Lithium Batteries on Airplanes: Carry-On and Checked-Bag Rules
Spare lithium batteries and power banks belong in carry-on baggage with protected terminals; common batteries up to 100 watt-hours are generally allowed, while larger batteries require airline approval or are prohibited.
Timeline
- Before travel: Find the battery watt-hour rating, inspect it for damage or recall status and check the airline’s limits.
- While packing: Place spare batteries and power banks in carry-on baggage and protect every terminal from short circuit.
- If a carry-on is gate-checked: Remove spare batteries and power banks and keep them in the aircraft cabin.
FAA guidance requires spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, power banks, portable rechargers and battery charging cases to travel in carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage. Cabin access matters because a flight crew can identify and respond to overheating more quickly than it can respond to a fire inside the cargo hold. A power bank counts as a spare battery even when the traveler mainly thinks of it as a charger. [1][2]
The usual limit for a rechargeable lithium-ion battery is 100 watt-hours per battery. For a lithium-metal nonrechargeable battery, the usual limit is two grams of lithium content. These limits cover most phones, cameras, tablets and ordinary laptop batteries. The rating is often printed on the battery; when only voltage and amp-hours are shown, watt-hours equal volts multiplied by amp-hours. [1][3]
With airline approval, a traveler may carry up to two larger spare lithium-ion batteries rated above 100 and no more than 160 watt-hours. Batteries over 160 watt-hours are generally not allowed on passenger aircraft except under specific provisions such as qualifying mobility devices. Airlines can impose stricter quantity or size limits, so approval must come from the operating carrier before travel. [1][3]
Every spare battery must be protected from damage and short circuit. FAA examples include leaving it in retail packaging, covering exposed terminals with tape, using an individual battery case or sleeve, or placing it securely in a separate protective pouch. Loose batteries should not share a pocket with coins, keys or other metal objects that could bridge the terminals and create heat. [1][2]
A device with its battery installed can sometimes travel in checked baggage, but it must be completely switched off, protected from accidental activation and packed against damage. Keeping phones, laptops and cameras in accessible carry-on baggage is safer and makes compliance easier. If cabin baggage is moved to the hold at the gate or planeside, remove all spare batteries and power banks first. [2][4]
Do not travel with a battery or battery-powered device that is swollen, leaking, visibly damaged, subject to a safety recall or likely to spark or generate dangerous heat unless the dangerous battery has been removed or otherwise made safe under applicable instructions. During a flight, immediately alert the crew if a device or battery becomes unusually hot, expands, smokes or burns. Do not hide the problem in a bag. [1][2]
Battery rules vary by chemistry, device and use. Smart luggage, mobility equipment, electronic cigarettes, medical equipment and professional gear have additional provisions. Check the FAA PackSafe entry, the manufacturer’s recall information and the airline’s current policy for each unusual item. International rules may also differ, so the operating airline remains the final source for approval and quantity restrictions. [1][3][4]
Sources
- Federal Aviation Administration — PackSafe: Lithium Batteries
- Federal Aviation Administration — Lithium Batteries in Baggage
- Federal Aviation Administration — PackSafe Printable Chart
- Federal Aviation Administration — Carry-On Baggage Tips