TSA Issues Emergency Ban on Power Banks in Checked Luggage, Before Memorial Day Travel Surge, Lithium Battery Risk Grounds Holiday Essentials, What You Need To Know

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

The TSA just dropped a bombshell. The TSA issued an emergency ban on power banks in checked luggage. This TSA emergency ban comes just days before the Memorial Day travel surge. The timing is critical. The TSA’s emergency ban now grounds power banks, battery chargers, and essential tech for holiday travelers. Power banks are no longer allowed in checked bags. Power banks must now go into carry-on luggage only.

The TSA emergency ban isn’t optional. It’s urgent. The TSA acted fast before the Memorial Day travel surge begins. Memorial Day is one of the biggest travel weekends of the year. But now, power banks in checked bags are banned. The ban is linked to lithium battery risk. The lithium battery risk is real. The lithium battery risk involves fire. The lithium battery risk involves explosions. Lithium battery risk is now a flight safety emergency.

The Memorial Day travel surge will see millions packing bags, boarding planes, and heading to airports. But now, they must rethink their packing. The TSA emergency ban means no power banks in checked bags during the Memorial Day travel surge. Holiday essentials are grounded. Chargers, battery cases, and power packs must stay in the cabin.

This isn’t a warning. This is a rule. The TSA emergency ban on power banks during the Memorial Day travel surge is in effect. The lithium battery risk is too great. Travelers must adapt. Travelers must act now. Power banks are grounded—and this is what you need to know.

Travelers across the US and beyond are scrambling to adapt after a sweeping new TSA ban shocked the industry. As of this week, portable chargers, power banks, and any lithium batteries are strictly prohibited in checked luggage, under a new directive issued in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This critical safety policy comes amid growing concerns over fire hazards in aircraft cargo holds. But for travelers—especially during the peak summer season—this sudden change is causing chaos.

A Silent Travel Essential Suddenly Banned

Portable chargers and power banks are no longer allowed in checked luggage. Not some. Not certain models. All of them.

This affects nearly every traveler. Whether flying domestic or international, these portable devices—once packed out of habit—must now be kept in carry-on baggage only. If your bag is gate-checked or pulled planeside, you must remove these items or risk a violation.

The ban doesn’t just stop at power banks. The new rule also applies to:

• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
• Non-rechargeable lithium-metal batteries
• Battery charging cases
• Laptop batteries
• External phone rechargers
• E-cigarettes and vape pens

Each of these is now considered a potential fire threat when placed in checked luggage.

The Danger Behind the Ban: Thermal Runaway

Why the sudden urgency? The answer is rooted in science—and risk.

Lithium-ion batteries, especially when damaged, overheated, or improperly packed, are prone to thermal runaway. This process causes the battery to rapidly overheat and catch fire without warning. In the pressurized and confined cargo holds of an aircraft, such an event could go undetected until it’s too late.

Meanwhile, flight crews are trained to manage overheating or burning devices within the cabin, but fires in the belly of the plane remain a terrifying threat. As a result, the FAA has made it clear—these items must be accessible in-flight, where they can be monitored, handled, or disposed of safely in case of emergency.

Airport Confusion and Delays Mount

The ban has caught many passengers off guard. Security lines at major U.S. airports are already seeing longer wait times, as travelers are asked to repack or remove prohibited battery items from checked baggage. Gate agents and TSA staff are fielding hundreds of daily questions.

Moreover, ground staff are now forced to re-screen gate-checked luggage to ensure compliance. That means more delays, more repacking at the gate, and more chances for missed flights.

Travelers at Risk of Losing Devices

Those unaware of the rule are being forced to make a brutal choice: remove the battery or leave the device behind. Multiple passengers have already reported being forced to abandon power banks, charging cases, and even camera batteries during check-in or gate-side inspections.

For frequent flyers, business travelers, and influencers who rely heavily on mobile power sources, the ban is a blow. What was once a convenience is now a compliance issue—and ignoring it could cost you dearly.

Airlines and Airports Move Quickly

Major U.S. airlines including Delta, American, and United have updated their websites to reflect the rule. Notifications are being added to booking emails and boarding passes. Airports are rolling out new signage, warning passengers to remove lithium-powered items from all checked baggage.

Still, confusion lingers. With many travelers unaware of what counts as a lithium battery, the onus is on airlines and airports to ramp up communication before summer travel peaks.

Travel Platforms and Retailers Respond

Travel gear companies and luggage retailers are feeling the ripple. Brands that sell suitcases with built-in battery packs are now issuing urgent advisories. Some are even redesigning models with removable batteries, making it easier for passengers to comply.

Meanwhile, online travel platforms have started issuing pop-up reminders during the booking process, warning customers to pack batteries responsibly.

What You Must Do Before You Fly

If you’re packing for a trip, here’s your TSA-compliant battery checklist:

• Place all power banks and battery cases in your carry-on only
• Ensure battery terminals are protected from short circuits
• Do not pack loose lithium batteries in checked baggage
• Remove e-cigarettes and vapes from checked bags
• Alert crew immediately if your device is overheating, swelling, or smoking

Failing to follow these steps could result in delayed boarding, denied check-in, or even fines under FAA enforcement.

International Impact and Industry Shake-Up

This policy isn’t just U.S.-centric. The ban aligns with global aviation safety standards, meaning many international airports and airlines are adopting the same approach. If you’re flying with a foreign carrier, expect similar rules—and potentially even stricter enforcement.

The move has triggered a ripple effect across the global travel industry. Hotels, tour operators, and cruise lines are now updating their guest advisories. Business travel coordinators are issuing packing protocols to corporate teams. And travel insurance firms are assessing how this affects claims involving lost or confiscated battery-powered gear.

A New Era of “Battery-Conscious” Travel

As tech becomes more essential to modern travel, lithium battery safety is no longer a background issue. It’s front and center. From smartphones and laptops to smart luggage and camera drones, the future of travel will be shaped by battery regulations.

For travelers, this is the new normal. Pack smart. Read your airline’s policies. And keep your essential power gear close—in your carry-on, not your suitcase.

Because the next time you check your bag, your power bank might not be coming with you.