Why Monos doesn't build USB battery packs into luggage

Words By Esmeralda Alexandra Ruiz Alvarez

Why Monos doesn't build USB battery packs into luggage

At first glance, a built-in USB charger in a suitcase sounds like a useful feature. But when examined closely – through the lens of airline rules, battery lifespan, and the realities of travel – the convenience starts to fade.

Unlike Away or July, Monos made a deliberate choice not to include built-in USB battery packs in its luggage. This guide explains why – and why investing in high-quality components that last a lifetime is a better use of that same engineering space.

Explore collections: Carry-On Check-In Metro Bags

The short answer

Built-in USB chargers were popular when they first appeared – but they have three practical issues: travellers still have to carry their own cable, batteries degrade within a year, and airlines often require the battery to be removed before boarding. A separate portable charger is more flexible, more reliable, and usually more useful day to day.

Reason 1 – The cable problem

A built-in USB port does not solve the real charging challenge. Travellers still need to carry their own USB cable to connect a phone, tablet, or laptop to the suitcase. If the cable is being carried anyway, the question becomes simple – why not carry a standalone portable charger that already includes the cable?

A portable charger is more flexible – it can be used anywhere, not just near the suitcase
It can be used on the plane, in a café, or at a hotel without unzipping the suitcase
It can be upgraded over time as charging standards evolve (USB-C, higher wattages, fast charging)

A suitcase is a travel tool. A charger is an electronics accessory. Combining them often means compromising both.

Reason 2 – Batteries degrade before the suitcase does

Lithium-ion batteries have a finite lifespan. Most begin to noticeably deteriorate within the first year of use – losing capacity and charging performance long before a well-built suitcase shows meaningful wear.

That creates a mismatch. A premium suitcase is designed to last for years – wheels, handle, shell, interiors, closures. A built-in battery is designed to last a fraction of that time. When the battery fails, the integrated system becomes a feature that no longer works – and replacing it can be difficult or impossible.

The trade-off: instead of dedicating space, weight, and engineering budget to a component with a short lifespan, that investment can go into the components travellers feel every day – handle stability, wheels, interiors, and shell durability.

For a closer look at the components that matter most in travel: How Monos' telescopic handle is different and What actually breaks on luggage.

Reason 3 – Airline and FAA rules keep changing

Aviation safety rules around lithium batteries are strict, and they continue to evolve. On many airlines, lithium batteries in checked luggage are restricted or prohibited – which means travellers with built-in USB chargers are often required to remove the battery before the bag is checked.

The removal process creates friction:

Travellers must remember to remove the battery at the gate or check-in desk
Forgetting can lead to delays, inspections, or the bag being pulled aside
Policies vary by airline and can change without much notice
Regional rules (domestic, international, transiting countries) may all differ

A feature that requires constant attention to stay compliant is often more stress than convenience. A portable charger, by contrast, simply travels in a personal item – which is where airlines prefer lithium batteries to be anyway.

What Monos invests in instead

Skipping a built-in battery allows more focus on the parts of a suitcase that travellers feel every day – the components that are designed to last as long as the suitcase itself.

Component	Why it matters
Handle system	High-grade aluminum telescopic handle with an ergonomic underside release – stable, comfortable, and built for repeat use
Wheels	Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run wheels – chosen for quiet performance, smooth rolling, and durability
Shell	Lightweight, aerospace-grade polycarbonate (or aluminum, depending on collection) – engineered for real travel impact
Interior	Durable 350D polyester fabric with a built-in compression pad for smarter packing
Warranty support	Coverage designed for long-term ownership, not a short-lifespan component

For details on coverage: Warranty and repairs.

What travellers can do instead

Powering devices on the go is easier than ever – and doesn't require charging hardware built into the suitcase.

Carry a quality portable charger – one that already includes a cable, and can be upgraded whenever charging standards change
Keep it in a personal item – where lithium batteries are preferred by most airlines anyway
Choose a charger size that fits the trip – smaller for day trips, higher capacity for long travel days
Consider a multi-device charger – phone, earbuds, and laptop can often share one power source

For a bag that carries tech comfortably alongside a carry-on: Metro Bags.

A design philosophy, not just a product decision

Monos approaches luggage with a simple principle – less but better. Features are added when they genuinely improve the travel experience for years, not for a single season. A built-in battery looks like a benefit on a product page, but in real use, it often becomes a short-lived feature that creates new friction at the gate.

The goal is travel gear that stays quiet in the background – so the journey can take the spotlight.

In short: Monos skips built-in USB chargers so travellers can rely on high-quality components that last, without worrying about battery life, cable compatibility, or airline rules that keep changing.