Roberta Aguirre
Lithium batteries are a common power source for many everyday devices, from smartphones and laptops to electronic toothbrushes and e-cigarettes. However, their presence on planes has become a growing concern for airlines and aviation authorities due to their potential to catch fire or overheat. As a result, travellers need to be aware of the regulations and guidelines surrounding the safe transportation of lithium batteries through airport security and during air travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Devices with lithium batteries | Smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops, power banks, electronic toothbrushes, etc. |
| Where to keep lithium batteries | Carry-on baggage |
| Why not checked baggage? | Risk of accidental activation, damage, and short circuits |
| Lithium batteries prohibited in checked baggage | Spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries, portable rechargers, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices |
| Lithium battery safety | Keep devices in a sleeve or case, do not retrieve devices that fall between seats, follow manufacturer guidelines for safe disposal |
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What You'll Learn
Lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage
The FAA's lithium-ion battery rules are relatively new but essential for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. These batteries, when damaged, can cause thermal runaway, leading to smoke or fire. This risk is mitigated by keeping these batteries in carry-on baggage, where any potential issues can be quickly identified and addressed.
When travelling with lithium batteries, it is crucial to adhere to the following guidelines: keep them in your carry-on baggage, ensure they are protected from damage, accidental activation, and short circuits, and if possible, cover the positive and negative ends with tape to prevent short-circuiting. Additionally, check with your airline before travelling with devices containing lithium batteries, as some airlines have specific policies regarding portable batteries.
It is worth noting that while installed lithium-ion batteries in devices like laptops can be placed in checked luggage, loose and spare batteries must always be kept in carry-on baggage. This distinction is important, as batteries not installed in devices pose a higher risk of dangerous incidents. By following these guidelines, passengers can help ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
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They must be kept in carry-on baggage
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented guidelines regarding the packing of lithium batteries in carry-on baggage. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, and laptops, must be kept in carry-on baggage. This is because lithium batteries can pose a safety risk if they are damaged or short-circuited, as they may catch fire or overheat. By keeping these items in carry-on baggage, passengers and cabin crew can quickly address any issues that may arise.
If electronic devices with lithium batteries are placed in checked baggage, specific precautions must be taken. These devices should be completely turned off and protected from accidental activation and potential damage. Additionally, spare lithium batteries, portable rechargers, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices are prohibited from checked baggage and must remain with the passenger in their carry-on luggage.
To ensure the safe transportation of lithium batteries, passengers should follow certain precautions. It is recommended to check for recalls or potential damage to devices, as faulty batteries are more likely to create sparks or generate dangerous levels of heat. Keeping devices in protective sleeves or cases can help prevent accidental damage and reduce the risk of thermal runaway.
When using portable chargers during a flight, it is important to follow airline guidelines. Some airlines, like Southwest, require that portable chargers remain in plain sight and not be placed in overhead bins. These policies aim to ensure the safety of passengers and crew by allowing easy access to the chargers and mitigating potential fire hazards.
Overall, passengers must be mindful of the guidelines and regulations regarding lithium batteries when packing for air travel. By keeping these items in carry-on baggage and taking the necessary precautions, passengers can help ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
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Batteries should be protected from accidental activation
Lithium batteries are a common source of power for everyday devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and even electronic toothbrushes. These batteries, however, pose a safety risk when transported by air. There have been numerous verified incidents involving lithium batteries, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting 620 incidents in the United States between March 3, 2006, and April 27, 2025. The most common issues involved battery packs, followed by e-cigarettes, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Due to the potential dangers, it is crucial to handle lithium batteries with care and ensure they are protected from accidental activation during air travel.
Lithium batteries, when damaged, short-circuited, or overheated, can catch fire. This poses a significant safety risk, especially in an aircraft's confined space. To mitigate this risk, passengers are advised to carry their electronic devices containing lithium batteries in their carry-on baggage. This allows passengers and cabin crew to take immediate action in the event of a smoke or fire incident. However, even in carry-on baggage, lithium batteries should be protected from accidental activation to prevent safety hazards.
Accidental activation of lithium batteries can occur through unintentional button presses or damage during transportation. To prevent this, passengers should ensure that their devices are turned off and securely packed. Additionally, using battery cases or organizers designed for battery storage can help prevent contact between terminals, reducing the risk of activation. Passengers should also check their devices for recalls or damage before packing them, as recalled or damaged batteries are more likely to create sparks or generate dangerous levels of heat.
Furthermore, passengers should be cautious when handling batteries and avoid bringing metal into contact with them. This includes metal tools, personal items such as jewelry, and even the aircraft's metal surfaces. As metal conducts electricity, any contact with a live battery could result in electrocution or a short circuit. Passengers should also refrain from hand-guiding batteries during the lifting or moving process, as this could lead to electrical shock or exposure to corrosive battery acid if the battery is dropped.
In summary, lithium batteries should be protected from accidental activation during air travel to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Passengers can achieve this by following simple precautions, such as carrying devices in carry-on baggage, using battery cases, ensuring devices are turned off, and avoiding contact with metal objects. By taking these measures, the risk of incidents involving lithium batteries on aircraft can be significantly reduced.
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$50 $57.18
Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage
Lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating or short-circuiting, especially if they are damaged. This can lead to a process called thermal runaway, resulting in smoke, fire, and, in some cases, explosions. Due to the risks associated with damaged, defective, or recalled batteries, these are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported 620 verified incidents in the United States involving lithium batteries between March 3, 2006, and April 27, 2025. Of these incidents, 465 occurred in the cabin and 129 in the cargo hold. The most common issue involved battery packs, followed by e-cigarettes, cell phones, and other electronic devices. The number of incidents has been increasing annually since 2014, excluding 2019 and 2020.
To reduce the risk of incidents, the FAA advises passengers to check for recalls or damages to their devices. Damaged batteries are more likely to create sparks or generate dangerous amounts of heat. Passengers should also keep their electronics in a protective sleeve or case to prevent damage during travel. If a device is accidentally dropped and there is a possibility of damage, passengers should not attempt to retrieve it themselves. Instead, they should notify a flight attendant, who is trained to safely retrieve the device.
While lithium-ion batteries installed in personal electronic devices are generally allowed in checked or carry-on baggage, spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage. Passengers are advised to carry spare batteries in their original retail packaging or insulate the battery terminals with non-conductive tape to prevent unintentional activation or short-circuiting. It is also important to note that some airlines, such as Southwest, have implemented policies prohibiting the use of portable batteries during the flight. Therefore, passengers should always check their airline's specific policies before their travel.
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Airlines have varying policies on portable chargers
Lithium batteries, which are commonly found in smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops, and portable chargers, have been the cause of numerous fire incidents on airplanes. To mitigate the risk, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have implemented regulations that prohibit spare lithium-ion batteries, including portable chargers, from being packed in checked luggage. These batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage and kept within easy reach during the flight.
- Delta Air Lines allows power banks in carry-on luggage, with a limit of 20 spare batteries per passenger. They strictly prohibit power banks over 160 Wh and limit those between 100 and 160 Wh to two spares, which must be individually protected against short circuits.
- Lufthansa, American Airlines, Emirates, and Qantas follow similar rules to Delta Air Lines.
- Singapore Airlines permits battery-powered devices up to 100 Wh in checked baggage, but recommends carrying them in cabin luggage. If placed in checked baggage, the devices must be completely powered off, not in sleep or hibernation mode.
- Southwest Airlines has a new policy that requires passengers using portable chargers to keep them in plain sight and not in the overhead bin.
- Several Asian airlines have implemented similar policies, prohibiting the placement of batteries in overhead bins or banning the use of portable batteries altogether during the flight.
It is important to note that the rules regarding portable chargers may change, and passengers should always check with the airline and the destination country's regulations before their flight to ensure compliance. Additionally, passengers should follow the FAA's recommendations to check for recalls or damages to their devices and keep electronics in a protective case to reduce the risk of battery damage and thermal runaway.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but they must be kept in your carry-on baggage.
Lithium batteries can catch fire if damaged or if the battery terminals are short-circuited.
Items containing lithium batteries include smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops, e-cigarettes, power banks, and portable chargers.
Battery terminals should be protected by the manufacturer's packaging or covered with tape to prevent short circuits. It is also important to keep electronics in a protective sleeve or case to prevent damage.
Notify the flight crew immediately. Flight attendants are trained to handle such situations and will take appropriate action.
