TSA took my go-to power bank. Now I pack these chargers instead
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I'm very meticulous when packing my personal carry-on — and as someone who's taken more than 40 flights over the last three years, I like to think I'm pretty good at it.
But ahead of one of my last travel days, I was confronted with a nightmare TSA experience : with my plane already boarding and my phone's battery dwindling, I watched as a security agent confiscated my go-to portable charger. I then later discovered that under new airline rules for power banks, it was no longer a reliable option.
My experience wasn't an anomaly; amid growing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries , many major airlines are implementing new limits on portable chargers, including Delta Airlines, American Airlines , and Southwest Airlines.
Luckily, I found plenty of TSA-approved portable chargers at Amazon — many of which are even on sale thanks to ongoing Amazon Labor Day deals . Ahead, see which models I'd recommend for any fall travel and shop more portable charger deals below:
â–ºRelated: I found 10 Labor Day deals travelers and home cooks should shop first
Shop Labor Day deals on TSA-approved portable chargers
Anker Power Bank
Among the most popular Amazon portable chargers, this Anker power bank features a handy dual-port setup that allows travelers to simultaneously charge two devices.
10000mAh Wireless Portable Charger with Foldable Stand
Besides its powerful quick-charging design, this Magsafe Power Bank is especially handy for in-flight use, thanks to its foldable stand which can be perched atop a plane tray table and offer a secure place to hold your phone. It's one of the best Labor Day deals on portable chargers I've seen, and with over 4,000 Amazon shoppers buying one last month alone, it's a travel gadget that's sure to sell out fast.
Blavor Solar Power Bank
Built to withstand rugged adventures and even the most turbulent flights, this Blavor Solar Power Bank is a great option to charge before your flight and then use as needed throughout or after you de-board. It's equipped with a wireless charging pad that's super handy, and Amazon shoppers say they love its "battery indicator" in particular, which lets you know where the portable power bank is on battery life.
Iniu 20000mAh Laptop Power Bank
Wallet-sized with enough power to keep your laptop's battery at full charge, this small but mighty Iniu Power Bank is perfect for airplane travel — with 65W Triple-Port Charging that can recharge all of your devices, without taking up too much space in a standard carry-on bag.
Why are major airlines implementing new restrictions on portable chargers for flights?
Battery overheating incidents have become more common on flights in recent years, forcing major airlines like Delta, American, and more to crack down on their power bank regulations.
What are the current FAA rules for traveling with portable chargers?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has several key rules for flying with power banks. The ones to know:
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For carry-on use only:No matter their size or watt power, all portable chargers, power banks, and external batteries must be stored in your carry-on bag, as they contain lithium-ion batteries that are prohibited within checked bags.
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There are in-flight rules to follow:Even if you store them in your personal carry-on bag, many major airlines now require that travelers keep their power banks visible while in use, and some even prohibit travelers from charging devices with these gadgets mid-flight.
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Short-circuit protection:Travelers are advised to keep their portable chargers within its original retail packaging in order to prevent contact with metal.
[ â–ºRelated: 6 TSA carry-on rules that shock even the most frequent flyers ]
What are the dates for Amazon's Labor Day sale 2026?
Amazon's Labor Day sale is live now through Monday, Sept. 7, giving shoppers a chance to score sitewide deals worth up to 50% off across tech, home, beauty, and more.
Shop today's Amazon Labor Day deals
This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: TSA took my go-to power bank. Now I pack these chargers instead
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