Can I take a lithium battery in my hand luggage?

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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Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. These limits allow for nearly all types of lithium batteries used by the average person in their electronic devices.

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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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Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) should be carried in carry-on baggage. Flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin.

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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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Damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices, which are likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous evolution of heat must not be carried aboard an aircraft (e.g. carry-on or checked baggage) unless the damaged or recalled battery has been removed, or otherwise made safe.

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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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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.

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How Does TSA Detect Lithium Batteries? The answer lies in the power of X-rays! Through a process called X-ray absorption, TSA agents are able to identify lithium-ion batteries and remove them for further inspection. When X-rays pass through a piece of luggage, they create an image on the other side.

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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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Chargers and cables for electronic devices don't need to be removed from your carry-on when going through airport security. That said, they do clutter the x-ray images a lot, so unless you've packed just a few chargers in there, the TSA agents might ask you to remove them from the bag and place them in a separate bin.

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