Lois Larson
Most consumer personal electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. However, the screening process at airports may require travellers to separate their electronic devices from their carry-on bags for X-ray screening. In the case of sealed electronic devices, security agents can ask to see inside a bag that is being screened. It is recommended to place electronic devices in plastic bins provided at security checks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scanning sealed electronic devices | Allowed as long as the device can be scanned via X-ray |
| Restrictions on electronic devices | None |
| Restrictions on batteries | Spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage and must be placed in carry-on baggage |
| Powering electronic devices | Devices without power will not be permitted onboard |
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What You'll Learn
Electronic devices with lithium batteries
Most consumer personal electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. This includes electronic devices with lithium batteries, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and camcorders.
If you are carrying electronic devices with lithium batteries in your checked baggage, they must be completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage. In devices capable of generating extreme heat, the heating elements must be removed or mitigated.
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. They are limited to a rating of 100-watt hours per battery for lithium-ion and 2 grams of lithium per battery for lithium-metal.
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 fire. If in doubt, leave it out.
It is important to note that TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate electronic devices from carry-on bags for X-ray screening. Officers may also ask you to power up your electronic devices, and powerless devices will not be permitted onboard.
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Scanning and screening procedures
Electronic devices are subject to separate screening. Personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, must be removed from carry-on bags and placed in bins for X-ray screening. This ensures clear and unobstructed images of the devices. Passengers may also be asked to power up their devices, including cell phones, to demonstrate functionality. Devices that cannot be powered on will not be permitted onboard.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in consumer electronics, are allowed in carry-on baggage but prohibited in checked baggage. Spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin and not placed in checked bags. Devices with lithium batteries in checked baggage must be completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation.
In some cases, security agents may request to inspect items more closely. They have the authority to open any bags or packages they deem necessary for further examination. It is recommended to cooperate with their instructions and arrive early at the airport to allow sufficient time for the screening process.
Additionally, passengers should be mindful of how they pack their carry-on bags. Certain items, such as foods, powders, and clutter, can obstruct clear X-ray images, leading to additional screening. Proper packing can facilitate the screening process and enhance the overall travel experience.
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Restrictions on hand luggage
When packing electronic devices in hand luggage, it's important to follow certain restrictions to ensure a smooth journey through airport security and to adhere to safety guidelines. Here are the key restrictions and guidelines to keep in mind:
Carry-On vs Checked Baggage
Most consumer electronic devices containing batteries, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and electronic games, are typically allowed in carry-on baggage. It is recommended to carry these devices with you rather than packing them in checked baggage. This is because flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery-related incidents in the cabin. If you do need to pack electronic devices in checked baggage, ensure they are completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage.
Device Power
All electronic devices must be powered on when requested by airport security. Devices that are powerless or unable to switch on when requested will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. Keep your devices charged before travelling to avoid any issues.
Battery Type and Condition
Lithium batteries are a safety concern for airlines. Spare lithium-ion batteries, including those for electronic smoking devices, are prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried in your hand luggage. When carrying spare batteries, ensure they are protected from damage and short circuits. Damaged or recalled batteries that may create sparks or generate dangerous heat are prohibited unless they have been made safe by removing or replacing the battery.
Scanning and Screening
At security checkpoints, you may be asked to remove laptops and similar devices for separate scanning. As long as the device and its packaging are scannable, you should not encounter issues. Keep in mind that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or prohibited from passing through the checkpoint if it triggers security concerns during the screening process.
Quantity and Size Restrictions
While there are no quantity limits for personal use, larger lithium-ion batteries and spare non-spillable wet batteries are typically limited to two per person. Size restrictions may also apply to lithium metal, lithium-ion, and non-spillable wet batteries, so be sure to check with your airline or relevant authorities for specific guidelines.
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Customs and declaration
When travelling with electronic devices, it is important to be aware of the customs and declaration requirements at your destination airport. Here are some key points to consider:
- X-ray Screening: All carry-on luggage, including electronic devices, will be X-rayed at the security checkpoint. Personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops, tablets, and handheld game consoles, must be removed from carry-on bags and placed separately in bins for X-ray screening. This separate screening process is also applicable to battery-powered devices and spare batteries. It is recommended to keep the devices powered on, as powerless devices may not be permitted onboard.
- Original Packaging: While it is not necessary to remove electronic devices from their original packaging or sealed plastic wrap, doing so may streamline the security process. Some travellers suggest that passing the device through the X-ray scanner by itself increases the chances that security agents will not open the packaging. However, security agents always have the authority to request to inspect any item, and they may require you to open the packaging for further examination.
- International Travel: When travelling internationally with electronic devices, customs declaration may be required, especially if the devices are new and could be subject to taxes or duties. The rules and allowances vary by country, so it is essential to check the regulations of your destination country. In some cases, you may need to declare the devices and pay any applicable duties or taxes.
- Prohibited Items: It is important to note that certain electronic devices or components may be prohibited from being transported in checked baggage. For example, spare lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried in your carry-on luggage. Additionally, devices containing liquid-like substances, such as e-cigarettes, are prohibited in checked baggage. Always check the latest regulations and guidelines before packing.
- Hazardous Materials: Most hazardous materials are forbidden in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are exceptions for certain personal items, such as toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, and assistive devices. If you are travelling with any potentially hazardous materials, consult the Federal Aviation Administration's Pack Safe list for guidance.
- Additional Screening: In certain cases, you may be subjected to additional screening procedures, such as pat-down procedures or secondary screening for specific items. These measures are implemented to ensure the safety and security of all passengers.
In summary, when travelling with electronic devices, it is important to be prepared for X-ray screening, potential customs declaration, and adhering to any restrictions on prohibited or hazardous items. Staying informed about the regulations of your departure and destination airports will help ensure a smoother travel experience.
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Hazards and safety
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented screening procedures to prevent prohibited items and threats to transportation security from entering airports. These procedures involve screening approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. As part of this process, travellers are required to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their carry-on baggage for separate X-ray screening. This includes items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles.
When it comes to electronic devices containing lithium batteries, there are specific safety considerations. Devices with lithium batteries, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, should be carried in carry-on baggage. In the event of a lithium battery overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning, flight crews are trained to recognise and respond to such incidents. Passengers must immediately notify the flight crew if they notice any of these issues with their devices. Additionally, when these devices are placed in checked baggage, they must be completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage.
It is important to note that spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries are prohibited from checked baggage and must be placed in carry-on baggage. If a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, any spare lithium batteries must be removed and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. Electronic smoking devices are also prohibited from checked baggage.
Damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices that may create sparks or generate dangerous heat are not permitted aboard aircraft unless the battery has been removed or made safe. Passengers should refer to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, manufacturer, or vendor website for guidance on recalled products.
Furthermore, travellers should be aware that certain items may be subject to additional screening or prohibited from passing through security checkpoints if they trigger alarms, appear tampered with, or raise security concerns. Officers may request to power up electronic devices, and devices that cannot be powered on will not be permitted onboard. Proper planning and packing can help facilitate the screening process and enhance the overall travel experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to carry sealed electronic devices in checked baggage. Security agents can always ask to see inside a bag that is being screened and may open sealed packages.
Most consumer electronic devices are allowed in carry-on baggage. However, you will be asked to remove devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, from their bags and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
All electronic devices must undergo X-ray screening. Devices that are not powered on will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.
Spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage and must be placed in carry-on baggage.
You may experience a more extensive screening process and should prepare for additional screening of your electronic devices. You may also need to declare them at customs.
