Can I Take a NOCO GB70 on a Plane?

Yes, you can take a NOCO GB70 on a plane, but there are important restrictions you must be aware of. The NOCO GB70 is a powerful lithium-ion jump starter, and like most lithium-based devices, it is subject to strict airline regulations due to safety concerns.

Airlines and aviation authorities, like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), have specific guidelines regarding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries, especially those with high capacity like the NOCO GB70. Understanding these rules can help ensure that your device is packed correctly, preventing delays or confiscation during your flight.

Best Lithium Jump Starters for Travel

When traveling, especially by plane, having a reliable and compact jump starter is essential for emergencies. While the NOCO GB70 is a popular choice, there are other excellent lithium jump starters available on the market. Below are three of the best alternatives to the NOCO GB70 that you can consider for your travel needs.

DBPOWER 800A Peak 18000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter

The DBPOWER 800A jump starter is an affordable and compact device, capable of jump-starting most 12V vehicles with engines up to 7.2L gas or 5.5L diesel. It’s equipped with a high-capacity 18000mAh battery and includes USB ports for device charging. It’s lightweight, making it a travel-friendly option, and meets most airline requirements for carrying lithium-ion batteries.

Why Choose It? The DBPOWER 800A is a great option for budget-conscious travelers who want a reliable jump starter that still packs plenty of power and comes with built-in safety features, making it travel-ready.

Tacklife T8 800A Peak 18000mAh Car Jump Starter

The Tacklife T8 is another excellent alternative, featuring an 800A peak current and a robust 18000mAh battery. It offers multiple USB ports for charging other devices, making it a great choice for long trips. With its compact design, it fits in most travel bags and meets FAA regulations for carrying lithium-ion batteries, ensuring smooth travels.

Why Choose It? This jump starter is known for its affordability, ease of use, and extra features like a built-in LED flashlight, making it highly versatile for travelers.

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter

While still part of the NOCO brand, the Boost Plus GB40 offers slightly lower power compared to the GB70 but is still a highly capable and airline-approved lithium-ion jump starter. With a 1000A peak, it can jump-start vehicles up to 6L gas and 3L diesel engines. The compact size and portability make it a suitable option for travelers, with a built-in safety system to prevent overcharging and short circuits.

Why Choose It? The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is perfect for those who prefer a well-known brand but with more travel-friendly specs. Its safety features and reliable performance make it a top pick for any traveler.

Airline Regulations for Lithium-Ion Batteries

When traveling with a lithium-ion battery like the NOCO GB70 or its alternatives, it’s crucial to understand the specific regulations set by airlines and international authorities. Lithium batteries can be a fire risk, especially when mishandled, so they are subject to strict guidelines.

Here’s an overview of the key regulations and guidelines to follow when flying with lithium-ion jump starters:

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Regulations

The FAA enforces rules regarding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries in both carry-on and checked luggage. Here are the main guidelines:

Capacity Limits: Batteries with a capacity up to 100Wh (Watt-hours) are generally allowed in carry-on luggage without restrictions. However, for larger batteries like the NOCO GB70, which exceeds 100Wh (it’s rated at around 200Wh), specific rules apply.
Carry-On Only: Lithium-ion batteries over 100Wh, such as the NOCO GB70, are only allowed in carry-on bags and are prohibited in checked luggage.
Spare Batteries: Spare lithium-ion batteries must be individually protected to prevent short-circuiting. This can be done by placing them in their original packaging or covering the terminals with tape.

International Regulations (IATA)

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets guidelines for airlines worldwide, and they align closely with FAA regulations. Some key points include:

Maximum Wh for Passengers: For lithium-ion batteries exceeding 100Wh but under 300Wh, passengers can carry them in their carry-on luggage, but the number of devices is often limited to one or two per person.
Device Restrictions: Airlines may impose additional restrictions on the number of devices or spare batteries you can carry, particularly for high-capacity devices like the NOCO GB70.
Prohibited Items: Any devices or batteries with damaged cells, visible leaks, or corrosion are prohibited from air travel. Always check the condition of your jump starter before packing it.

Packing and Protection Tips

To ensure your lithium-ion battery is safely packed, follow these tips:

Protect Terminals: Use plastic caps, tape, or original packaging to protect the terminals of your jump starter.
Avoid Short-Circuiting: Ensure there is no chance of the battery short-circuiting by keeping it in a padded, non-conductive bag.
Check Airline Policies: While general regulations exist, each airline may have its own specific rules, so always confirm with your airline before flying.

What to Do if Your Battery is Too Large

If your jump starter exceeds the allowed limit for carry-on batteries (like the NOCO GB70), the best option is to look for a smaller, compliant device, such as the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 or other alternatives with a lower Wh rating.

Want to learn more about NOCO GB70 Jump Starter? Here are related articles:

How to Pack a NOCO GB70 for Air Travel

When packing a NOCO GB70 or similar lithium-ion jump starter for a flight, it’s important to follow specific packing guidelines to comply with airline regulations and ensure safety during transport. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to pack your NOCO GB70 correctly:

Keep it in Your Carry-On Bag

As mentioned, lithium-ion batteries, including the NOCO GB70, are typically prohibited from checked luggage due to the risk of fire. Therefore, you should always pack your jump starter in your carry-on bag. This allows flight attendants to address any issues with the battery promptly if necessary.

Cover the Terminals

To avoid any short circuits, it’s essential to cover the terminals of the NOCO GB70 before packing it. Use:

Insulating Tape: Tape over the positive and negative terminals to prevent accidental contact with other metallic objects.
Plastic Terminal Covers: If the device came with plastic covers for the terminals, use those to keep them protected.
Original Packaging: If you still have the original packaging, consider using it to safely store the jump starter, as it is specifically designed to keep the terminals safe and secure.

Avoid Loose Placement

Ensure the NOCO GB70 is securely placed in your carry-on bag. A loose, unprotected jump starter could be at risk of being damaged or cause safety concerns during security checks or handling. Use a padded compartment or a dedicated section in your bag to keep the device from moving around.

Check Airline-Specific Guidelines

Different airlines may have slightly different rules when it comes to the transportation of lithium-ion batteries, especially those over 100Wh.

It’s a good practice to check with the airline before traveling to ensure you are compliant with their specific requirements. Airlines may allow one large jump starter or limit it to a certain number of devices per passenger.

Documentation and Identification

While most airlines do not require additional documentation for lithium-ion batteries under 300Wh, it’s always helpful to carry a printed copy of the manufacturer’s guidelines or the battery’s specifications. This can clarify the battery’s Wh rating in case security or airline staff ask for additional information.

Monitor Battery Charge Level

While it’s not a strict rule, it’s recommended to travel with your NOCO GB70 at a lower charge level (less than 30%). This reduces any potential hazards if the battery is damaged or experiences an issue during the flight. It also minimizes the risk of the battery overheating or becoming problematic.

Alternative Options to Jump Starters When Traveling

While having a reliable jump starter like the NOCO GB70 is essential for many, traveling with such a device may not always be convenient due to airline regulations and restrictions.

Fortunately, there are alternative options that can provide similar benefits without the hassle of packing a large battery.

Here are some alternatives to jump starters that are more travel-friendly and still effective in emergency situations.

Portable Car Battery Chargers

Portable car battery chargers are compact devices that can be plugged into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or USB port to charge your car battery. These chargers are much smaller than a jump starter but can still provide a boost in emergencies.

Many of these chargers are lightweight, meeting travel-friendly specifications for air travel.

Pros: Smaller, lighter, and easier to pack compared to jump starters.
Cons: Typically not as powerful as a jump starter and may require more time to charge your car battery.

Roadside Assistance Services

Many insurance companies or car rental services offer roadside assistance services that include jump-starting your vehicle in case of a dead battery. These services can be invaluable if you don’t want to carry extra equipment and prefer to rely on professional help.

Many modern vehicles are also equipped with smart features that alert you when the battery is low, allowing you to plan ahead.

Pros: No need to carry equipment, and the service is provided by professionals.
Cons: May take longer to arrive, and there could be costs associated with certain plans.

Jump Starter Apps and Tools

While these do not directly replace a jump starter, some apps or tools are available to help you monitor your vehicle’s battery health. These apps can send alerts when your car battery is running low or even provide a location-based service to get help nearby.

Some vehicle models have built-in apps that allow remote monitoring of your battery status.

Pros: Convenient and can help you prepare before your trip.
Cons: Not a direct solution for jump-starting your vehicle in an emergency.

Rechargeable Battery Packs for Emergency Use

While not intended for vehicle jump-starting, a rechargeable portable battery pack can be a helpful emergency tool for charging your phone, tablet, or other devices while on the road.

Some models can even help with smaller car electronics, though they are not strong enough to jump-start a car.

Pros: Can charge multiple devices and is compact and easy to carry.
Cons: Not suitable for car jump-starting; more for charging personal electronics.

Conclusion

Traveling with a NOCO GB70 jump starter is possible, but it requires careful planning and adherence to airline regulations. Lithium-ion batteries, like the NOCO GB70, are subject to specific restrictions due to their potential fire risk.

It’s crucial to pack your device in your carry-on, cover the terminals to prevent short-circuiting, and ensure the battery is not overcharged. Additionally, checking with your airline before traveling can help avoid surprises and ensure a smooth experience at the airport.

If you find the regulations too restrictive, there are alternative solutions like portable car battery chargers, roadside assistance services, and emergency rechargeable battery packs that can provide peace of mind without the need to carry a bulky jump starter.

By exploring these options, you can travel more efficiently while still being prepared for unexpected battery issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taking a NOCO GB70 on a Plane

Can I carry a NOCO GB70 jump starter in my checked luggage?

No, you cannot carry the NOCO GB70 in your checked luggage. Due to the safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries, the FAA and IATA regulations prohibit the transport of lithium-ion batteries over 100Wh in checked bags. You must pack your NOCO GB70 in your carry-on luggage.

What is the maximum size lithium-ion battery I can carry on a plane?

Lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of up to 100Wh are generally allowed in carry-on luggage without restrictions. Batteries between 100Wh and 300Wh, such as the NOCO GB70, can also be carried in your carry-on, but there may be limits on the number of devices. Any battery over 300Wh is prohibited on passenger flights.

How do I prepare a NOCO GB70 for air travel?

To prepare your NOCO GB70 for air travel, follow these steps:

Always pack it in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.
Cover the terminals with tape or plastic terminal covers to avoid short circuits.
Ensure the battery charge level is below 30%, which minimizes risk during transit.
Double-check your airline’s specific regulations regarding lithium-ion batteries.

Can I take spare lithium-ion batteries on a plane?

Yes, you can take spare lithium-ion batteries on a plane, but they must be packed in your carry-on luggage. Ensure that each battery is individually protected to prevent short-circuiting. You can cover the terminals with tape or place the batteries in their original packaging. Airlines often limit the number of spare batteries you can carry, so check their policy.

What should I do if my NOCO GB70 gets damaged before a flight?

If your NOCO GB70 is damaged, you should not attempt to take it on a plane. Damaged batteries pose a significant risk of fire and may be seized by airport security. Always inspect your jump starter before travel and avoid carrying any device that shows signs of leakage, corrosion, or damage.

What are some alternatives to the NOCO GB70 for air travel?

If you’re looking for a travel-friendly alternative, you can consider jump starters like the DBPOWER 800A or the Tacklife T8. These devices are smaller, lightweight, and comply with airline regulations for lithium-ion batteries under 300Wh, making them more suitable for air travel.