Essential Travel Tech: Keeping Your Devices Charged on the Go

Discover the best strategies and products to keep your electronics charged while traveling, including power bank recommendations and TSA guidelines.

Q: I’m traveling soon and plan to bring all the devices I usually use, including my smartphone, tablet and laptop. What should I buy to keep everything charged?

A: For domestic travel, a combination of one large and one small power bank, along with a foldable charging station, should suffice to keep your devices powered. Don’t forget your usual cables and wall adapters. International travelers should also pack an outlet adapter. And if you’re flying, be aware of TSA rules regarding electronics and external batteries.

Choosing the Right Power Bank for Travel

After testing numerous portable batteries, my current favorite is Anker’s Laptop Power Bank, which is versatile despite its name. I also carry smaller banks for lighter charging needs. When selecting a power bank, consider capacity, weight, and connections.

Capacity

Look for a power bank with at least 10,000mAh capacity. Note that a 10,000mAh bank won’t fully charge a 5,000mAh smartphone twice due to energy loss during conversion.

Weight

Higher capacity means more weight. The largest TSA-compliant batteries are 27,000mAh, weighing between two and 2.5 pounds.

Connections

Ensure your power bank has the necessary ports for your devices. Most have USB-C, but check for other types like USB-A for older devices.

Flying with Charging Accessories

TSA and FAA regulations require that spare batteries, including power banks, be carried in your carry-on luggage and must not exceed 100 watt-hours (roughly 27,000mAh). There’s no limit on the number of batteries, but they must be for personal use and protected from damage. Fast chargers, wall adapters, and cables can be packed in either checked or carry-on luggage.

For international flights, check the airline and airport policies, as rules may vary. Generally, spare batteries must be in carry-on bags, with some airports allowing up to 160Wh.

Remember, the final decision on what you can bring lies with the TSA agents, so it’s best to follow current guidelines closely.