Batteries Allowed in Carry-On and Checked Luggage

You can bring batteries on a plane, but the rules depend on the battery type and where you pack them. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) set these rules because certain batteries can overheat or catch fire in the cargo hold or cabin.

Most common household batteries — AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, and button cells — are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Lithium batteries, which power phones, laptops, and power banks, have stricter limits. You can bring lithium batteries in carry-on bags, but they are banned from checked luggage on passenger planes because the cargo hold has no fire suppression system.

Spare lithium batteries (not installed in a device) are limited to two per person in carry-on bags only. This includes loose lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries. If you have more than two spares, you cannot bring them on a passenger flight.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, button cell) can go in carry-on or checked bags with no quantity limit.
  • Lithium batteries installed in devices like phones and laptops are allowed in carry-on bags only, not checked luggage.
  • Spare lithium batteries are limited to two per person in carry-on bags; you cannot pack them in checked bags at all.
  • Damaged, recalled, or swollen batteries are prohibited on planes entirely and should not be packed in either bag.
  • Pack batteries in carry-on bags when possible so TSA officers can see them and respond quickly if a problem occurs.

Lithium Batteries in Devices vs. Spare Batteries

A lithium battery that is installed in a device — such as your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera — is treated differently from a spare battery sitting loose in your bag. Installed batteries are allowed in carry-on bags without quantity limits. You can bring your phone, laptop, and camera all on the same flight.

Spare lithium batteries are the ones that create restrictions. These are batteries you are not currently using — a backup phone battery, an extra laptop battery, or a power bank. You can bring up to two spare lithium batteries per person in your carry-on bag only. They cannot go in checked luggage under any circumstance.

The reason for this rule is that lithium batteries can enter a thermal runaway state, where they overheat and ignite. In the cargo hold, a fire cannot be detected or fought. In the cabin, crew members can respond when ready. This is why the FAA bans them from checked bags entirely.

How to Pack Batteries Safely

Pack all batteries in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage whenever possible. This allows TSA officers to inspect them if needed and gives the flight crew the ability to respond if a battery overheats during flight.

For spare lithium batteries, cover the terminals (the metal contacts) with non-conductive tape, such as clear tape or electrical tape. This prevents the battery from short-circuiting if it touches metal objects or other batteries in your bag. Place each spare battery in its own plastic bag or battery case if you have one.

Keep batteries in their original packaging when possible. If you have removed them from packaging, store them in a protective case or pouch. Do not pack damaged, swollen, or recalled batteries — these are prohibited on planes entirely and should be disposed of safely at a battery recycling center instead.

Power banks and portable chargers (which contain lithium batteries) count as spare batteries. If you are bringing a power bank, it counts toward your two-spare-battery limit. Most passengers can bring one power bank without issue, but if you are bringing two or more, you have reached the limit.

Batteries That Are Prohibited on Planes

Certain batteries cannot be brought on planes under any circumstance. Damaged or defective batteries are always prohibited — this includes swollen batteries, batteries with cracks, or batteries that have been recalled by the manufacturer. If a battery looks abnormal or you are unsure of its condition, do not pack it.

Wet-cell batteries (like those in some forklifts or golf carts) and non-rechargeable lithium batteries with a lithium content exceeding 2 grams are also banned. Most consumer electronics use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, so this restriction rarely affects travelers, but it is worth knowing if you work with industrial equipment.

Batteries that have been involved in a fire or thermal incident should never be brought on a plane. If a battery has overheated, caught fire, or shown signs of damage from heat, dispose of it safely and do not attempt to travel with it.

International Flights and Airline-Specific Rules

International flights follow the same TSA and FAA rules when departing from the United States. However, the country you are flying to may have different rules for what you can bring into that country. Check with your destination country's aviation authority before packing batteries.

Some airlines have stricter rules than the FAA minimum. Before you travel, visit your airline's website or call their customer service to confirm their battery policy. Airlines including United, American, Delta, and Southwest all allow standard TSA rules, but policies can change and some carriers may have additional restrictions on certain battery types.

If you are flying internationally, pack all spare batteries in carry-on bags. Do not assume that checked luggage rules are the same in other countries — many nations prohibit lithium batteries in checked bags entirely, and some restrict them in carry-on bags as well.

What TSA Officers Look For at Security

When you go through security, TSA officers may ask about batteries in your carry-on bag, especially if they see a power bank or multiple devices. Be honest and direct — tell them what batteries you are carrying and where they are packed. Officers are trained to spot batteries and will ask if they see anything unusual on the X-ray.

If a battery is packed incorrectly — for example, if the terminals are not covered and the battery is loose among metal objects — TSA may ask you to repack it or remove it from your bag. This is not a violation; it is a safety check. If you are asked to repack, ask the officer if you can use tape to cover the terminals right there at the checkpoint.

TSA does not confiscate batteries that follow the rules. If your batteries are within limits and properly packed, you will not have a problem. The goal is to catch unsafe packing before it becomes a safety issue in flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a power bank on a plane?

Yes, you can bring one power bank in your carry-on bag. A power bank is a spare lithium battery, so it counts toward your two-spare-battery limit. Most power banks are small enough that you will not hit this limit unless you are traveling with multiple backup chargers. Pack it in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.

What if my battery is swollen or looks damaged?

Do not bring a swollen or damaged battery on a plane. Dispose of it at a battery recycling center or an electronics store that accepts batteries. Swollen batteries are a fire hazard and are prohibited by the FAA. If you discover a battery is damaged after you have packed it, remove it before you go to the airport.

Can I bring batteries in checked luggage?

Standard alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, button cell) can go in checked bags. Lithium batteries cannot — they are banned from checked luggage on passenger planes. Always pack lithium batteries and devices containing lithium batteries in carry-on bags only.

Do I need to tell the airline about my batteries?

You do not need to notify the airline in advance if your batteries follow TSA rules. However, if you are traveling with an unusual number of batteries or large industrial batteries, calling ahead is a good idea. For standard travel with a phone, laptop, and power bank, no notification is required.

What about e-cigarette batteries or vaping devices?

Lithium batteries in e-cigarettes and vaping devices are allowed in carry-on bags only. The device itself must be in your carry-on bag, and you cannot pack it in checked luggage. Spare batteries for these devices follow the same two-spare-battery limit as other lithium batteries.