FAA regulations state that spare lithium-ion batteries (which include portable chargers) must be carried in carry-on luggage only while TSA regulations require that portable chargers be placed in carry-on luggage or carried on your person. They are not allowed in checked luggage.

Yes, mobile chargers—including standard "wall warts," USB cables, and portable power banks—are not only allowed but are actually required to be in your cabin baggage in 2026. The lithium-ion batteries found in portable power banks are considered hazardous materials and are strictly prohibited from checked luggage due to the risk of "thermal runaway" (fire) in the cargo hold. In the cabin, if a battery catches fire, the crew can use specialized fire bags to extinguish it. However, there are limits: most airlines allow power banks with a capacity of up to 100 Watt-hours (Wh), which is approximately 27,000 mAh. If your charger is larger than 100Wh but less than 160Wh, you typically need airline approval to bring it on board. Any charger exceeding 160Wh is generally banned from passenger aircraft entirely. Additionally, you should ensure that the "Wh" rating is clearly printed on the device; if the capacity is not legible, security officers have the right to confiscate the battery. Standard wall plugs and cables have no such restrictions and can be placed in either carry-on or checked bags.