Can You Charge Your Phone on a Plane? What You Need to Know

The Simple Answer is Yes! You can always charge your phone on a plane. Charging stations are available at airport terminals, and some airlines include power outlets or USB ports in their seats. However, keep in mind that not all planes have power options, so you may need to use a different charging method.

How Can You Charge Your Phone on a Plane?

Making Use of a Portable Power Bank

You might bring a “power bank” external battery with you and plug your phone into it to charge and keep your phone powered. Nowadays, I always keep one of these battery packs around. They come in a wide range of sizes, capacities, and prices.

Use the Charging Port in the Seat (Not Available in All Airlines)

Some planes provide in-seat power through a normal AC power adapter, similar to how a laptop plugs into the wall at home. In-seat charging ports may be an amenity depending on the airline and the specific plane.

Use Your Laptop as a Phone Charger.

Though this is not Rocket, we often overlook this choice when flying. Most recent laptops feature USB ports that can be configured to continually supply 5V power even when the laptop is turned off.

phone charging using a portable power bank

Do All Airlines Have Power Outlets?

Most airlines now have USB connections and outlets for charging electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops. However, some do not; therefore, it is always good to double-check with the various airlines if you want to charge your phones on flights.

The list below will give you a general idea of all major airlines and the availability of power outlets. (Please double-check with your airline before traveling, as this is subject to change without notice.)

Airline Availability of Power Outlets
Emirates Yes
Etihad Yes
American Airways Yes
British Airways Yes
Swiss Airways Yes
Virgin Atlantic Yes
Qantas Yes
Singapore Airlines Yes
Japan Airlines Yes
Air New Zealand Yes
Air France Yes
Air Canada Yes
Thai Airways Yes
Turkish Airlines Yes
Malaysian Airlines Yes
Cathay Pacific Yes
Sri Lankan Airlines Available in most flights
Oman Air Available in most flights
Air India Available in some flights
Fly Dubai Not Available
Garuda Airlines Yes
Delta Airlines Available on certain flight types only
Jet Blue Available on certain flight types only
Southwest Airlines Available on certain flight types only
Virgin America Yes
United AirlinesYes (still few flight types don’t have the power outlet)
Availability of power outlets in leading airlines
Can You Charge Your Phone on a Plane
Can You Charge Your Phone on a Plane

Is Mobile Charger (Portable Power Bank) Allowed in Flight?

On planes, mobile chargers and power banks are permitted. Mobile chargers can use the charging stations provided by several airlines.

In many circumstances, a USB charging port can be found on your seat or the seat in front of you. If your plane has no charging stations, a power bank is the best alternative because it charges your phone immediately. You do not need the main power supply.

However, keep in mind that some airlines and airports will not allow you to bring mobile chargers with Lithium batteries. So always double-check this, since if you don’t, they’ll confiscate your portable mobile charger.

Can I Take Phone Charger (Portable Power Bank) In Hand Luggage?

You can pack a phone charger in your carry-on. You can also transport a power bank in your hand luggage. You should, however, charge the power bank before bringing it to the airport.

Can I store my phone charger in my checked luggage?

You can, but only if it doesn’t have a lithium battery. However, remember that most airlines will not allow you to check in your portable power bank and will instead ask you to bring it on your hand luggage.

We hope that you got a clear idea about to the question can you charge your phone on a plane.

References

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/power-banks#:~:text=Portable%20chargers%20or%20power%20banks,FAA%20guidance%20on%20portable%20rechargers.

https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/more_info/?hazmat=7

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