Do You Need to Remove Chargers and Batteries at Airport Security?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires travelers to take out all electronics with lithium ion batteries from carry-on bags when going through security checkpoints. This includes power banks, portable chargers, spare camera batteries, and essentially any device that is battery-powered. They must be placed neatly in a bin for X-ray screening along with laptops, tablets, and other large personal electronics.
Why Lithium Ion Batteries Require Special Screening
Lithium ion battery technology allows consumer electronics to be compact yet powerful. However, aviation authorities recognize they can very rarely pose fire risks if damaged. Short circuits or overheating could have disastrous consequences if unchecked in airplane cargo holds.
For example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has documented over 250 air transportation incidents involving lithium batteries since 1991. The majority occurred as checked luggage was being loaded or unloaded. Fewer than 5% ignited mid-flight in the cabin, triggering onboard fire suppression systems. Still, the FAA supports policies that thoroughly screen anything with these batteries before allowing them onboard aircraft.
FAA data shows most lithium battery events occur during baggage handling, with fewer inflight.
By visually inspecting all portable electronics outside of bags, TSA officers can recognize if any devices seem damaged, defective, or potentially hazardous. This precaution especially protects against two worst-case scenarios:
Thermal runaway – Internal short circuits can trigger uncontrolled overheating meltdowns.
Undetected fires – Fires that ignite inside electronics may not be smelled or spotted right away.
While occurrences are still extremely rare, the safety risks are considered serious enough that major global airlines align with TSA guidance for carry-on electronics:
| Airline | Portable Electronic Policies |
|---|---|
| American | Power banks must be removed from carry-ons for screening |
| Delta | Spare lithium ion batteries cannot be checked; must come onboard |
| British Airways | Asks passengers to take out larger electronics from cabin bags |
| Air France | Requires devices with batteries be accessible for inspection |
What Other Electronics Get Special Treatment?
Along with power banks, chargers, and spare batteries, the TSA instructs travelers to take out the following electronic devices from carry-on bags for separate X-ray screening:
- Laptop computers
- Full-size video gaming systems
- Tablets (iPads, Kindle Fire)
- eReaders (Kindle Paperwhite)
- Portable DVD players
- Bluetooth speakers
- Handheld gaming units
Cell phones and small wearables (smart watches, fitness bands) can stay packed inside luggage during the process. TSA really wants to get a clear look at the internals of anything larger in physical size though, no matter how innocuous it may seem.
In 2021, gate agents, airline staff, and TSA officers specifically set aside over 8,500 bags for additional inspections due to electronics and power cells flagged in X-ray screening. About 42% of those bags contained property eventually determined to be harmless. But officials must verify to ensure prohibited weapons, explosives, or other threats are not being concealed.
Pros and Cons of Checking Batteries in Luggage
What about packing batteries and electronics in checked baggage to avoid the airport screening hassle?
The FAA actually recommends travelers avoid checking lithium-ion batteries when possible. As previously noted, most incidents happen as checked suitcases get roughly handled behind the scenes. Carry-ons accompany passengers onto the plane cabin, where any potential issues could be rapidly noticed and contained.
However, there are a few exceptions where you may prefer to put extra batteries in hold baggage:
Pros
- Less to remove from carry-on during security
- Lets you transport more lithium-ion devices
- Reduces risk of gadgets getting lost/stolen at the gate
Cons
- Increases safety risks if damaged during transit
- No access to battery-powered items inflight
- Must be packed expertly with protection
Ultimately there is no perfect solution. Frequent gamer travelers end up making situational choices based on the specifics of each trip.
TSA PreCheck Eases the Burden
The trusted traveler program TSA PreCheck allows expedited passage through security, with no need to unpack shoes, liquids, laptops, charging gear or light jackets. Membership costs $85 for five years and requires passing a background check.
Over 10 million passengers utilized PreCheck screening lanes last year. An astounding 92% waited less than 5 minutes to get through security, without fussing with electronics policies.
For gaming pros constantly hauling loads of consoles and accessories, TSA PreCheck is almost essential to smooth out the airport process. Some even enroll in both PreCheck and Global Entry ($100, 5 years) to maximize travel privileges across borders.
Tips for Flying with Electronics from Gaming Gurus
Between gaming laptops, Nintendo Switches, VR goggles, controllers, cables, and bricks, veteran video gamers traverse airports with mini command centers in tow. Here are their top tips for making security checks go quicker:
🎮 Always unpack gear neatly into bins open side up so officers can identify devices quicker
🎮 Separate messy cables/chargers into clear plastic bags to reduce tangled mess in X-ray machine views
🎮 Label cords, battery packs, dock connectors to avoid confusion if anything gets set aside for further scrutiny
🎮 Snap pics of your electronics setup before repacking bags post-screening to ensure nothing goes missing
🎮 Utilize TSA-compliant gadget bags with built-in battery storage pockets
🎮 Enroll in PreCheck or Global Entry to bypass electronics inspection queues
🎮 Arrive early! Having generous lead time lets you calmly handle screening delays
Safe travels, gamers! As always, reach out with any other airport security or travel tech questions.
