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Is it OK to bring batteries 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, it is generally okay to bring batteries on a plane, but there are very strict safety regulations regarding where they are stored and what type they are. In 2026, the primary rule is that Lithium-ion batteries (the kind in your phone, laptop, and power banks) must be in your carry-on luggage and are strictly prohibited from checked bags. This is because lithium batteries pose a fire risk; if they "short-circuit" or experience "thermal runaway" in the cabin, the crew can use specialized fire extinguishers to put them out, whereas a fire in the cargo hold could go unnoticed until it is catastrophic. For portable power banks, most airlines limit you to a capacity of 100 Watt-hours (Wh), which is roughly 27,000 mAh. If your battery is between 100Wh and 160Wh, you typically need airline approval. "Dry cell" batteries like AA, AAA, or D cells are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, but they should be kept in their original packaging or have their terminals taped to prevent short-circuiting. Always ensure your spare batteries are protected from contact with metal objects like coins or keys to prevent accidental activation or sparks during transit.

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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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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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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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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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Except for spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries, all the batteries allowed in carry-on baggage are also allowed in checked baggage; however, we recommend that you pack them in your carry-on bag whenever possible.

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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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Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. Most other consumer electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

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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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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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We only accept dry/gel cell or lithium-ion (wheelchair) batteries (lithium-ion batteries cannot exceed a total of 300 watts) for a device that is powered by two batteries, each battery must not exceed 160wh.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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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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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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Actually, airlines do not allow power banks in the cargo luggage for the purpose of safety. Power banks are essentially batteries that utilise lithium cells. Lithium batteries have a tendency to combust, and are therefore prohibited for cargo transport, as part of air-transport regulations.

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Limits: Two spare batteries per passenger—with airline approval. small consumer electronics such as cameras, LED flashlights, watches, etc. (2 grams or less lithium per battery). E-cigarettes and vaporizers are prohibited in checked baggage.

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You can take 2 power banks with you on the plane. Together, they can have a capacity of up to 27,000mAh (100Wh). Make sure you put those power banks in your carry-on luggage. They're not allowed as checked luggage.

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If the smart luggage is to be checked in and put in the hold, the lithium battery/power bank needs to be disconnected from the smart luggage at Bag Drop and taken into the cabin. Any exposed terminals should be protected from short circuit.

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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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