Lithium-ion batteries are banned from checked luggage on passenger aircraft, with rare exceptions for specific devices
The short answer: no, you cannot pack loose lithium-ion batteries or most battery-powered devices in checked luggage on a commercial flight. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) prohibit them because lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, and spread rapidly in the cargo hold where fires cannot be fought during flight.
This rule applies to batteries you pack separately and to devices powered by lithium-ion batteries—including laptops, phones, tablets, power banks, e-readers, cameras, and portable speakers. The restriction exists on all commercial passenger flights in the United States and on most international carriers.
There are narrow exceptions for batteries installed in certain devices like wheelchairs and mobility aids, but those follow strict rules about quantity and condition. If you are traveling with lithium-ion batteries or devices that contain them, you need to know what you can and cannot pack, and where.
Key Takeaways
- Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing them must go in carry-on luggage only, not checked bags.
- The FAA limits you to two spare batteries per person in carry-on, and they must be in their original retail packaging or have terminals taped to prevent short circuits.
- Damaged, recalled, or swollen batteries cannot fly in carry-on or checked luggage under any circumstance.
- Some devices like phones and laptops are allowed in carry-on as long as they are not damaged and you do not pack spare batteries for them separately.
- If you cannot bring a battery with you, you can ship it by ground transportation before your trip or purchase a replacement at your destination.
Why lithium-ion batteries are restricted on aircraft
Lithium-ion batteries can fail suddenly and ignite without warning, especially if they are damaged, overcharged, or exposed to heat. Once a lithium-ion battery fire starts, it burns at extremely high temperatures and spreads quickly. In the pressurized cargo hold of an aircraft, a fire cannot be reached or fought by crew members, and the fire suppression systems in cargo holds are not designed to stop lithium fires.
The FAA and IATA imposed these restrictions after multiple cargo plane crashes were linked to lithium battery fires. In 2010, a cargo plane crashed in Dubai after a fire started in a shipment of lithium batteries. Since then, the rules have been strict and consistent across the aviation industry.
Devices with built-in batteries—like phones and laptops—are somewhat safer than loose batteries because the device's internal circuits provide some protection against short circuits and overcharging. That is why a phone in your carry-on is allowed, but a loose spare battery is not.
What you can pack in carry-on luggage
You can bring devices powered by lithium-ion batteries in your carry-on bag, including phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, e-readers, and portable speakers. The device must be in good condition—not cracked, swollen, or visibly damaged. If a device shows any sign of damage, do not bring it on the plane.
You can also bring up to two spare lithium-ion batteries in carry-on luggage, but they must meet specific conditions. Each spare battery must be in its original retail packaging, or the battery terminals must be taped with non-conductive tape (like clear tape) to prevent accidental short circuits. Do not pack spare batteries loose in a bag where they might touch metal objects or other batteries.
Power banks and external battery chargers count as spare batteries under this rule. If you are bringing a power bank, it must be in original packaging or have its terminals protected. Most power banks sold at retail come in packaging that meets this requirement.
What you cannot pack at all
Damaged, swollen, or recalled lithium-ion batteries cannot go on a plane in any form—not in carry-on, not in checked luggage, not in your pocket. If a battery is visibly swollen, has a dent or crack, or was involved in a recall, leave it at home or dispose of it properly before you travel.
You cannot pack more than two spare batteries per person in carry-on luggage. If you need more than two spares, you will have to leave them behind or ship them separately by ground transportation.
Certain large batteries used in power tools, e-bikes, or scooters are banned from passenger aircraft entirely, even in carry-on. If you are traveling with a device that uses a large industrial-grade lithium battery, check with your airline before you book.
Devices with built-in batteries that are usually allowed
Most consumer electronics with built-in lithium-ion batteries are allowed in carry-on as long as the device is not damaged. This includes:
- Smartphones and tablets
- Laptops and portable computers
- Digital cameras and action cameras
- E-readers
- Portable speakers and headphones
- Smartwatches
- Portable gaming devices
- Drones (check with your airline, as some restrict them)
Pack these devices in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. If a device is damaged or not working properly, do not bring it. If you are unsure whether a specific device is allowed, contact your airline before you travel—they can tell you whether it meets their rules.
How to prepare batteries for travel
Before you pack, inspect every battery and battery-powered device. Look for swelling, cracks, dents, or any sign that the battery has been damaged. Swelling is the most common warning sign—if a battery looks puffy or bulges out of its normal shape, do not bring it on the plane.
For spare batteries, keep them in their original retail packaging if possible. If you have removed them from packaging, wrap the battery terminals with clear, non-conductive tape. Make sure the tape covers the metal contacts completely so the battery cannot accidentally touch another battery or metal object in your bag.
Charge your devices before you travel so they are ready to use when you land. Airlines allow you to use devices during the flight if they are in airplane mode, so a fully charged phone or laptop can be useful during your trip.
If you are traveling internationally, check the rules of the airline you are flying with and the country you are visiting. Some countries have stricter rules than the FAA, and international carriers may have different limits on the number of spare batteries allowed.
What to do if you need a battery but cannot bring one
If you have a battery you cannot bring on the plane—because it is damaged, recalled, or you have more than two spares—you have two options: ship it to your destination before you travel, or purchase a replacement when you arrive.
To ship a battery, use a ground-only carrier like UPS Ground or FedEx Ground. Do not use overnight or air shipping, as those services cannot transport lithium batteries. Package the battery securely in a box with padding, and label it according to the carrier's hazardous materials rules. Contact the carrier before you ship to confirm the battery type is allowed and to get the correct labeling instructions.
If you are traveling for a short trip, buying a replacement battery or power bank at your destination may be simpler and cheaper than shipping. Most airports have electronics retailers where you can purchase a phone charger, power bank, or laptop charger on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack a phone or laptop in checked luggage if I remove the battery first?
No. Even if you remove the battery, the device itself cannot go in checked luggage because it still contains lithium-ion cells. The restriction applies to the battery, not just to spare batteries. Keep all devices with lithium-ion batteries in carry-on only.
What if my battery is swollen but still works?
Do not bring it on the plane. A swollen battery is a sign that the internal chemistry is failing and the battery may catch fire. Swelling means the battery is unsafe to fly with, even if it still powers your device. Leave it at home or dispose of it at a battery recycling center before you travel.
Can I pack a power bank in checked luggage if it is a small one?
No. Size does not matter—all power banks contain lithium-ion batteries and must go in carry-on luggage only. Even a small power bank is banned from checked bags.
Are there any exceptions for medical devices with lithium batteries?
Yes, some medical devices like pacemakers and insulin pumps with lithium batteries are allowed, but you must notify the airline in advance. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to report the device and get approval. Bring documentation from your doctor if requested.
What happens if I accidentally pack a battery in checked luggage?
If security finds it during screening, your checked bag will be removed from the plane and you will not be able to fly with it. You may face fines depending on the airline and the battery type. Always pack batteries in carry-on to avoid this problem.