Lithium batteries are banned from checked luggage because they can catch fire in the cargo hold, where fires cannot be fought

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) prohibit lithium batteries in checked baggage on passenger planes. The reason is straightforward: lithium batteries can overheat, catch fire, and explode, and a fire in the cargo hold of an aircraft in flight cannot be extinguished by crew members. A single battery fire in a pressurized cargo compartment at 35,000 feet can disable the plane's systems and cause a crash.

This is not a theoretical risk. The FAA has documented cargo plane crashes caused by lithium battery fires, including a 2010 UPS cargo flight that went down near Dubai. The agency studied the incident and concluded that lithium batteries were the cause. Since then, the restrictions have only tightened.

The ban applies to the batteries themselves and to devices containing them—phones, laptops, power banks, e-readers, and cameras all contain lithium batteries. You can bring these items in your carry-on bag because the cabin crew can see and respond to a fire when ready. You cannot bring them in checked luggage.

Key Takeaways

  • Lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire in the cargo hold, where crew members cannot reach them or put out the fire.
  • The ban covers both standalone batteries and devices containing lithium batteries, such as phones, laptops, and power banks.
  • You can bring lithium batteries and lithium-powered devices in your carry-on bag, where the crew can monitor and respond to any fire.
  • Some spare batteries are permitted in carry-on luggage in limited quantities, but the rules vary by airline and destination country.
  • Devices must be powered off or in sleep mode during flight, and you cannot use them during taxi, takeoff, or landing.

What counts as a lithium battery

Lithium batteries come in two types: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Both are banned from checked luggage. Lithium-ion batteries are the rechargeable kind found in phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and power banks. Lithium metal batteries are single-use, non-rechargeable batteries sometimes used in emergency beacons, certain medical devices, and some older electronics.

If you are unsure whether a device contains a lithium battery, assume it does. Nearly every modern portable electronic device—including smartwatches, wireless headphones, e-readers, portable speakers, and vaping devices—uses a lithium-ion battery. Even devices you might not think of as "electronic," like some heated clothing or smart luggage with electronic locks, contain lithium batteries.

The ban also covers damaged, defective, or recalled batteries. If a battery is swollen, cracked, or has been recalled by the manufacturer, it is even more dangerous and absolutely cannot be packed in any luggage.

Why lithium batteries are a fire risk

Lithium batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space. If the battery's internal separator—a thin plastic layer that keeps the positive and negative terminals apart—is damaged or fails, the terminals can touch. This causes a short circuit, which generates intense heat almost when ready. The battery can reach temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit in seconds.

In a cargo hold, this heat can ignite the battery's flammable electrolyte and spread to nearby luggage and cargo. Once a lithium battery fire starts, it is extremely difficult to extinguish because the battery itself contains oxygen and will continue to burn even in an oxygen-free environment. Water and standard fire extinguishers are largely ineffective.

The cargo hold is also pressurized and sealed during flight. A fire there cannot be seen or reached by crew members, and the smoke and heat can damage the plane's electrical systems and structural integrity. This is why the FAA treats lithium battery fires as a catastrophic risk.

What you can bring in carry-on luggage instead

You can bring lithium batteries and lithium-powered devices in your carry-on bag. The FAA allows one spare lithium-ion battery (up to 100 watt-hours) and two spare lithium metal batteries per passenger in carry-on luggage only. Devices like phones, laptops, and cameras count toward this limit if you are also carrying spare batteries.

Spare batteries must be in their original retail packaging or have the terminals taped with non-conductive tape to prevent short circuits during the flight. If a battery is damaged or swollen, do not bring it on the plane at all.

Your airline may have stricter rules than the FAA minimum. Some airlines do not allow spare batteries at all, or they limit the number or watt-hour rating. Check your airline's website or call before you pack. International flights may have different rules depending on the destination country and the airline's home country.

Devices that must stay in carry-on, not checked

Any device with a lithium battery must travel in your carry-on bag. This includes:

  • Phones and smartphones
  • Laptops, tablets, and e-readers
  • Cameras and camcorders
  • Power banks and portable chargers
  • Wireless headphones and earbuds
  • Smartwatches and fitness trackers
  • Portable speakers and Bluetooth devices
  • Vaping devices and e-cigarettes
  • Hoverboards, electric scooters, and self-balancing devices
  • Drones and remote-controlled toys
  • Electric shavers and toothbrushes
  • Heated blankets, heated clothing, and heated car seats
  • Smart luggage with electronic locks or tracking

If you forget and pack a device with a lithium battery in your checked bag, the airline may discover it during screening and remove it. You will not be able to retrieve it before your flight. In some cases, you may face a fine.

Rules for international travel

The FAA rules explore to flights within the United States and to U.S. carriers flying internationally. However, other countries and airlines may have stricter rules. Some countries ban lithium batteries from carry-on luggage entirely, or they allow only devices but not spare batteries.

If you are flying to or from another country, check the rules for both your departure airport and your destination airport. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) publishes guidelines that most airlines follow, but individual airlines and countries can impose additional restrictions. Your airline's website will have the specific rules for your route.

Some countries also restrict lithium batteries in the mail and in ground transportation, so if you are shipping a device or battery to another country, research the rules for that country's postal service and customs regulations before you send it.

What to do if you need to travel with a device

If you need to bring a laptop, phone, or other device on a flight, pack it in your carry-on bag and keep it accessible. You may be asked to remove it during security screening, and you will need to power it on to show that it works. This is normal and expected.

If your device is too large or you do not have room in your carry-on, you have a few options. You can ship the device to your destination before you travel, arrange to pick it up when you arrive, or leave it at home. You cannot pack it in checked luggage.

If you are traveling with a laptop or tablet that you plan to use during the flight, remember that you can only use it during the flight itself—not during taxi, takeoff, or landing. The device must be in airplane mode, and you cannot use it to make phone calls or send text messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The FAA ban applies to all lithium batteries and lithium-powered devices in checked luggage, regardless of whether they are powered on or off. A powered-off device can still overheat and catch fire if the battery is damaged or defective. The only safe place for lithium batteries on a plane is in your carry-on bag, where the crew can respond when ready if there is a problem.

What if my power bank or phone battery is damaged or swollen?

Do not bring it on the plane in any luggage. A damaged or swollen lithium battery is at high risk of catching fire. If you have a swollen battery, dispose of it safely at a local electronics recycling center or a retailer that accepts batteries. Do not throw it in the trash or leave it in a car.

Can I bring a portable charger or power bank in my carry-on?

Yes, as long as it is in good condition and does not exceed 100 watt-hours. Most portable chargers sold for phones and tablets fall well under this limit. Check the label on your power bank to find the watt-hour rating. If it is not labeled, contact the manufacturer. Power banks larger than 100 watt-hours are not permitted on passenger planes.

What happens if the airline finds a lithium battery in my checked bag?

The airline will remove the device or battery before your flight departs. You will not be able to retrieve it, and you may not be able to get it back after your trip. In some cases, you may be fined. The best approach is to double-check your checked luggage before you check it in and move any devices with lithium batteries to your carry-on bag.

Are there any exceptions to the lithium battery ban for checked luggage?

There are very limited exceptions for certain medical devices, such as pacemakers or portable oxygen concentrators, and for devices installed in the aircraft itself. Passenger electronics are not exempt. If you have a medical device that contains a lithium battery, contact your airline in advance to discuss how to transport it safely.