadget that’s sure to sell out fast.
TSA-approved Blavor Solar Power Bank for travel on sale at Amazon. – Photo courtesy of Amazon
Built to withstand rugged adventures and even the most turbulent flights, this Blavor Solar Power Bank is a great option to charge before your flight and then use as needed throughout or after you de-board. It’s equipped with a wireless charging pad that’s super handy, and Amazon shoppers say they love its “battery indicator” in particular, which lets you know where the portable power bank is on battery life.
TSA-approved INIU Laptop Power Bank for travel on sale at Amazon. – Photo courtesy of Amazon
Wallet-sized with enough power to keep your laptop’s battery at full charge, this small but mighty Iniu Power Bank is perfect for airplane travel — with 65W Triple-Port Charging that can recharge all of your devices, without taking up too much space in a standard carry-on bag.
Why are major airlines implementing new restrictions on portable chargers for flights?
Battery overheating incidents have become more common on flights in recent years, forcing major airlines like Delta, American, and more to crack down on their power bank regulations.
What are the current FAA rules for traveling with portable chargers?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has several key rules for flying with power banks. The ones to know:
- For carry-on use only: No matter their size or watt power, all portable chargers, power banks, and external batteries must be stored in your carry-on bag, as they contain lithium-ion batteries that are prohibited within checked bags.
- There are in-flight rules to follow: Even if you store them in your personal carry-on bag, many major airlines now require that travelers keep their power banks visible while in use, and some even prohibit travelers from charging devices with these gadgets mid-flight.
- Short-circuit protection: Travelers are advised to keep their portable chargers within its original retail packaging in order to prevent contact with metal.
