Batteries are allowed through TSA checkpoints, but the rules depend on the type and how many you carry

You can bring batteries in your carry-on bag and checked luggage, but TSA limits certain kinds and quantities. Lithium batteries — the rechargeable kind in phones, laptops, and power banks — have the strictest rules. Alkaline batteries like AA, AAA, C, and D are unrestricted in both bags. The difference matters because lithium batteries can overheat and pose a fire risk in cargo holds, while alkaline batteries do not.

The practical rule: if the battery powers your phone or laptop, there are limits. If it powers a flashlight or remote control, you are fine. Loose batteries (not installed in a device) get tighter restrictions than batteries already inside your electronics.

Key Takeaways

  • Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) have no TSA limit and can go in carry-on or checked bags.
  • Lithium batteries installed in devices like phones and laptops are allowed in carry-on only, with no quantity limit.
  • Loose lithium batteries are limited to two spares per person in carry-on bags only, and checked bags are prohibited.
  • Lithium metal batteries (not rechargeable lithium-ion) have a 2-gram limit per battery and 8 grams total per person.
  • Damaged, recalled, or defective batteries cannot be brought through security in any form.

Alkaline batteries have no restrictions

Alkaline batteries — AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, and similar single-use types — are not regulated by TSA. You can pack as many as you need in your carry-on or checked bag. These batteries are not considered a fire hazard during flight because they cannot overheat the way lithium batteries can.

If you are traveling with a device that uses alkaline batteries, you can also bring spares without counting against any limit. This applies whether the batteries are loose or still in their original packaging.

Lithium-ion batteries in devices are allowed in carry-on only

Lithium-ion batteries — the rechargeable kind in phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras — are allowed through security if they are installed in the device. You can bring your phone, laptop, and camera in your carry-on bag with no quantity limit. TSA does not restrict how many charged devices you carry.

These batteries must stay in carry-on bags, not checked luggage. The reason is that if a battery overheats in the cargo hold, crew members cannot reach it to address the fire. In the cabin, a fire can be spotted and handled when ready.

Loose lithium-ion batteries are limited to two spares

If you are carrying lithium-ion batteries outside of a device — a spare phone battery, a laptop battery you removed, or a power bank — the rules tighten. You can bring a maximum of two spare lithium-ion batteries per person, and they must go in your carry-on bag only. Checked bags are prohibited.

The batteries must be in their original retail packaging or have tape over the terminals to prevent short circuits. If the terminals touch metal objects in your bag, the battery can overheat. Many travelers use battery cases or plastic sleeves for this reason.

Power banks count as lithium-ion batteries for this rule. A single power bank is one spare battery. If you are traveling with two power banks, you have reached your limit.

Lithium metal batteries have stricter limits

Lithium metal batteries — the non-rechargeable kind used in some cameras, watches, and emergency devices — are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery and 8 grams total per person. These are less common than lithium-ion, but they appear in some older camera models and specialized equipment.

Check your device manual or the battery label to confirm whether you have lithium-ion (rechargeable) or lithium metal (non-rechargeable). The packaging usually states the type. If you are unsure, contact the manufacturer before traveling.

Damaged or recalled batteries cannot fly

TSA will not allow any battery that is visibly damaged, swollen, leaking, or recalled. If a battery has a dent, crack, or shows any sign of damage, leave it at home. Recalled batteries — which TSA and the manufacturer announce publicly — are also prohibited, even if they appear to work normally.

If you own a device with a recalled battery, check the manufacturer's website or the TSA website before your trip. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 batteries, for example, were banned from all flights after several overheated in flight. Newer recalls are posted as they occur.

What to pack and how to pack it

For a typical trip, most travelers need only their devices and their chargers. If you want to bring spare batteries, follow this checklist: alkaline spares have no limit and can go anywhere in your bags. Lithium-ion spares (including power banks) are limited to two per person and must be in carry-on, with terminals taped or in original packaging. Leave damaged batteries at home.

Pack batteries where they will not shift around or get crushed. A small pouch or battery case in your carry-on works well. If you are checking a bag, do not put lithium batteries in it — they belong in the cabin with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a power bank through TSA?

Yes, a power bank is a lithium-ion battery and counts as one spare. You can bring up to two power banks per person in your carry-on bag only. The terminals should be taped or the power bank should be in its original packaging to prevent accidental discharge.

What if my battery is swollen or leaking?

Do not bring it. TSA will confiscate any damaged battery, and it is a fire hazard. A swollen or leaking battery should be disposed of at a battery recycling center before your trip, not packed in luggage.

Can I bring batteries in my checked bag?

Alkaline batteries can go in checked bags with no limit. Lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries must stay in carry-on only. Checked luggage is not pressurized the same way, and crew cannot respond to a fire in the cargo hold.

Do I need to remove my laptop battery before security?

No. If the battery is installed in your laptop, it can stay in your carry-on bag through security and on the plane. You only need to remove it if TSA asks, which is rare.

Are rechargeable AA batteries treated like alkaline or lithium?

Rechargeable AA batteries are lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride, depending on the type. Check the label. If it says lithium-ion, it counts toward your two-spare limit and must be in carry-on. If it is nickel-metal hydride, it is treated like alkaline with no restrictions.