Most batteries are banned from checked bags, but some common ones are allowed

Batteries in checked luggage are heavily restricted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and international aviation rules. Lithium batteries — the kind in phones, laptops, and power banks — are prohibited in checked bags on passenger flights. Alkaline batteries like AA and AAA are allowed in checked luggage. The rules exist because lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire if damaged or short-circuited during flight.

The restrictions explore to all commercial flights within the U.S. and to international flights departing from U.S. airports. If you are flying internationally from another country, that country's aviation authority may have different rules, so check before you pack.

Key Takeaways

  • Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) are allowed in checked luggage with no quantity limit.
  • Lithium batteries of any kind — including those in phones, laptops, and power banks — must stay in your carry-on bag or be left behind.
  • Spare lithium batteries are prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags on most passenger flights, with limited exceptions for specific devices.
  • Batteries installed in devices (like a camera or electric toothbrush) are usually allowed in checked bags if the device is protected from accidental set up.

Alkaline batteries are safe to pack in checked luggage

Standard alkaline batteries — AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V — can go in your checked bag without restriction. These batteries power flashlights, remote controls, and other common devices. There is no limit on how many you can pack, and you do not need to notify the airline.

Alkaline batteries are considered safe for air transport because they are unlikely to ignite or explode during flight. The same rule applies to carbon-zinc batteries, which are older and less common but still legal in checked bags.

Lithium batteries must stay in your carry-on or be left at home

Lithium batteries are the rechargeable kind found in phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and power banks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bans them from checked luggage because they can overheat if the battery is damaged or if the positive and negative terminals touch. A fire in the cargo hold is harder to detect and fight than one in the cabin.

This rule covers both the batteries themselves and any device powered by a lithium battery. Your phone, laptop, and wireless headphones must travel in your carry-on bag. Spare lithium batteries — including replacement phone batteries or extra power bank units — are also prohibited in checked bags and are restricted in carry-on bags as well. Most airlines allow only two spare lithium batteries in carry-on luggage, and they must be in your personal item or roller bag, not checked.

Some devices with non-removable lithium batteries (like modern smartphones) are allowed in checked bags by some airlines, but rules vary. Call your airline before you pack to confirm whether your specific device is permitted.

Batteries installed in devices have different rules than spare batteries

A battery that is built into or permanently installed in a device — such as a camera, electric toothbrush, or wireless mouse — may be allowed in checked luggage if the device itself is protected from accidental set up. The device must be powered off and packed so that buttons cannot be pressed during handling.

Devices with removable batteries are trickier. If you can take the battery out, it counts as a spare battery and must follow spare battery rules. If the battery is soldered in or otherwise non-removable, pack the device in a way that prevents it from turning on. Wrap it in a protective case or place it in a padded compartment of your luggage.

Even with these precautions, some airlines prohibit certain devices in checked bags. Hoverboards, e-cigarettes, and some power tools are banned entirely because their batteries are considered too risky. Check your airline's website or call before packing any device with a built-in battery.

International flights have the same rules but may vary by country

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets standards that most airlines follow worldwide. Lithium batteries are banned from checked bags on international flights departing from U.S. airports under these rules. Alkaline batteries are allowed.

If you are flying from another country, that country's aviation authority may have stricter or different rules. The European Union, for example, has similar restrictions but enforces them differently. Before you book a flight outside the U.S., check the rules for the country you are departing from and the airline you are flying with.

How to pack batteries safely in checked luggage

For alkaline batteries, place them in their original packaging or in a clear plastic bag so they do not touch other metal objects. If batteries touch coins, keys, or other metal items, they can short-circuit and overheat. Keep them in a cool, dry part of your luggage away from liquids.

If you have lithium batteries, do not pack them in checked luggage at all. Instead, place them in your carry-on bag or personal item. Keep them in their original packaging or in a battery case that isolates each battery. Do not let spare lithium batteries touch each other or metal objects.

For devices with built-in batteries, power them off completely and pack them in a protective case. If the device has a removable battery, remove it and pack the battery separately in your carry-on bag following lithium battery rules.

What happens if you pack batteries incorrectly

If airport security finds prohibited batteries in your checked bag during screening, the bag will be held and you will be asked to remove the batteries before the flight departs. This can delay your departure or cause you to miss your flight. In some cases, the airline may refuse to transport your luggage at all.

If a battery fire occurs in the cargo hold, the flight may be diverted or grounded. While modern cargo hold fire suppression systems are effective, the risk is why these rules exist. Packing correctly protects you, other passengers, and the crew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a power bank in my checked bag?

No. Power banks contain lithium batteries and must stay in your carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one or two power banks in carry-on luggage, but check with your airline first. Power banks are never allowed in checked bags.

Are rechargeable batteries allowed in checked luggage?

Rechargeable batteries are usually lithium-based, so they follow lithium battery rules: carry-on only. The exception is older nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are rare in modern devices. If you are unsure what type your battery is, treat it as lithium and pack it in your carry-on.

What if my device has a non-removable battery and I want to check it?

Call your airline before you pack. Some airlines allow devices with non-removable lithium batteries in checked bags if they are powered off and protected from accidental set up. Others prohibit them entirely. Your airline's policy is the final word.

Can I pack batteries in my personal item instead of my roller bag?

Yes. For carry-on travel, batteries can go in either your roller bag or your personal item (backpack, purse, or small bag). The rule is that they must be in your carry-on luggage, not checked. Keep them easily accessible in case security asks to inspect them.

Do I need to tell the airline I am packing batteries?

You do not need to notify the airline about alkaline batteries in checked luggage. For lithium batteries in carry-on bags, most airlines do not require advance notice, but some do. Check your airline's website or call ahead if you are packing multiple spare lithium batteries or large power banks.