Power Banks

Lithium-ion batteries pose safety risks due to volatile liquid electrolytes, leading to incidents like exploding e-bikes and power bank fires. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is addressing these issues in 2025, but solid-state batteries remain unready.

A new safety campaign focuses on power banks during aircraft travel. The initiative emphasizes checking power banks before check-in to enhance safety. The campaign highlights concerns about potential risks associated with power banks on flights.

Lithium-ion power banks must be carried in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage, due to fire risks. Passengers can generally bring two power banks with up to 100 watt hours without airline approval, but larger ones require permission. Aviation authorities have tightened rules after incidents, including a 2025 Air Busan plane fire linked to lithium batteries.

The article reviews the best power banks of 2026, highlighting the author's testing of over 100 models. It emphasizes their utility for charging phones, laptops, handheld gaming consoles, and other electronics while traveling.