New Power Bank Flight Rules: Avoid These Common Mistakes!

New Power Bank Flight Rules: In today’s era of smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets, a power bank is an essential companion. Its necessity increases even more during travel. However, there are some specific rules for carrying a power bank on a flight that are often unknown to us. These rules are strictly enforced, especially at Indian airports. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in your power bank being confiscated, and you might even face a fine. Therefore, it is crucial to know these new rules regarding power banks in detail before your next flight.

Rules for Traveling on a Plane with a Power Bank

The rules for carrying a power bank on a flight are primarily for safety reasons. Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which can be hazardous in certain situations. Therefore, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have issued some guidelines.

Where to Keep the Power Bank?

The most important rule when traveling by plane is that the power bank must always be kept in your hand baggage or cabin bag. Under no circumstances should it be placed in your check-in luggage. This is because temperature and pressure changes in the cargo hold can pose a risk of the battery catching fire. If it’s in the cabin bag, the flight crew can take prompt action in case of any incident.

Rules Regarding the Capacity of the Power Bank

There are certain restrictions based on the capacity of the power bank. The capacity is usually measured in Watt-hours (Wh).

• Up to 100 Watt-hours (Wh): You can carry a power bank with a capacity of up to 100 Wh without any special permission. Most common power banks fall within this limit.
• 100 to 160 Watt-hours (Wh): If your power bank’s capacity is between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, you will need to get prior permission from the airline.
• Above 160 Watt-hours (Wh): Power banks with a capacity of more than 160 Wh are not allowed on flights.

How to Calculate Watt-hours (Wh)?

Many power banks have the capacity written in milliampere-hours (mAh) and voltage (V). A simple formula to calculate Watt-hours (Wh) is:

Wh = (mAh * V) / 1000

For example, if your power bank is 20,000 mAh and 5V, its capacity would be (20,000 * 5) / 1000 = 100 Wh.

Some Important Tips

• Information on the Power Bank: Ensure that the capacity (mAh and Wh) is clearly written on your power bank. If there is no information, it might be confiscated.
• Permission: If your power bank’s capacity is more than 100 Wh, contact the respective airline and get permission before your travel date.
• Safety: Keep the power bank in such a way that it does not come into contact with metal objects to avoid the risk of a short circuit.

Following these simple rules during your flight will make your journey safer and more pleasant.