Most batteries cannot go in checked luggage — they must travel in your carry-on bag instead
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) restrict batteries in checked baggage because they can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged or short-circuited during flight. The rules depend on the battery type and size. Lithium batteries — the kind in phones, laptops, and power banks — face the strictest limits. Alkaline batteries like AA and AAA are generally permitted in checked bags, but lithium batteries almost never are.
If you pack a restricted battery in checked luggage and it's discovered, the airline will remove it, and you may face fines or be denied boarding. The safest approach is to keep all rechargeable batteries and electronics in your carry-on, where crew can monitor them if a problem develops.
Key Takeaways
- Lithium batteries (in phones, laptops, and power banks) must go in carry-on luggage only — never in checked bags.
- Alkaline batteries like AA, AAA, C, and D are generally permitted in checked luggage in reasonable quantities for personal use.
- Batteries installed in devices (like a camera or electric toothbrush) are treated differently than loose batteries and have their own rules.
- Damaged, recalled, or non-standard batteries should not be packed at all — contact your airline before traveling if you are unsure about a specific battery type.
- Rules vary slightly by airline, so check your carrier's website or call before packing any battery you are uncertain about.
Lithium batteries must stay in your carry-on
Lithium batteries — rechargeable or non-rechargeable — are banned from checked luggage on all commercial flights. This includes the batteries inside your phone, laptop, tablet, e-reader, smartwatch, and wireless headphones. It also includes spare lithium batteries you pack separately, such as a backup phone battery or extra laptop battery.
The TSA allows one lithium battery backup for a phone or laptop in your carry-on bag, and you can bring your devices with their batteries installed. However, spare lithium batteries must have their terminals protected (usually with tape or a plastic case) to prevent accidental contact with other metal objects. If a lithium battery short-circuits in the cargo hold where no one can see it, the resulting fire is extremely difficult to extinguish at altitude.
Power banks and portable chargers contain lithium batteries, so they also belong in your carry-on only. Some airlines limit you to two power banks per person; check your airline's specific rules before you travel.
Alkaline batteries are usually permitted in checked bags
Standard alkaline batteries — AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, and button cells — are generally permitted in checked luggage in reasonable quantities for personal use. "Reasonable quantities" typically means enough batteries to power the devices you are traveling with, not dozens of packages. If you are packing a few sets of AA batteries for a camera or flashlight, you should be fine.
Alkaline batteries should be placed in their original packaging or have their terminals taped to prevent short circuits. If loose alkaline batteries touch metal objects or other batteries in the wrong way, they can overheat. Keeping them in a battery case or original packaging reduces this risk significantly.
That said, it is still safer to pack alkaline batteries in your carry-on if you have room. Crew members can respond when ready if a problem develops, whereas checked luggage is not monitored during flight.
Batteries installed in devices follow different rules
A battery that is already installed in a device — such as a camera, electric toothbrush, shaver, or laptop — is treated more leniently than a loose battery. You can pack one device with an installed lithium battery in your checked luggage, provided the device is protected from accidental set up. This means the power button should be covered, or the device should be powered off and placed in a protective case.
You can also pack multiple devices with installed batteries in checked luggage, as long as each one is protected from accidental set up. For example, a laptop, a camera, and a wireless mouse with installed batteries can all go in your checked bag if they are powered off and protected. However, you still cannot pack spare lithium batteries in checked luggage — only the ones already in devices.
If you are unsure whether a device's battery qualifies, contact your airline before packing. Some carriers have stricter rules than others, and it is better to know in advance than to have your luggage opened at the airport.
Damaged or recalled batteries should not be packed at all
Do not pack any battery that is visibly damaged, swollen, leaking, or recalled by the manufacturer. These batteries are more likely to fail during flight, and airlines will refuse to transport them. If you own a device with a recalled battery, contact the manufacturer for a replacement before you travel.
Non-standard batteries — such as custom lithium cells, hobby batteries, or batteries you have modified — are also prohibited. Stick to batteries from reputable manufacturers in their original packaging. If you have a battery type you have never traveled with before, look it up on the TSA website or call your airline's baggage department to confirm it is permitted.
International flights may have stricter rules
If you are flying internationally, the rules may be more restrictive than domestic TSA rules. IATA sets international standards, and some countries enforce them more strictly than others. For example, some international carriers allow zero spare lithium batteries in carry-on luggage, while others allow one. Some prohibit power banks entirely.
Check your airline's website before you book, or call their baggage department at least 48 hours before your flight. Rules also vary depending on which countries you are flying from and to. A battery that is permitted on a flight from New York to London might be prohibited on a flight from London to Tokyo.
Pack batteries safely to avoid damage
Whether batteries are in your carry-on or checked bag, pack them safely to prevent short circuits and damage. Keep batteries in their original packaging whenever possible. If you are packing loose alkaline batteries, place them in a battery case or wrap the terminals with non-conductive tape (such as clear tape or painter's tape) so they cannot touch metal objects or other batteries.
Keep batteries away from liquids, metals, and other electronics that could cause a short circuit. If you are packing a laptop or power bank in your carry-on, keep it accessible so you can remove it quickly if asked by security. Do not pack batteries in the middle of a suitcase where they could be crushed by heavier items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack a phone charger in my checked luggage?
Yes, a phone charger (the plug and cable) can go in checked luggage. However, if the charger has a built-in battery or power bank, that battery must go in your carry-on. Check your charger's specifications — if it is just a cable and plug with no battery, it is fine to check.
What about vaping devices and e-cigarette batteries?
Vaping devices and e-cigarette batteries are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage on all commercial flights in the United States. This applies even if the device is powered off or the battery is removed. Do not pack these items at all.
Can I bring a backup battery for my hearing aid in checked luggage?
Hearing aid batteries are typically zinc-air batteries, which are permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage in reasonable quantities. However, it is safer to keep them in your carry-on so you have access to them if needed during the flight. Check with your airline if you are unsure about your specific battery type.
What if my airline's website does not list battery rules?
Call the airline's baggage or customer service department directly. Have the battery type and specifications ready (you can find this on the battery itself or in your device's manual). They can tell you whether that specific battery is permitted and where it must be packed.
Do I need to declare batteries at check-in?
You do not need to declare alkaline batteries or devices with installed batteries. However, if you are packing spare lithium batteries in your carry-on (which is allowed in limited quantities), some airlines ask you to declare them or place them in a clear bag. Check your airline's rules in advance.