New rule on flights: which portable chargers can be carried in the cabin and which ones are prohibited

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), an organization that regulates aviation in 193 countries, introduced new standards that directly impact how portable batteries, both for cell phones and laptops, are transported and used. The decision, which applies from March 27, 2026, was not arbitrary: it responds to a growing problem linked to security in flight environments.

In practice, this implies a change in habits for millions of users worldwide. What was once as simple as connecting your cell phone while traveling is now restricted.

One of the most important points of the update is that the external batteries They can no longer be used inside the plane. According to the Regulation of Dangerous Goods of the International Air Transport Associationportable batteries must remain off during the entire journey.

This means that they cannot be used to charge devices in the cabin or nor take advantage of the USB ports on the seat to recharge them. Its use is limited to the airport, both before boarding and after landing.

In line with these regulations, airline sources LATAM Airlines they pointed to Clarion that external batteries are allowed “exclusively in hand luggage and Under no circumstances can they be shipped from the warehouse.“.

In addition, they recommend transporting them safely, individually protected to avoid short circuits, either in their original packaging, with insulated terminals or inside a case. During the flight, they should not be used in critical phases such as takeoff or landing, nor charged from the seat ports.

For its part, Air France y KLM They recognize that the restrictions are even stricter regarding handling in the cabin. “Power banks are not only prohibited in checked baggage, but they also cannot be placed in overhead compartments. They must always remain under the passenger’s supervision and be easily accessible,” they noted in this regard.

These European airlines also explicitly prohibit its use or recharging during the flight. In terms of quantities, they allow up to 20 external batteries of up to 100 Wh to be transported, while those up to 160 Wh require prior authorization. Above that limit, they are not allowed in any case.

One of the points that generates the most confusion is that these portable chargers They do not usually indicate their capacity in Whbut in milliamp hours (mAh). For the average user, that makes it more difficult to know if the device is within the permitted limits.

The conversion exists and is relatively simple, but requires also know the voltage of the equipmenta fact that is not always visible. To calculate it, you must multiply the milliamp hours by the voltage and divide the result by 1,000. For example, a 10,000 mAh 5V battery is equivalent to about 50 Wh, within the allowed range.

As a general reference, batteries below 27,000 mAh They usually comply with regulations, although it is always a good idea to check the product label before traveling.

On the other hand, this leaves many high-capacity batteries, especially those designed for load notebooks or more demanding equipment.

Most of the designed power banks fall within the range enabled to be carried in the cabin. The list highlights the Samsung Galaxy EB-U2510, Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD, Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro or the Belkin BoostCharge 10K.

The tightening of regulations has a clear background. Lithium ion batteries can go into a process known as thermal runawaya reaction that generates extreme heat and can lead to fires.

The collapse of a lithium-ion battery can be initiated by multiple causes: from a blow or puncture, to manufacturing defects, overcharging or exposure to heat. Once it starts, it’s very hard to stop.because the battery itself generates the heat and gases that fuel the reaction.

One of the most emblematic cases was that of Samsung Galaxy Note 7removed from the market in 2016 after multiple incidents with defective batteries. The device was banned from flights by authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), setting a precedent in the industry.

Far from being a hypothesis, incidents with lithium batteries are growing in aviation. FAA data shows that in 2024, 89 episodes confirmed on flightswith devices that emitted smoke, fire or extreme heat

Within these cases, external batteries and power packs themselves topped the list, followed by cell phones, electronic cigarettes and laptops. That is, the same devices that passengers carry every day in their backpack.

In parallel, there were also specific incidents on commercial flights. In 2025, for example, a powerbank suddenly caught fire inside the cabin of a KLM international flightgenerating smoke and forcing the crew to activate emergency protocols. Everything was recorded in a video recorded by Brazilian journalist Simone Malagoli, which quickly went viral on social networks.

Since then, reports of incidents with batteries – including power banks – have been monitored, leading to stricter regulations globally.