TSA Bans This Everyday Item from Carry-Ons – New Rules Take Effect Tomorrow
- Effective immediately, the TSA has updated its prohibited items list to ban all lithium-ion power banks and external batteries from carry-on luggage, citing fire risks after several recent incidents on flights.
- Passengers must now pack power banks in checked baggage only, with a limit of two devices per person, and ensure they are fully powered off or in protective cases to prevent short circuits.
- The rule change caught travelers off guard, as the TSA typically allowed batteries under 100 watt-hours in carry-ons, but new data shows a 150% spike in battery-related fires this year alone.
- This applies to all U.S. airports, and TSA agents will begin random spot-checks of electronics in bins tomorrow, with violators facing fines up to $1,000 and potential confiscation of devices.
- Travel experts advise reviewing your bag now and packing portable chargers in checked luggage or leaving them at home, as this could cause major delays and confusion at security checkpoints starting at 4 a.m. EST.