TSA is quietly cracking down on this common carry-on item — here's what to know By Alesandra Dubin for Yahoo.com

You’ve probably flown with it before without a problem, but now agents are pulling it from bags more often.

It’s one of the most common items packed in a traveler’s carry-on — small, lightweight, and seemingly harmless. It doesn’t trigger any obvious red flags, and it’s flown under the radar for years. But lately, more and more travelers are reporting that TSA agents are pulling this everyday item out of bags at security checkpoints, sometimes confiscating it on the spot. What is it? Portable chargers and power banks.

While these devices aren’t banned outright, they are subject to strict — and often overlooked — regulations that could cost travelers valuable time, or even their charger, at the airport.

According to the TSA, lithium-ion batteries must never be packed in checked luggage. In carry-on bags, they’re allowed — but only if they meet specific requirements. For example:

• The battery must be under 100 watt-hours (Wh) unless the airline gives explicit approval.

• The power bank must have a clearly visible label showing its watt-hour rating.

• Unlabeled, oversized, or suspicious-looking chargers are at risk of being confiscated.

• Carrying multiple devices may result in additional screening.

Many people are unaware of these technical restrictions, chargers sold online often fail to clearly list watt-hour specs, and some cases, the labeling is entirely absent. If TSA agents can’t verify the battery size, they may seize the item on the spot.

Social media posts show increasing reports of flyers being stopped for power banks they’ve flown with previously without issue. Enforcement tends to vary by airport, but with summer travel heating up, agents may be under extra pressure to follow the rules to the letter.

And it’s not just power banks getting attention. USB lighters, heated jackets, and certain laptop charging cases have also raised concerns due to their internal batteries.

What you should do:

• Choose power banks that are under 100Wh and clearly labeled.

• Stick to trusted brands with TSA-compliant specs.

• Never pack a power bank in checked luggage.

• Limit battery-powered items to avoid triggering extra screening.