Lithium batteries are banned from checked luggage on passenger flights

You cannot pack lithium batteries in checked baggage on any commercial passenger flight in the United States. The TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration prohibit them because lithium batteries can catch fire at high altitude, and fires in the cargo hold are harder to detect and fight than fires in the cabin. This rule applies to all lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, whether they power your phone, laptop, camera, or e-reader.

The ban covers both loose batteries and batteries installed in devices. A phone in your checked bag is a violation. A spare battery pack is a violation. The only exception is that some devices with non-removable batteries may be allowed in checked luggage under specific conditions—but this is rare and depends on the airline, so you must contact your airline before you pack.

Key Takeaways

  • Lithium batteries of any size are forbidden in checked luggage on passenger flights; they must go in your carry-on bag instead.
  • This rule covers loose batteries, battery packs, and batteries built into devices like phones, laptops, and cameras.
  • Devices with non-removable batteries may sometimes be allowed in checked luggage, but only if your specific airline permits it—call ahead to confirm.
  • Spare batteries are limited to two per person in carry-on baggage, and they must be in your bag, not in a device or charger.
  • If you forget a lithium battery in checked luggage, the flight may be delayed or cancelled while the bag is removed and inspected.

Why lithium batteries are prohibited in the cargo hold

Lithium batteries can experience thermal runaway—a chain reaction where the battery overheats, catches fire, and spreads rapidly. At cruising altitude, the cargo hold is unpressurized and unheated, and a fire there cannot be fought by the crew. A lithium battery fire has caused aircraft accidents, which is why aviation authorities worldwide have banned them from checked baggage.

The risk is real even with new batteries. A battery can fail due to a manufacturing defect, physical damage during packing, or exposure to heat or pressure. Because you cannot see or monitor a battery once your bag is checked, there is no way to catch a problem before it becomes dangerous.

What you can pack in your carry-on instead

Lithium batteries are allowed in your carry-on bag because the crew can respond when ready if a fire starts. You may bring two spare lithium batteries per person in your carry-on, and they must be in your personal bag—not installed in a device or sitting loose in a pocket. The batteries should be in their original packaging or have their terminals taped with non-conductive tape so they cannot short-circuit.

Devices with lithium batteries installed—your phone, laptop, camera, or tablet—can go in your carry-on without restriction. You can also bring a battery pack or portable charger in your carry-on, as long as it is a single unit and not multiple loose batteries bundled together.

Devices with non-removable batteries: the rare exception

Some modern devices have batteries that cannot be removed by the user without damaging the device. In rare cases, airlines may allow these devices in checked luggage if the battery is not damaged and the device is powered off. However, this is not a blanket rule—it depends on the airline and the specific device.

If you have a device with a non-removable battery and you want to check it, contact your airline at least 24 hours before your flight. Have the device model number ready. The airline will tell you whether it is permitted. Do not assume it is allowed just because you cannot remove the battery yourself.

What happens if a lithium battery is found in checked luggage

If TSA screening or airline staff discover a lithium battery in your checked bag, your flight will likely be delayed. The bag will be removed from the aircraft, and the battery will be confiscated. You may face a fine of up to $75,000 and criminal charges if the violation is deemed intentional, though first-time accidental violations are usually handled as confiscation only.

Even if you packed the battery by mistake, the delay affects everyone on your flight. Crew and passengers may be deplaned while the bag is inspected. The safest approach is to double-check your checked luggage before you close it: remove your phone, laptop, camera, and any battery packs, and move them to your carry-on.

How to pack batteries safely for travel

Start by identifying every lithium battery in your luggage. This includes your phone, smartwatch, wireless earbuds, laptop, tablet, camera, e-reader, portable speaker, and any battery packs or chargers. All of these must go in your carry-on bag.

For spare batteries, keep them in their original packaging if possible. If the original packaging is gone, wrap each battery individually in non-conductive tape—painter's tape or electrical tape works—so the terminals cannot touch each other or metal objects. Place the wrapped batteries in a small bag or envelope inside your carry-on, separate from metal items.

For devices, power them off before packing. Devices that are powered on or in sleep mode pose a higher fire risk than devices that are completely shut down. Once everything is in your carry-on, do a final check of your checked bag to make sure nothing was missed.

International flights and other countries' rules

The ban on lithium batteries in checked luggage applies to all commercial passenger flights departing from the United States, including international flights. However, other countries have their own rules, and some are stricter. If you are flying from another country or connecting through another country, check that country's aviation authority website for their specific requirements.

Some countries prohibit lithium batteries in carry-on luggage as well, or limit the number and size more strictly than the TSA does. If you are unsure, contact your airline or the aviation authority of the country you are flying from or to. Rules can change, and it is better to confirm before you pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a phone or laptop in checked luggage if I turn it off?

No. Powered-off devices still contain lithium batteries, and the ban covers all lithium batteries in checked luggage regardless of whether the device is on or off. Your phone and laptop must go in your carry-on bag.

What about rechargeable batteries in my electric toothbrush or razor?

If the battery is removable, take it out and pack it in your carry-on. If the battery is non-removable and built into the device, contact your airline before you pack. Some airlines allow non-removable batteries in checked luggage if the device is powered off and undamaged, but this varies by airline.

Can I mail lithium batteries instead of flying with them?

Lithium batteries are also restricted in the mail and on cargo aircraft. If you need to send a device with a lithium battery to your destination, contact the shipping carrier to learn their rules. Some carriers allow devices with installed batteries but not loose batteries.

What if I have a medical device that runs on lithium batteries?

Medical devices with lithium batteries may have different rules. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight and bring documentation from your doctor. The airline will tell you how to pack the device safely. In most cases, medical devices are allowed in carry-on baggage.

Are there any lithium batteries that are allowed in checked luggage?

No lithium batteries are allowed in checked luggage on passenger flights in the United States. The only possible exception is a device with a non-removable battery that your specific airline has pre-approved, and this must be confirmed in writing before you fly.