Battery Pack system...Shopping...Packing

I travel with this one from Muji...

https://www.muji.us/products/rechargeable-compact-handheld-fan-blue-la1vxa5s

Frank, Thanks! I couldn't get your link to actually open the fan details for some reason. However, because of the info in your link I was able to go down a different rabbit hole that had a fan without the built in battery pack. So, thanks again for your speedy response. I'm all set now.

"I have a small fan, which is also apparently a BP that I wouldn't
used as a BP ..."

A built-in lithium battery inside an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, or mini fan) does not count toward the "two spare lithium batteries" limit. So, if your small fan uses a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, you will still be fine.

This might seem counterintuitive as devices such as laptop has a much larger Li battery. However built-in laptop battery is physically isolated inside a rigid plastic or aluminum chassis. The terminal contacts are deeply recessed and securely plugged into the motherboard, meaning they cannot accidentally contact loose items in your bag. While this helps to minimize the hazard, it does not mean a laptop or smartphone won't overheat or catch fire, which has been known to happen.

Whereas a spare battery (or power bank) traveling in a bag has exposed metal contact terminals. If those terminals touch other loose metal objects like keys, coins, zippers, or even another battery's casing, it can instantly complete a circuit, draw max current, overheat, and catch fire. This is why it's recommended to keep them in individual plastic bag or cover exposed terminals with tape.

As far as mini handheld fans go, they are frequently held, dropped, exposed to ambient moisture/sweat, or left plugged in overnight on beds or tables, which can introduce physical stress or poor heat dissipation during charging. However most mini fans (like 3,600mAh to 4,500mAh models) are well under the limit (100 Wh, or roughly 27,000 mAh) for portable battery bank. So you do not need to be overly worried, but it's best not to pack it in check-in bag and avoid overly cheap handheld fan which likely has substandard built-in battery.

As above. You are overthinking your problem. The allowed carry-on is for 2 huge power banks, likely far greater than what you are using. Your small magsafe MagGo Anker is likely only 5000mAh. I.e 18.5 Wh. That leaves 82.5Wh to go. If you have one power bank at 100Wh that is 27,000 mAh which is enough to power your portable fan for around 2 days non-stop!
Only power banks count, your gadgets don't.

OK, I guess this isn't getting any clearer. LOL. My fan is a power bank, if fairly weak. It can charge another device. It's a handy little item so I don't want it confiscated. I will leave it at home and replace it. All my flights, British Airways and Aer Lingus, say only two power banks. I'll look again, but I saw nothing about only counting large power banks. I did see some flights include adding the power together and other's the same strength max per power bank each.

I do overthink things, because I like to ease through the airport with as few issues as possible and just relax. Or, maybe, I do just overthink things. LOL I'm trying to work this out so I'm following these rules. Whenever I do rebell, it is not because I'm trying to cheat, it because something is ethically or morally wrong, and power bank numbers are not that. haha So, I'm the only one thinking about this or most people only take 2 power banks?

I usually only take one power bank, to use during the day if I have a particularly power-intensive day (lots of Google map work etc). In the hotels, I just use a charger/adapter to charge everything. I have never stayed anywhere that I could not find an outlet, even if they may be inconveniently located. And I assume you would be taking some type of charging cable/plug to charge the power bank? Most adapters these days have multiple USB outlets, and you could get a longer cable (6ft) if you are concerned about outlet location (i.e. outlet is across the room but you want your phone by the bed)

Currently I have a 3-in-one charger that handles my phone, watch, and earpods (which I don't have). That and an adapter with USB ports charges everything - phone, watch, Airfly, earbuds (wired), power bank.

I never bring a fan, so cannot help there, but the above set-up should allow you to dump the second power bank.

TheOrdinaryRebecca. Oh, I know. You're right I could go back to that system. It's just so disappointing because it was my perfect, succinct and worry-free system. It's only the last couple of years I've brought power banks with me at all. I had fewer electrical 'attachments' with the power bank as a charging station. All I needed was a small adapter, one very short cord for my eyemask (with earphones) and fan, and my iPhone. No way of forgetting anything when packing up because it is altogether and right in front of me, and I didn't have to worry about my iPhone being charged. I listen to my phone all night and am fearful of it dying before my alarm and/or then having to wait in the morning to charge it, etc. Now I'll need a two bricks or a large adapter instead of a little adapter, at least one longish cord, etc. You're right, I could dump the second powerbank, a small magsafe, but it would get me out of trouble if out and about and a needed a charge. I don't carry a bag that has extra room so I'd have to rethink my purse, which is always an option as the main PB is not large, but it is not small and flat like the emergency PB. Sigh. I will never have my entire packing system set and finished. LOL

Anyway, the new fan without the charging feature, which I never wanted, will work fine. The new rules and this dilemma also made me curious regarding what other people do, so thanks for your input.

Wray, I'm glad you found a fan you like.

I think I'm typical. Years ago I carried a larg-ish battery, and a very small one. Hardly ever needed one, so I quit bringing the big one. Haven't used the small one either, so I'll quit bringing that. They might only be needed while out and about and running out of battery. My 3 year old Samsung says good for 1 day 16 hours, so never a problem. Worst case, if my phone or my wife's got very low, I could wirelessly charge hers from mine, with no need for battery or cables. Just have to select wireless transfer on both.

I do bring 2 small charger bricks which are 100-250 vac, I bring a amall plug adapter for each, for whatever country. In the hotel, one goes by my wife's side of the bed, and one by mine. Each brick has 2 x USB 3.0, and 2 x USB-c. I normally plug a wireless charger plate into a USB-c for each of us. On rare occasions, I have to put one by a table or desk, no big deal. Both phones are on mute each night anyway.

I do have a small tablet for reading and I can charge it overnight from one of the extra outputs from my brick.

So, with all the charging I might do, there's no need for a battery at all.

Disclaimer: I don't watch videos or much internet when out. In 18 days in Bavaria, I've used 1.6 gb. data so far. Others might use more battery than me.

For those hotel rooms with not many outlets, the best purchase I ever made was a small power strip. It's a Europe plug on one end, and can accommodate three US plugs and three USB cables. It's also handy for those frequent times that the outlet is not close enough to where I need it to be (though that cord isn't long, about 3 ft). And I also bring one small power pack, to charge my phone on the go.

I always always carry a battery pack with me, even going to and from work. I got caught out without a way to recharge my phones the night of the November 13, 2015 terror attacks (decided on the spur of the moment to go out for drinks after work with work friends) and learned my lesson then. I am now always prepared (in that vein, at least).

(And yes I post this on every thread where people talk about back-up power for their devices)

Travel Guy and Lexma, It's great hearing what you two do. I don't really have any other resources for different systems. It sounds like my small, but mighty, powerbank that plugs directly into a socket is just instead of other systems or equipment. It measures about an 1"X1 1/2"X3". As I travel solo, I like being assured I can have my items charging close to me. It does look like I'm on the extreme end with two. I'll continue to think about it, but as long as I'm not on a flight that restricts BPs to one per flight, I will maintain my status quo.

Kim, Wow, I understand that the timing for not having your BP on that frightening night will stick with you forever. I'm so sorry, still, for that night. My daughter's brother lost a good friend that night, his roommate if I recall correctly. Out and about I, too, like my small MagSafe PB and your experience reinforces my position.

@Wray - a power bank is specifically defined. As are "Portable Electronic Devices (PED) containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries. Your fan is NOT a power bank. It is a PED.

EI's website specifically defines ALL of these things if you keep clicking - https://www.aerlingus.com/media/pdfs/guide-to-dangerous-goods.pdf

Skunklet, Thanks for this info. I am finding this all a bit insane. I assumed because my fan will act like a powerbank that it was a powerbank. I still don’t understand this, but I will read the info again on my computer (on cell now) and maybe it will be clearer. So it looks like a duck and acts like a duck, but it is not a duck…. 🤪

@Wray - battery packs do nothing other than charge; there's no function in any way, shape or form. So your LI battery in your KIndle is a battery, not a battery PACK, for example. :)

Have a good trip btw!

Skunklett, Thanks for the education and the encouragement to go down another rabbit hole!

My H and I just took a more serious read of AerLingus rules. H has spent many years working with certain electronic systems so I was curious what he would think. Surprises in the reading, and still confusion, although I'm good for this trip. IMO this is so complicated. Now I've learned extra camera batteries count toward the 2 battery limit (but it's unclear if they are not "loose" in your bag, whether they count. This time I am not bringing my camera so I won't have the extra camera battery with me. I'm going to keep learning about this. What worries me is...will most people become this neurotic about learning about this? I would never have guessed that my extra camera battery or my AA extra battery, etc. would count toward the 2 battery limit. In proper coverings they might be accepted...

Frankly, I'm still bewildered by my fan, which is sold as "power bank with flashlight capabilities". My new one will be fine as I know that's a PED. LOL

Samsung Galaxy & Google Pixel phones advertise themselves as being able to "power share" with other devices when needed. Does this make them power banks and subject to the 2 power bank limit? A camera battery is a battery. An Anker MagGo is a battery, a fan/flashlight is an appliance (PED). As long as you don't carry any of these devices with Li batteries in checked-in luggage and comply with the 2 X extra battery rule, you should be good to go.

Actually, Wray, you may be right.

I'm guessing your fan is something like this:

https://a.co/d/00XmpRS0

If so, then, yes, it is also a powerbank. That's the way it is wired. Most fans are not. The description has to say it is also a powerbank to be one. If it is not capable of charging another device it is not a powerbank.

Frank, Yes, that is the one I have. Thanks. I received my new one last night. It does not have the power bank feature. It was an inexpensive little fan so I will see how long it lasts. And…I broke my no Amazon rule to get it. Oh, well. ☹️ I will be cool!

Gaiatop

It's okay to break a self-imposed rule now and then when comfort is reason.

Stay cool. (Easy for me to say....I'm in Helsinki and no fan is needed.)