Most batteries cannot go in checked luggage — they belong in your carry-on bag instead
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibit most batteries in checked baggage because they pose a fire risk in the cargo hold. Lithium batteries — the kind in phones, laptops, and power banks — are the main concern. They can overheat, catch fire, and spread rapidly in an unpressurized cargo area where crew cannot reach them. The rule applies to all commercial flights within, to, and from the United States.
Some batteries are permitted in checked luggage under specific conditions, but the safest and simplest approach is to pack all batteries in your carry-on bag. If you are unsure whether a particular battery is allowed, contact your airline before you travel — policies can vary slightly between carriers, and staff can tell you what is permitted on your specific flight.
Key Takeaways
- Lithium batteries (in phones, laptops, power banks, and e-cigarettes) must go in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage.
- Alkaline batteries like AA and AAA are permitted in checked bags, but packing them in carry-on is still safer and simpler.
- Spare lithium batteries have stricter limits than installed batteries — you can bring two spares in carry-on but none in checked bags.
- Always tell your airline if you are carrying batteries, especially if they are damaged, recalled, or non-standard in any way.
- Different airlines enforce these rules differently, so check with your carrier before packing.
Lithium batteries are always carry-on only
Lithium batteries must never go in checked luggage. This includes the batteries inside your phone, laptop, tablet, smartwatch, wireless headphones, power bank, e-cigarette, vape pen, and camera. Even if the device is powered off, the battery itself is the hazard.
The rule also applies to spare lithium batteries you pack separately. You may bring up to two spare lithium-ion batteries or two spare lithium metal batteries in your carry-on bag, but they must be in your personal item or roller bag that stays with you. Checked bags are off-limits entirely.
If a lithium battery is damaged, swollen, recalled, or has been in a fire or accident, do not fly with it at all. Contact the manufacturer or your airline for instructions on safe disposal.
Alkaline batteries are permitted in checked bags with limits
Standard alkaline batteries — AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, and button cells — are permitted in checked luggage in reasonable quantities. There is no strict limit for personal use, but "reasonable" means what you would actually need for your trip, not dozens of packages. If you are traveling with a device that uses alkaline batteries, packing a few spares in your checked bag is fine.
Even though alkaline batteries are allowed in checked bags, many travelers pack them in carry-on instead because it is simpler and you have access to them during the flight. There is no rule against this.
Devices with non-removable batteries stay in carry-on
If your device has a battery that cannot be removed — which is true for most modern phones, laptops, and tablets — the entire device must go in your carry-on bag. You cannot check a laptop or phone just because you want to pack light.
Some older devices have removable batteries. If you can safely remove the battery from your device, you may pack the device itself in checked luggage and the battery in carry-on. However, most modern electronics do not work this way, so this option applies to very few travelers.
What to do if your battery is damaged or recalled
A swollen, cracked, or leaking battery should never fly. If you notice your battery is damaged before your trip, do not pack it. Contact the manufacturer for a replacement or disposal instructions — many retailers and manufacturers have battery recycling programs.
If your device or battery has been recalled, check the manufacturer's website or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website for details. Some recalls prohibit air travel entirely. If you are unsure, contact your airline and describe the issue — they can tell you whether it is safe to fly with that item.
How to pack batteries safely in carry-on
Spare lithium batteries should be placed in your personal item (purse, backpack, or small bag) rather than your roller bag, so they stay with you and crew can access them if needed. Keep spare batteries in their original packaging or in a protective case that covers the terminals — exposed metal contacts can short-circuit and cause a fire.
Do not pack batteries loose in a pocket or bag where they might touch coins, keys, or other metal objects. If you are carrying multiple spare batteries, keep them separated or in individual cases.
Devices with batteries (phone, laptop, tablet) should be powered off or in airplane mode before you board. This reduces the risk of accidental set up during the flight.
Different airlines have slightly different rules
The DOT and FAA set the federal baseline, but individual airlines can enforce stricter rules. Some carriers limit the number of devices with lithium batteries you can bring, or have specific requirements for how batteries must be packaged. A few airlines have additional restrictions on power banks or e-cigarettes.
Before you pack, visit your airline's website or call their customer service line and ask about their battery policy. Mention the specific devices and batteries you plan to bring. This takes five minutes and prevents problems at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Power banks contain lithium batteries and must go in your carry-on bag. The same rule applies whether the power bank is full, partially charged, or empty — the battery itself is the hazard, not the charge level.
What if my phone battery is built in and I cannot remove it?
Your phone must go in carry-on. Any device with a non-removable battery cannot be checked. This includes nearly all modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Are rechargeable batteries different from alkaline batteries?
Some rechargeable batteries are lithium-based and follow lithium battery rules (carry-on only). Others are nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion and also require carry-on. If you are unsure what type your battery is, treat it as lithium and pack it in carry-on to be safe.
Can I bring batteries if I am flying internationally?
International flights have the same DOT and FAA rules for flights to and from the United States. If you are flying to another country, that country's aviation authority may have additional restrictions. Check with your airline and the destination country's civil aviation authority before you travel.
What happens if I accidentally pack a lithium battery in checked luggage?
Airport security may find it during screening and remove it, or it may be discovered at your destination. Either way, you will lose the battery. If you realize the mistake before you check your bag, ask the airline agent to let you retrieve it and move it to carry-on.