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Airline electronic device rules for power banks, e‑cigarettes and smart luggage
Airlines have clarified handling rules for five common electronic devices, including power banks, e‑cigarettes, smart luggage, electric toothbrushes and smartphones. The guidance applies immediately and affects all passengers carrying these items on commercial flights.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Specific limits and storage rules for five electronic devices are now detailed
- Timing
- Guidelines take effect immediately
- Who is affected
- All airline passengers carrying the listed devices
The details
Devices covered by the new guidance
Technical reports list five electronic items that travellers use daily and that can trigger additional security checks or baggage inspections. The devices are power banks, electronic cigarettes, smart luggage, electric toothbrushes and mobile phones. Each item is subject to specific handling requirements that vary by airline and safety regulations.
- Power banks contain lithium‑ion cells and are limited by capacity.
- Electronic cigarettes must remain in the cabin and cannot be used or charged during flight.
- Smart luggage with built‑in batteries may need the battery removed before checked‑in.
- Electric toothbrushes should be switched off and secured to avoid accidental activation.
- Some smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, are completely banned from aircraft.
Battery capacity limits and storage rules
Airlines allow lithium‑ion batteries up to 100 Wh in carry‑on baggage, provided they stay inside the passenger’s personal item. A typical 20 000 mAh power bank equals about 74 Wh and fits within this limit. Batteries larger than 100 Wh require prior airline approval, and most carriers cap the number at two per passenger.
Non‑rechargeable lithium metal batteries must not exceed 2 g of lithium per cell. Travelers should verify the lithium content printed on the device before packing to avoid confiscation.
- Carry‑on only: batteries ≤100 Wh
- Approval needed: batteries >100 Wh, max two per passenger
- Lithium metal cells ≤2 g per battery
Airline‑specific requirements and enforcement
Airline policies differ, so passengers must check the carrier they are flying with. Southwest Airlines, for example, permits up to two e‑cigarettes per traveller, while American Airlines and Delta have banned certain electric luggage models that cannot have their batteries detached. Security staff may request separate inspection of smartphones and may even power‑on devices to confirm functionality.
Additional measures include removing batteries from smart luggage before placing it in checked cargo and ensuring electric toothbrushes are turned off to prevent accidental vibration that could attract security attention.
- Southwest: max two e‑cigarettes per passenger
- American and Delta: ban on specific electric luggage types
- Security may power‑on phones for verification
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Passengers must verify that power banks are under 100 Wh and keep them in carry‑on bags.
- E‑cigarettes need to be placed in the cabin and cannot be used or charged during the flight.
- Smart luggage may require battery removal before checking in, affecting packing order.
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are introduced for carrying the listed devices.
- No new forms or permits are required unless a battery exceeds 100 Wh, in which case airline approval is needed.
What you need to do
- Check the airline’s specific policy for each device before departure.
- Ensure power banks and other lithium batteries are labeled with their capacity.
- Turn off and secure electric toothbrushes and other devices that could activate unintentionally.
Who this affects
-
Power bank users
Lithium‑ion batteries above 100 Wh need airline approval and must stay in carry‑on baggage.
What to do Confirm battery capacity and keep the power bank in a personal item.
-
E‑cigarette travellers
Safety rules require e‑cigarettes to be carried in the cabin and prohibit use or charging on board.
What to do Place e‑cigarettes in carry‑on and do not use them during the flight.
-
Smart luggage owners
Integrated batteries may need to be detached before checked‑in to meet airline safety standards.
What to do Remove or disable the battery according to the airline’s instructions.
-
Electric toothbrush owners
Accidental activation can trigger additional security inspection.
What to do Switch off the device and secure the power button before packing.
-
Smartphone passengers
Some phone models are banned and security may require separate testing.
What to do Verify that the phone model is allowed and be prepared for possible inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a power bank in my checked luggage?
No, power banks must be carried in the cabin. Only batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed in hand luggage, and larger capacities need airline approval and must remain in the passenger’s personal item.
How many e‑cigarettes can I take on a Southwest flight?
Southwest permits up to two e‑cigarettes per passenger, provided they are kept in the cabin and are not used or charged during the flight.
Do I need to remove the battery from smart luggage before checking it in?
Yes, most airlines require the battery to be detached or disabled before placing smart luggage in checked cargo, to comply with safety regulations.
Are electric toothbrushes allowed in carry‑on bags?
Electric toothbrushes are allowed, but they must be switched off and secured to prevent accidental activation that could trigger extra security checks.
Why is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 banned on flights?
The Galaxy Note 7 is prohibited because its battery has a history of overheating and catching fire, leading airlines to ban it from both cabin and checked baggage.
What should I do if my battery exceeds 100 Wh?
Batteries larger than 100 Wh require prior approval from the airline and are typically limited to two per passenger, kept in carry‑on luggage only.
