See the world. Stay in yours. Here's everything you need to bring your gear along for the ride.
Earbuds in. Playlist queued. Power bank charged. You’ve prepared for the perfect flight, and your tech is a big part of that.
The good news: traveling with your personal electronics is easy. Airlines and the FAA have clear, straightforward rules for the devices most of us carry every day. The guidance is almost always the same: bring it on board, keep it in your carry-on, and enjoy the journey.
Here's what you need to know before you head to the gate.
The One Rule Simple Rule
Phones, earbuds, headphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, power banks — carry-on is generally the right place for all of it. Personal devices are permitted on most commercial flights, and keeping them in your carry-on is both the easiest and the broadly recommended approach.
The only times it gets more specific: spare batteries, power banks, and what to do when your carry-on gets gate-checked. We've got you covered on all of it below.
What the FAA Says
The Federal Aviation Administration sets the ground rules for all U.S. flights. For personal electronics, it's simple:
In your carry-on — generally yes
· Phones, earbuds, headphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and other personal devices: bring them on, no problem
· Spare batteries and power banks under 100 Wh: carry-on only (not checked bags)
· Higher-capacity batteries (101–160 Wh): carry-on only, with airline approval; limit of 2 per person
In checked bags — devices yes, spare batteries no
· Devices with batteries installed can be checked — just make sure they're fully powered off
· Loose spare batteries and standalone power banks should be kept with you in the cabin
As a general guideline, most JLab personal electronics travel in your carry-on without issue. Loose spare batteries and power banks should not be placed in checked baggage per FAA regulations.
What the Major Airlines Say
Each airline follows the FAA baseline, with a few specifics worth knowing. Please check the latest updated airline guidelines first (links below):
Your devices fly in carry-on, no issues. If your bag gets checked or gate-checked at the last minute, just pull your spare batteries and power bank out and keep them with you in the cabin.
Easy rule to remember: one battery in your device, up to two spares — three lithium-ion batteries total per passenger. Keep spares in their original packaging, or individually wrapped so terminals don't touch metal or other batteries.
United mirrors FAA limits closely. Key thing to know: if your carry-on gets gate-checked, take your batteries and power banks out before handing it over. Standard personal electronics under 100 Wh — which is virtually everything — can go in carry-on or checked bags.
Flying International? A Few More Things to Know
Carriers worldwide have been refining their power bank policies in 2026, and a few specifics are worth a check before you pack.
British Airways now asks that power banks be stored under the seat in front of you — not in the overhead compartment — during the flight. You can absolutely bring them. Just keep them below the seat and accessible.
Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and more) unified their policy in January 2026: power banks in carry-on, with per-passenger limits by watt-hour capacity.
Emirates and Southwest Airlines currently allow one power bank per passenger.
Most personal devices and earbuds travel internationally without issue. If you're bringing more than one power bank, confirm your airline's current policy before you pack.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) — the global body that sets standards for 330+ airlines worldwide — recommends one power bank per passenger for personal use, kept in carry-on baggage. Their passenger survey puts this in perspective: 83% of travelers bring a phone, 60% a laptop, and 44% a power bank. These guidelines are written for the way people actually travel today.
Good to Know: If Your Device Slips Into the Seat
Here's something most travelers don't think about until it happens. Your phone slides off the tray table and disappears into the seat mechanism. Your instinct: reach in and get it.
Hold off. Aircraft seats are full of motors, mechanical parts, and components you can't see. IATA specifically advises not to move the seat yourself — forcing it can damage your device in ways that are hard to spot.
The recommended move: flag down a flight attendant. Cabin crews are familiar with seat designs and trained to safely access tight spaces. In many cases, they are able to retrieve devices without causing damage. It's the safer approach and the one recommended by IATA.
Your Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you head to the gate:
· Spare batteries and power banks in your carry-on — not your checked bag
· Devices in checked bags are fully powered off
· Gate-checking your carry-on? Pull out batteries and power banks first
· International flight? Confirm your airline's power bank policy
That covers the essentials. Most travelers find their earbuds, headphones, phone, and laptop board without issue when following these guidelines.
Watch: IATA's Seven Safety Rules for Flying with Lithium Batteries
IATA's short video breaks down the seven essential rules every traveler should know. Worth two minutes before any trip:
Bring It All. Miss Nothing.
The best travel experiences are the ones you design — the soundtrack that makes a red-eye feel short, the earbuds that turn a layover into personal time, the headphones that make six hours feel like two. Your JLab gear is built to go everywhere you go.
Know the basics. Pack smart. And enjoy every mile.
The information in this article is provided for general guidance only and is based on FAA regulations and airline policies current at the time of publication. Airline policies are subject to change without notice. Confirm current requirements directly with your airline and review the latest FAA guidelines at faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe before traveling. This article does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.
Sources
· IATA: Safe Travel with Lithium Batteries
· FAA: Airline Passengers and Batteries
· American Airlines: Restricted Items
· Delta Air Lines: Battery or Fuel-Powered Items
· United Airlines: Electronic Devices