Lithium ion batteries are banned from checked luggage on commercial flights in the United States

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibit lithium ion batteries in checked baggage on all commercial passenger flights. This rule applies to batteries installed in devices and to spare batteries packed separately. The ban exists because lithium ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, and spread rapidly in the cargo hold where fires cannot be detected or fought during flight.

You may carry lithium ion batteries in carry-on luggage under specific limits. A single battery must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh), and you can bring up to two spare batteries of this size. Batteries larger than 100 Wh are prohibited entirely on passenger aircraft. Devices with built-in batteries—phones, laptops, cameras, power banks—are allowed in carry-on bags as long as the battery does not exceed 100 Wh.

Key Takeaways

  • Lithium ion batteries of any size are banned from checked luggage on all U.S. commercial flights, whether installed in devices or packed as spares.
  • You can carry lithium ion batteries in carry-on luggage only if each battery is 100 watt-hours or smaller, and you bring no more than two spares.
  • Devices with built-in lithium batteries—laptops, phones, cameras, power banks—are allowed in carry-on bags if the battery is under 100 Wh.
  • International flights may have stricter rules than U.S. domestic flights, so check with your airline before traveling outside the country.

How to identify the watt-hour rating on your battery

The watt-hour capacity is printed on the battery label or the device manual. Look for "Wh" or "Watt-hours" on the label. If you see only milliamp-hours (mAh) and voltage (V), you can calculate watt-hours by multiplying mAh by V and dividing by 1,000. For example, a battery rated 5,000 mAh at 3.7V equals roughly 18.5 Wh.

Common devices and their typical battery sizes: a smartphone battery is usually 10 to 20 Wh, a laptop battery ranges from 30 to 100 Wh, and a large portable power bank can exceed 100 Wh. If your device battery is close to or above 100 Wh, check the exact specification before packing it in carry-on luggage. Manufacturers list this information in the product manual or on the device itself.

What happens if you pack a lithium battery in checked luggage

If a lithium ion battery overheats in the cargo hold, the fire cannot be seen or fought by crew members. The cargo hold is unpressurized and unmonitored during flight. A fire in checked baggage can spread quickly and become uncontrollable. For this reason, the FAA and TSA enforce the ban strictly, and airlines are required to refuse checked bags containing lithium batteries.

If you accidentally pack a lithium battery in checked luggage and the airline discovers it during screening, your bag will be removed from the flight. You will not be able to travel with that luggage, and you may face fines. The TSA can issue civil penalties for violations of battery rules. It is far simpler to move the battery to your carry-on bag before you check in.

Devices with non-removable batteries

If your device has a non-removable lithium battery and the battery is 100 Wh or smaller, the device itself is allowed in checked luggage only if it is powered off completely. However, the TSA and FAA recommend keeping all lithium battery devices in carry-on bags to reduce risk. Many airlines go further and ban powered-off devices with lithium batteries from checked luggage entirely.

Before you pack a laptop, camera, or other device with a built-in battery in checked luggage, contact your airline directly. Rules vary by carrier, and some airlines have stricter policies than the TSA minimum. Your airline's website or customer service line will tell you whether your specific device is allowed in checked bags.

International flights and different rules

International flights often have stricter lithium battery rules than U.S. domestic flights. Some countries classify lithium batteries as dangerous goods and prohibit them entirely in checked or carry-on luggage. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets guidelines that airlines follow, but individual countries and airlines may impose additional restrictions.

If you are traveling outside the United States, check with your airline at least two weeks before your flight. Ask specifically about the rules for your destination country and any connecting flights. Some airlines will not allow lithium batteries in carry-on luggage on international routes, even if the battery is under 100 Wh. Do not assume that a battery allowed on a domestic flight will be allowed on an international one.

Alternatives for traveling with spare batteries

If you need power during your flight and cannot bring spare batteries, consider purchasing a battery or charger after you arrive at your destination. Many airports have electronics shops where you can buy a small power bank or battery. This avoids the hassle of packing and the risk of forgetting the battery rule.

Another option is to charge your devices fully before you travel and use battery-saving settings during your flight. Most smartphones and laptops can last a full flight on a full charge if you reduce screen brightness and close unnecessary apps. If your flight is longer than 12 hours, you may have access to in-flight power outlets or USB ports at your seat, depending on the airline.

What the TSA and FAA say about battery safety

The TSA and FAA base the lithium battery ban on documented incidents of battery fires on cargo aircraft. In 2010, a cargo plane crashed near Dubai after a fire started in a shipment of lithium batteries. Since then, the agencies have treated lithium batteries as a serious fire hazard in unpressurized cargo holds. The rules are enforced consistently across all U.S. airlines and are not expected to change.

You can find the official TSA rules on batteries at tsa.gov under the "What Can I Bring?" section. The FAA publishes detailed guidance on lithium battery transport in their regulations. Both agencies update their information regularly, so if you travel frequently, check the official websites before each trip to confirm the current rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a phone or laptop in checked luggage if the battery is under 100 Wh?

The TSA allows devices with batteries under 100 Wh in checked luggage only if the device is powered completely off. However, most airlines recommend or require that all lithium battery devices stay in carry-on bags. Contact your airline before you check a device with a lithium battery, even if it meets the TSA size limit.

What if my power bank is larger than 100 Wh?

Power banks over 100 Wh are banned from both checked and carry-on luggage on commercial flights. You cannot bring them on the plane at all. If you need a power bank for your trip, purchase one at your destination or use a smaller model under 100 Wh.

Do the rules explore to alkaline batteries or rechargeable AA batteries?

No. Alkaline batteries and standard rechargeable AA or AAA batteries are allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage. The ban applies only to lithium ion batteries, which are used in phones, laptops, cameras, and power banks. Alkaline batteries pose a much lower fire risk in cargo holds.

Can I bring a battery charger in checked luggage?

Yes. Battery chargers without batteries installed are allowed in checked luggage. Only the batteries themselves are restricted. You can pack your charger in checked luggage and bring spare batteries in carry-on luggage, then charge them in your hotel.

What if I forget and pack a lithium battery in checked luggage?

Tell a TSA agent or airline staff member when ready before your flight departs. They can remove the battery from your checked bag and either return it to you or hold it for pickup after your trip. It is much better to report it yourself than to have it discovered during screening, which can result in fines and delays.