Can I take lithium batteries on a plane?

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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Methods include: leaving the batteries in their retail packaging, covering battery terminals with tape, using a battery case, using a battery sleeve in a camera bag, or putting them snugly in a plastic bag or protective pouch.

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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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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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lithium metal and lithium ion/polymer batteries are prohibited in checked baggage—this includes external battery packs. Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers are also prohibited in checked baggage. “Checked baggage” includes bags checked at the gate or planeside.

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Since 1991, the US Federal Aviation Agency has reported 225 incidents (pdf) of smoke, fire, extreme heat, or explosion involving lithium-ion batteries in cargo or baggage. The way to catch stray lithium-ion batteries is to blast X-rays on the luggage.

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If these devices are packed in checked baggage, they should be turned completely off, protected from accidental activation and packed so they are protected from damage. Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited in checked baggage.

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In summary: Power banks are allowed on planes in carry on bags only. Power banks are not allowed in checked luggage / cargo luggage. You can bring power banks up to 27,000 mAh on most passenger aircraft.

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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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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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Most airlines allow passengers to bring power banks in their carry-on luggage, but not in checked baggage, due to the risk of fire caused by lithium-ion batteries. The capacity of the power bank is also typically limited to 100 watt-hours or 20,000mAh.

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The reason behind this is that power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which are considered dangerous goods by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density and, if not handled correctly, they can pose a risk of fire or explosion.

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Power Banks and Battery Packs
The airport staff will check to see that your power bank is under 100Wh (watt hours); if it isn't, or is up to 160Wh without prior approval from the airline, it will probably be confiscated. This isn't directly due to any notion that airport scanners damage batteries.

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Quantity limits: None for most batteries — but batteries must be for use by the passenger. Batteries carried for further sale or distribution (vendor samples, etc.) are prohibited. There is a limit of two spare batteries per person for the larger lithium ion batteries described above (101–160 watt hours per battery).

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Here are the TSA's guidelines for bringing power banks on planes: Power banks that are 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less are allowed in carry-on and checked bags. Power banks that are between 100 and 160 watt-hours are allowed in carry-on bags only, and you must declare them to the TSA at the checkpoint.

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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.

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Most consumer personal electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, including but not limited to cell phones, smart phones, data loggers, PDAs, electronic games, tablets, laptop computers, cameras, camcorders, watches, calculators, etc.

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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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Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. For more information, see the FAA guidance on portable rechargers. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'

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Yes. A power bank is allowed on flight but only in a passenger's hand baggage. It is strictly maintained that you do not carry a power bank in your check in baggage.

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