TSA’s New Luggage Ban Hits Travelers Hard Across The US With Carry-On Only Rule Still Causing Confusion And Surprises

Published on May 29, 2025

The TSA has issued a new warning across the US, banning a popular item from checked luggage, while the “Carry-On Only” policy continues to confuse travelers.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a warning to travelers after banning a commonly carried item from checked luggage. Power banks and lithium batteries are now prohibited in checked baggage due to a series of incidents involving fires and explosions. This move comes in response to safety concerns that have arisen from these dangerous devices causing hazards on flights.

Although the TSA has banned power banks and lithium batteries from checked luggage, passengers are still allowed to bring them on board. However, these items must be carried in the cabin as part of their carry-on luggage. The rationale behind this decision is that if any overheating or fire-related incidents occur, cabin crew can quickly respond to prevent escalation, especially with lithium-ion batteries, which are known to be volatile under certain conditions.

The prohibition is not a recent development. In 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a ban on spare, uninstalled lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage. However, as incidents involving these batteries continued to occur, the regulations have been extended to include power banks and cell phone battery cases in carry-on bags. Passengers now need to be extra cautious about which items they bring on their flights.

The following items are now prohibited from being packed in checked luggage:

• Power banks
• Cell phone battery charging cases
• Both rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries
• Cell phone batteries
• Laptop batteries
• External batteries
• Portable rechargers

Travelers are advised to ensure that any devices with lithium-ion batteries, including the aforementioned items, are stored safely in their carry-on bags. This move aims to protect both passengers and crew members from the risks posed by overheating and potential fires.

Southwest Airlines has become the first US carrier to mandate that passengers keep portable chargers and similar devices “visible” while traveling. This decision is part of the airline’s initiative to enhance safety during flight. By keeping these devices in clear view, flight attendants and crew members are better able to monitor the situation and react swiftly if a battery begins to overheat or shows signs of igniting. This proactive approach ensures that any safety issues are addressed immediately, reducing the risk of catastrophic incidents during the flight.

There have been previous incidents where lithium-ion batteries caused safety concerns during flights. One of the most notable events occurred in January, when a fire broke out on an Air Busan flight in South Korea, which led to the evacuation of nearly 180 passengers just before takeoff. This incident was traced back to a power bank with damaged insulation. The fire served as a stark reminder of the risks posed by power banks and lithium batteries when not handled properly. Following this, Air Busan took swift action to address the issue, banning the device from being placed in cabin bags. Instead, passengers were required to keep their power banks on their person at all times.

Travelers are also advised to exercise caution when handling their cell phones and other electronic devices during flights. A warning has been issued not to let cell phones fall into the gaps between seats, as this could also present a fire hazard. The danger lies in the fact that the batteries inside these devices are at risk of short-circuiting if they come into contact with metal or other objects in the seat gap, which could cause them to overheat or ignite.

These types of incidents are not new. In 2017, a cell phone caught fire on a United Airlines flight after it fell between the seats. A similar event took place a year later in 2018, when another fire broke out aboard a Delta Airlines flight due to a similar situation. While these incidents did not result in catastrophic consequences, they served as important learning experiences for the aviation industry and led to heightened awareness about the potential dangers of electronic devices during flights.

The TSA’s decision to ban power banks and lithium batteries from checked baggage reflects the growing awareness of the risks these items pose. While travelers are still allowed to bring these devices on board, they must do so in accordance with the updated regulations, keeping them in carry-on luggage and ensuring they remain visible during the flight. Airlines like Southwest are leading the way in ensuring the safety of passengers by encouraging visibility for portable chargers, and other airlines are likely to follow suit. With the increasing use of electronic devices by passengers, it is more important than ever for travelers to stay informed about the regulations in place to prevent incidents related to these devices and maintain a safe travel environment for everyone on board.