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Can I take a battery on a plane?

Lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less in a device 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. Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery.



Yes, but the rules in 2026 are stricter than ever due to fire safety concerns. Lithium-ion batteries and power banks must always be in carry-on luggage; they are strictly prohibited in checked bags because a fire in the cargo hold is much harder to extinguish. Most airlines allow batteries up to 100 Watt-hours (Wh) without prior approval. For larger batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh (common in high-end camera gear or professional laptops), you generally need advance airline permission, and there is a limit of two per person. A new regulation for 2026 from many carriers, including the Lufthansa Group, now prohibits the use or charging of power banks during the flight; they must remain stored under your seat or in your pocket to prevent overheating. Always ensure the "Wh" rating is clearly printed on the device; if security cannot verify the capacity, they may confiscate it. For reference, a standard 20,000mAh power bank is typically around 74Wh, making it perfectly legal for carry-on travel.

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Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited in checked baggage. They must be carried with the passenger in carry-on baggage.

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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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These are the batteries we commonly use at home (AAA, AA…). They are allowed on board in both checked and carry-on baggage whether or not they are rechargeable.

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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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If carry-on baggage is checked at the gate or planeside, spare lithium batteries, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices must be removed from the baggage and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. Even in carry-on baggage, these items should be protected from damage, accidental activation and short circuits.

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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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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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Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

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Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries and portable batteries that contain lithium-ion can only be packed in carry-on baggage. They're limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. With airline approval, you can bring two larger spare batteries (up to 160 Wh).

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The FAA goes into precise details about taking power banks on planes: any battery that you take on board should not exceed 100Wh. External chargers or power banks are also considered to be a battery, and should not surpass a capacity of 27000mAh, or in other words, 100Wh.

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Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries and portable batteries that contain lithium-ion can only be packed in carry-on baggage. They're limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. With airline approval, you can bring two larger spare batteries (up to 160 Wh).

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This covers typical dry cell batteries and lithium metal and lithium ion batteries for consumer electronics (AA, AAA, C, D, button cell, camera batteries, laptop batteries, etc.) Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal and lithium ion batteries are always prohibited in checked baggage and must be placed in carry-on.

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Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.

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In the United States and European nations, TSA prohibits knives in carry-on luggage, except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives. However, blades can be packed in checked baggage if they are sheathed or securely wrapped to deter injury during air travel.

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A dry AA(A) battery (type Alkaline, NiMh, NiCd,…) for personal small items such as a pocket torch or a radio are allowed as long as they are inside the device or enclosed in a strong package.

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