Battery Packs Are Allowed in Carry-On Bags Only

You can bring battery packs (also called power banks) on a plane, but they must go in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. The TSA and FAA prohibit lithium batteries in checked bags because they pose a fire risk in the cargo hold where fires cannot be easily controlled. Carry-on bags are permitted because crew members can respond when ready if a problem occurs.

This rule applies to all rechargeable battery packs—phone chargers, laptop power banks, portable solar chargers, and any device with a built-in lithium battery. The restriction exists because lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode if they short-circuit, and the risk increases at high altitude and in unpressurized spaces.

Key Takeaways

  • Battery packs must travel in your carry-on bag; they are forbidden in checked luggage by the TSA and FAA.
  • Most standard battery packs under 100 watt-hours (Wh) require no special paperwork or approval.
  • Battery packs between 100 and 160 Wh need airline approval before you board; contact your airline at least 24 hours ahead.
  • Damaged, swollen, or recalled battery packs cannot fly at all and should not be brought to the airport.
  • Spare batteries not installed in a device must be individually protected so the terminals cannot touch metal or other batteries.

Size Limits: What Watt-Hour Rating Means

Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh), a number usually printed on the battery itself or in the product manual. Most phone chargers and small power banks fall between 10 and 50 Wh and require no special steps. The TSA allows up to 100 Wh per battery pack without advance permission.

If your battery pack is between 100 and 160 Wh, you must contact your airline before you travel and receive written approval. Airlines have different policies—some allow one or two larger batteries, others allow none. Call the airline's baggage or customer service line at least 24 hours before your flight and have the battery's watt-hour rating ready. Do not assume approval; get confirmation in writing or by email.

Battery packs rated above 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft under any circumstances. If you are unsure of your battery's capacity, check the product packaging, the manufacturer's website, or contact the seller before you pack.

How to Find Your Battery's Watt-Hour Rating

The watt-hour rating is usually printed on a label on the battery itself or on the back of the device. Look for "Wh" or "Watt-hours" followed by a number. If the label shows milliamp-hours (mAh) and voltage (V) instead, you can calculate watt-hours by multiplying: (mAh ÷ 1000) × V = Wh. For example, a 20,000 mAh battery at 3.7 V equals roughly 74 Wh.

If you cannot find the rating on the device, check the original box, the user manual, or the manufacturer's website. Many retailers also list this information in the product specifications. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly—they can confirm the rating in minutes and may provide documentation you can show at the airport.

Protecting Spare Batteries During Flight

If you are traveling with spare batteries that are not installed in a device, each one must be individually protected so the positive and negative terminals cannot touch each other or any metal object. Short circuits are the main cause of battery fires, and they happen most often when terminals make contact during turbulence or handling.

Protect spare batteries by placing each one in its own plastic bag, wrapping the terminals with non-conductive tape (painter's tape or electrical tape works), or using battery cases designed for air travel. Do not pack spare batteries loose in a bag with coins, keys, or other metal objects. Keep all spare batteries in your carry-on bag where you can monitor them.

Damaged or Swollen Batteries Cannot Fly

Do not bring a battery pack to the airport if it is visibly damaged, swollen, leaking, or has been recalled by the manufacturer. A swollen battery is a sign the internal chemistry is failing and a fire risk is real. TSA officers will confiscate damaged batteries at security, and you may face fines.

If your battery pack has been recalled, check the manufacturer's website or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) database before you travel. Recalled batteries should be disposed of according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually at an electronics recycling center or a retailer that accepts battery returns. Do not attempt to fly with a recalled battery under any circumstances.

International Flights and Different Rules

International flights may have stricter rules than domestic U.S. flights. Some countries and airlines limit battery capacity to 100 Wh with no exceptions, while others prohibit battery packs entirely. If you are flying internationally, contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure to confirm their policy.

The rules for your return flight may also differ from your outbound flight, especially if you are connecting through another country. When you book a connecting flight, check the rules for each airline separately—the most restrictive rule applies. Keep your battery pack in your carry-on throughout your entire journey, even during layovers.

What Happens If You Pack a Battery in Checked Luggage

If a battery pack is discovered in your checked bag during screening, TSA officers will remove it and may issue a fine of up to $75,000 for a first offense. The battery will not be returned to you. Beyond the fine, a confiscated battery can delay your flight or result in your bag being pulled from the aircraft entirely.

The rule exists because cargo holds are not monitored during flight. If a battery catches fire in checked luggage, crew members cannot reach it quickly, and the fire can spread before landing. This is why the restriction is absolute—there are no exceptions for checked bags, even if the battery is small or brand new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring multiple battery packs on the same flight?

Yes, you can bring more than one battery pack in your carry-on as long as each one is under 100 Wh and individually protected. Most travelers carry two or three small power banks without issue. If any battery is over 100 Wh, you need airline approval for each one, and some airlines limit the total number you can bring even with approval.

Do I need to remove my battery pack at security?

No. Battery packs in carry-on bags do not need to be removed at the TSA checkpoint. They can stay in your bag as it goes through the X-ray machine. If the screener has questions about the device, they may ask you to remove it for inspection, but this is not routine.

What about batteries in my phone or laptop?

Batteries installed in devices like phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras are treated differently and are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. The restriction applies only to spare, uninstalled batteries and standalone battery packs. You do not need to remove your phone or laptop battery before flying.

Can I charge my battery pack on the plane?

Most aircraft have USB ports or power outlets in the seat, but policies vary by airline and aircraft type. Check your airline's website or ask the flight attendant. Some airlines allow charging, others do not. Bring your battery pack in your carry-on so you have access to it during the flight if you want to charge it or use it.

What if my battery pack is recalled after I buy my ticket?

Stop using the battery when ready and do not bring it on your flight. Check the CPSC website or the manufacturer's recall notice for instructions on safe disposal or replacement. Many manufacturers offer free replacements for recalled batteries. Contact the manufacturer before your travel date to arrange a replacement if possible.