Smartphones are now indispensable wherever you go. Some of you must have started carrying a mobile battery to recharge your phone.
Mobile batteries are becoming a must-have item for travelers, but did you know that there are restrictions on checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to the Civil Aeronautics Act and the rules of each airline company?
In this article, we will explain the precautions to take when bringing a mobile battery on an overseas trip, as well as the requirements for bringing a mobile battery on domestic and international flights.
Table of Contents
- Mobile batteries are not allowed in checked baggage!
- How to choose a mobile battery to take with you on an international trip
- Conditions for mobile batteries that can be brought on board
- Stow your mobile battery in a case or pouch when you bring it on board!
- Super convenient! I heard there is a Wi-Fi rental that doubles as a mobile battery!
- Summary
Mobile batteries are not allowed in checked baggage!
The mobile battery itself has a lithium-ion battery. Since there is a possibility that the battery may generate heat or catch fire if subjected to a strong impact from the outside, it is classified as "dangerous goods" in air cargo. For this reason, they cannot be checked in with suitcases.
If you mistakenly check them in as baggage, you may be summoned for inspection by an announcer, or your suitcase may be opened without your permission and confiscated.
How to choose a mobile battery to take with you when traveling abroad
There are many types of mobile batteries, and the type you take will depend on how you use it. First, decide which type of mobile battery you will take on your trip abroad by referring to the table that summarizes the features of the three types: thin, normal, and high-capacity.
The table below is a general guideline with some common examples.
| Type | Thin type | Normal | High capacity |
| Appearance |  |
 |
 |
| Size | 126×64×10mm | 92 x 62 x 23mm | 80 x 92 x 23mm |
| Weight | 118g | 192g | 245g |
| Capacity | 5,000mAh | 10,050mAh | 13,400mAh |
| Maximum output | 2A | 2.4A | 2.1A |
| Approximate number of charge cycles | Approx. 1.7 times | Approx. 3.3 times | Approx. 4.3 times |
| Features | Lightest and thinnest of the three types, recommended for those who want to minimize their luggage | A typical smartphone or WiFi router can be fully charged approximately 3 times, so it is recommended for those who watch videos or use the map function on their smartphones. | One unit can be used plenty, so we recommend it for those who want to use it with friends and family, or for those who want to charge multiple devices such as smartphones and tablets. |
Requirements for mobile batteries that can be brought on board
If you wish to bring a mobile battery on board, you must follow the rules set by the airline you plan to fly with. The following is a summary of the rules for domestic and international flights as of July 2022, so you can check if there are any problems with the mobile battery you are bringing.
When bringing a mobile battery on a domestic flight
ANA, JAL, PEAK, and Jetstar have the following common rules.
- If the battery capacity is 100Wh or less, it can be carried on board without limitation on the number of pieces.
- If the battery capacity is greater than 100Wh and less than 160Wh, a maximum of two batteries may be carried on board.
In other words, any number of batteries up to 100Wh = approx. 27,028mAh can be carried on board.
All of the aforementioned thin, normal, and high-capacity mobile batteries are below the limit, so you can bring whatever you like.
Skymark Airlines has established rules as follows.
- A maximum of two lithium-ion batteries and two lithium metal batteries in total per person may be carried on board.
- Lithium ion batteries exceeding 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh may be carried on board up to 2 pieces per person if no other lithium batteries are carried on board
- Lithium metal batteries with a lithium content of 2g or less (8g or less for medical use) may be carried on board up to 2 pieces per person if no other lithium batteries are carried on board.
This is also a restriction for mobile batteries exceeding approximately 27,028mAh and less than 43,244mAh, so up to two thin, normal, high-capacity mobile batteries may be carried on board.
For more detailed conditions, please refer to each airline's carry-on baggage page.
When bringing a mobile battery on an international flight
As with domestic flights, most international flights have the following rules.
- If the battery capacity is 100Wh or less, it may be carried on board without limitation on the number of pieces.
- If the battery capacity exceeds 100Wh and is 160Wh or less, a maximum of two batteries may be carried on board.
In other words, any number of batteries up to 100Wh = approx. 27,028mAh can be carried on board.
However, some airlines may have detailed rules, such as limiting the number of mobile batteries under 100Wh (approx. 27,028mAh) that can be brought on board, or requiring permission for those exceeding 160Wh (43,244mAh). Below is an example of the rules of an international airline. Please check the website of the airline you are planning to fly with for reference.
| Airline name | 100Wh or less (less than approx. 27,028mAh) |
100Wh~160Wh (Approx. 27, 028mAh~43,244mAh) |
160Wh or more (more than about 43,244mAh) |
Official site |
| United Airlines | ✓ | ✓ | If you are traveling with a power wheelchair or other device, please check this page. | Click here for details |
| Delta Air Lines | ✓ up to 20 |
✓ up to 2 |
For more information | |
| Air France | ✓ up to 20 pieces |
✓ up to 2 pieces |
For more information | |
| ZIPAIR | ✓ | ✓ up to 2 pieces |
Details | |
| Korean Air | ✓ up to 20 pieces |
✓ up to 2 pieces |
Click here for details | |
| China Airlines | ✓ Up to 20 pieces (requires airline approval) |
✓ up to 2 pieces |
For more information |
Stow your mobile battery in a case or pouch when you bring it on board!
Did you know that you are required to take " short-circuit protection " when carrying mobile batteries on board, after meeting the requirements of each airline company?
Short-circuit protection is a measure to prevent accidents such as the mobile battery being accidentally activated or damaged due to a short circuit caused by touching other objects.
Specifically, you should turn off the power and then
- Put the battery in the same case as when it was purchased.
- Store the mobile battery in its own pouch.
- Wrap it in clothing to prevent it from touching other objects
Wrap the battery in clothing so that it does not touch other objects.
To prevent accidents, prepare them in advance when preparing for your trip as stipulated by each airline company.
Super convenient! I heard there is a Wi-Fi rental that doubles as a mobile battery!
We want to lighten our luggage as much as possible! If so, we recommend Telecom Square's Wi-Fi rental service, WiFiBOX.
When it comes time to follow the rules and bring a mobile battery on board, you may have trouble with too much luggage. There are so many things to bring on an overseas trip, including goods to make you comfortable on the plane and Wi-Fi essential for local communication! If you have to manage a mobile battery and Wi-Fi in a pouch, it will be bulky and a big baggage.
The Wi-FiBOX is an excellent solution that combines the functions of Wi-Fi and mobile battery in one device. After making a reservation on the web, simply pull out the Wi-Fi router from a box at the airport or other location, and you can easily rent it without waiting in line at the counter.
Enjoy traveling light with a little less luggage.
Click here to apply for WiFiBOX
Conclusion
This article has explained the conditions for bringing a mobile battery on board domestic and international flights.
Basically
- Cannot be checked in as baggage
- If the battery capacity is 100Wh or less, it can be carried on board without limitation on the number of pieces
- If the battery capacity exceeds 100Wh and is 160Wh or less, a maximum of two batteries may be carried on board.
However, each airline has its own regulations.
However, each airline has different regulations, so please check the official website of the airline you plan to fly with before preparing for your trip.
