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Can I fly with power tool batteries?

There is a limit of two spare batteries per person for the larger lithium ion batteries described above (101–160 watt hours per battery). Batteries must be protected from damage. Battery terminals (usually the ends) must be protected from short circuit (i.e., the terminals must not come in contact with other metal).



Yes, you can fly with power tool batteries, but they are subject to strict "High-Fidelity" safety regulations regarding their chemistry and capacity. Spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only; they are strictly prohibited in checked luggage due to the risk of fire. Each battery must generally not exceed a 100 Watt-hour (Wh) rating. For larger batteries (between 101 and 160 Wh), you can typically carry up to two spares, but only with explicit airline approval. Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are prohibited on all commercial flights. If the battery is installed in the tool, the tool can be placed in checked baggage, provided the device is protected from accidental activation and the "High-Fidelity" switch is locked. It is a high-fidelity requirement to protect the battery terminals from short-circuiting by placing them in their original packaging, a battery case, or by covering the terminals with electrical tape. Always check with your specific carrier in 2026, as some airlines have additional high-fidelity safety restrictions.

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Passengers are permitted to travel with lithium ion batteries that contain a maximum of 160-watt hours per battery. Any lithium ion battery containing more than 160-watt hours is prohibited from carriage on all passenger aircraft.

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Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams).

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Checked Bags: Yes
in the most common sizes: AA, AAA, C, D, button cell, 9-volt, etc. Batteries must be protected from damage and creating sparks or a dangerous evolution of heat. For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries.

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Checked Bags: No Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.

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Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams).

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Such a hazard, in fact, that the FAA has issued a new warning on the dangers such batteries could pose to aircraft, and the could on board, essentially calling for their ban. Lithium batteries present a risk of both igniting and fueling fires in aircraft cargo/baggage compartments.

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Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams).

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What can happen if I accidentally forgot some portable electronics that use lithium batteries in my check in bag? Generally nothing happens. You can carry most electronic devices with installed lithium batteries in checked luggage. You cannot carry loose batteries or ones in external chargers.

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For example, flyers often wonder if a 20000mah power bank is allowed on flight. As 20000mah makes for less than 100 watt-hours, it can be carried in cabin luggage.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage if they are likely to be a safety concern by overheating or catching on fire. When in doubt, leave it out. Check the FAA's Pack Safe website for the rules on carrying these items and other dangerous goods in baggage.

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When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit.

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A flashlight that is less than 7 inches in length and is not classified as a tactical weapon can be brought on a plane through carry-on. You can bring any flashlight through checked luggage but you must carry lithium batteries with you in your carry-on bag.

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Lithium batteries can overheat and ignite under certain conditions, posing a fire hazard on aircraft. These fires can be challenging to extinguish and may cause severe damage to the airplane and its passengers.

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What Are AA Batteries? The AA Battery is a small cylindrical cell battery of alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH composition. The AA Battery is an extremely common battery and is produced by many large brands such as Duracell, Atomic, Energizer, Toshiba, and more.

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A: The bags are scanned for security, not specifically for lithium batteries. If you leave a lithium battery in your bag it will travel with you. It is safer for the battery to be in the cabin so that if a thermal runaway occurs the cabin crew can deal with it.

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