Can You Bring a Phone Charger on a Plane?
Category: Electronics & Batteries
Yes — you can bring phone charger & cables on a plane in your carry-on luggage. Cables/wall bricks: both bags, no battery = no battery rules.
Verified against published 2026 TSA (United States) & CATSA (Canada) security screening databases.
On this page · 9 sections
⚖️ Why This Rule Exists: Aviation Cargo Fire Safety & Thermal Runaway Regulations (49 CFR § 175.10)
Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway if crushed, short-circuited, or overheated. Because aircraft cargo fire suppression systems (Halon 1301) cannot reliably extinguish an uncontained lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, aviation safety regulations (FAA Pack Safe and ICAO Annex 18) require spare batteries and portable electronics to be transported in the passenger cabin where flight attendants can promptly deploy thermal containment bags.
Rules by security authority
United States — TSA
Cabin:
YES
Yes — wall chargers and cables have no battery and pass freely in the cabin.
Hold:
YES
Yes for plain chargers and cables; power banks and battery-pack chargers are cabin-ONLY — never checked.
Flying internationally? Security follows the country you depart from — the authority above applies at your departure airport. Customs at arrival is separate.
🔍 Security Checkpoint & X-Ray Screening Advice
In standard 2D X-ray lanes, remove laptops and large power banks from your bag and place them flat in a dedicated bin with nothing above or below them. In modern 3D CT scanner lanes, they may remain packed inside your carry-on bag.
Learn more about scanner differences and traveler rights in our Airport Security Screening Guide →
⚠️ Common Traveler Mistake to Avoid
How to Avoid It: Always keep all spare batteries, power banks, and portable chargers in your personal item backpack so they stay with you in the aircraft cabin.
How to Pack Phone Charger & Cables for a Flight
Phone Charger & Cables on a plane — FAQs
Can you bring a Phone Charger in a carry-on?
Yes — wall chargers and cables have no battery and pass freely in the cabin.
Can you pack a Phone Charger in checked luggage?
Yes for plain chargers and cables; power banks and battery-pack chargers are cabin-ONLY — never checked.
Why are there rules for a phone charger on a plane?
Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway if crushed, short-circuited, or overheated. Because aircraft cargo fire suppression systems (Halon 1301) cannot reliably extinguish an uncontained lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, aviation safety regulations (FAA Pack Safe and ICAO Annex 18) require spare batteries and portable electronics to be transported in the passenger cabin where flight attendants can promptly deploy thermal containment bags.
Can I put my phone charger in checked luggage?
Yes — a plain wall charger or cable has no battery and is fine in the hold. Anything containing a lithium battery (power bank, battery case) must ride in the cabin instead.
Last verified:
Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →