Why are lithium batteries not allowed in luggage?

Lithium batteries, which power everyday devices, can catch fire if damaged or if battery terminals are short-circuited. Devices containing lithium metal batteries or lithium ion batteries, including – but not limited to – smartphones, tablets, cameras and laptops, should be kept in carry-on baggage.



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Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries, portable rechargers, 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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If you need assistance with screening, you may ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries must 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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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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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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Lithium batteries, which power everyday devices, can catch fire if damaged or if battery terminals are short-circuited. Devices containing lithium metal batteries or lithium ion batteries, including – but not limited to – smartphones, tablets, cameras and laptops, should be kept in carry-on baggage.

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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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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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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.

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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 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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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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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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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 likely nothing will happen. Generally at worst if your bag is chosen for inspection and it's found they may throw it out.

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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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In spite of the fact that the scanners can see the density and mass of everything that you have packed, they are not always able to establish what the objects are. In this case, if your luggage contains objects that arouse any suspicions then, the security will take a look through the bag.

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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. The TSA agent looks at this image and can tell if there are any suspicious items present.

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Items that are not allowed in checked luggage
  • Aerosols (in most cases) ...
  • Any device containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries. ...
  • Bug spray. ...
  • Christmas crackers. ...
  • Compressed gases. ...
  • Corrosive or oxidizing chemicals. ...
  • Cremated remains. ...
  • Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons.


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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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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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