This Is the 1 Common Travel Item You Should Never Put in Your Checked Bag-and It Can Be a Big Safety Issue

"Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only."

"Travelers specifically need to be wary of packing power banks because, unlike your phone or laptop, where the battery is integrated into a larger device with built-in safeguards, a power bank is essentially a compact energy storage unit designed to deliver charge on demand."

"Lithium-ion cells can pack a lot of energy into a small space, but they can go into thermal runaway, making them heat up quickly."

Lithium-ion batteries are common in travel tech, but packing them safely can be confusing. Spare lithium-ion batteries, including power banks and loose batteries, are prohibited in checked luggage. The Transportation Security Administration mandates that these items must be carried in carry-on baggage. This policy is based on risk management, as loose batteries can pose a greater risk of short circuits and thermal runaway. Devices with integrated batteries have built-in safeguards, unlike power banks, which can be hazardous if terminals contact metal objects.

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