Lithium batteries are banned from checked luggage on commercial flights in the United States and most other countries
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits lithium batteries and devices containing lithium batteries in checked baggage on passenger aircraft. This rule applies to both domestic and international flights departing from U.S. airports. The ban exists because lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire, and spread rapidly in the cargo hold where fires cannot be fought during flight.
The rule covers spare lithium batteries (the kind you pack separately) and devices with built-in lithium batteries—phones, laptops, tablets, power banks, e-readers, cameras, and most portable electronics. If your device contains a lithium battery, it must travel in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.
Different countries enforce this rule with varying strictness. Some airlines are stricter than the FAA minimum. Before you pack, check your specific airline's website for their lithium battery policy, because some carriers have additional restrictions beyond the federal rule.
Key Takeaways
- Lithium batteries and any device containing them must go in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage on any commercial flight.
- This includes spare batteries, phones, laptops, tablets, power banks, cameras, and e-readers—essentially all common portable electronics.
- The FAA enforces this rule on all U.S. flights; international carriers may have stricter rules, so check your airline before packing.
- Devices with non-removable lithium batteries are still banned from checked bags even if you cannot take the battery out yourself.
Why the FAA bans lithium batteries from checked baggage
Lithium batteries can fail suddenly and catch fire without warning, especially if they are damaged, short-circuited, or exposed to pressure changes. In a pressurized cargo hold, a lithium battery fire cannot be detected or fought by the crew. The fire can spread rapidly and become uncontrollable before the plane lands.
The FAA and international aviation authorities have documented incidents where lithium battery fires in cargo holds have caused serious damage or contributed to aircraft accidents. Because of this history, the rule is strict and applies to all lithium batteries, regardless of size or type.
Carry-on baggage is in the passenger cabin where crew can see smoke or fire and respond when ready. This is why the same batteries that are forbidden in checked bags are allowed in carry-on luggage—proximity to crew makes the risk manageable.
What counts as a lithium battery under FAA rules
The FAA defines lithium batteries as batteries made with lithium metal or lithium compounds. This includes the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in nearly all modern electronics. If your device plugs in to charge or runs on a battery you can remove, it almost certainly contains a lithium battery.
Devices with built-in, non-removable batteries are still subject to the rule. You cannot pack a smartphone, laptop, or tablet in checked luggage just because you cannot physically remove the battery yourself. The rule applies to the battery, not to whether you can access it.
Alkaline batteries (the kind marked AA, AAA, C, D, or 9V) are not lithium batteries and are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. If you are unsure whether a battery is lithium or alkaline, check the label or the device manual.
Devices you must pack in carry-on, not checked luggage
Any device with a lithium battery must travel in your carry-on bag. This includes:
- Smartphones and mobile phones
- Laptops, tablets, and e-readers
- Cameras (digital, when ready, or video)
- Power banks and portable chargers
- Headphones and wireless earbuds
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers
- Portable speakers and Bluetooth devices
- Electric shavers and toothbrushes
- Handheld gaming devices
- Spare lithium batteries (AA, AAA, 9V, or button-cell)
If you own any of these items and plan to travel, pack them in your carry-on bag before you check your luggage. Do not assume that because a device is small or seems harmless it is exempt from the rule.
Spare lithium batteries have stricter limits in carry-on bags
While lithium batteries must be in carry-on luggage, the FAA limits how many you can bring. You are allowed up to two spare lithium batteries in your carry-on bag, and they must be in their original retail packaging or have the terminals taped to prevent short circuits.
This limit applies to spare batteries only—the batteries inside your devices do not count toward the limit. If you are traveling with a phone, laptop, and power bank, those three devices each contain one lithium battery, but you can still bring two additional spare batteries as long as they are packaged correctly.
Taping the terminals means covering the positive and negative ends with clear tape so the battery cannot accidentally touch metal objects in your bag and create a short circuit. If your spare batteries come in plastic cases or original packaging, that is sufficient—you do not need to tape them.
What happens if you pack lithium batteries in checked luggage
If you accidentally or intentionally pack a lithium battery in checked luggage, the airline may discover it during screening. When this happens, the battery is typically removed and the flight is delayed while the bag is inspected and the battery is disposed of safely.
Deliberately packing lithium batteries in checked luggage is a federal violation and can result in fines up to $75,000 and criminal charges. Even accidental violations can lead to confiscation of the device and delays to your travel. The safest approach is to double-check your bags before you check them and keep all devices with lithium batteries in your carry-on.
If you realize after checking your bag that you packed a device with a lithium battery, tell a crew member or airline staff when ready. The sooner they know, the sooner they can address it safely.
International flights and airline-specific rules
The FAA rule applies to all flights departing from U.S. airports, but international carriers may have stricter rules. Some airlines prohibit lithium batteries in carry-on bags as well, or limit the number and size of devices you can bring. A few carriers restrict certain types of electronics entirely.
Before you pack for any flight, visit your airline's website and search for their lithium battery or dangerous goods policy. The policy is usually in the baggage or packing section. If you cannot find it online, call the airline's baggage department and ask directly.
If you are flying internationally or on a carrier you have not flown before, this step takes five minutes and can save you from having to leave devices behind at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack my phone or laptop in checked luggage if I turn it off?
No. The FAA rule applies to all lithium batteries regardless of whether the device is powered on or off. A powered-off phone or laptop still contains a lithium battery and must travel in your carry-on bag.
Are power banks allowed in carry-on luggage?
Yes, power banks are allowed in carry-on bags because they contain lithium batteries and must be with you in the cabin. You can bring up to two spare power banks, and they count toward your two-spare-battery limit if they are not built into a device.
What if my airline says lithium batteries are allowed in checked bags?
Contact the airline again and confirm you are speaking with someone in baggage or dangerous goods. The FAA rule is federal and applies to all U.S. carriers. If an airline representative tells you lithium batteries are allowed in checked bags, they are mistaken, and you should not rely on that information.
Can I pack a device with a removable battery in checked luggage if I remove the battery?
Yes, if the battery is truly removable and you remove it before packing. The device itself can go in checked luggage once the lithium battery is out. Pack the battery in your carry-on bag in its original packaging or with the terminals taped.
Do I need to declare my lithium batteries to the airline?
You do not need to declare lithium batteries in your carry-on bag for domestic flights. For international flights, some countries require you to declare them, so check with your airline or the destination country's aviation authority before you travel.