Michael Turner
Immediate guidance: Store all portable devices and spare batteries in cabin carry-on; do not place spare lithium batteries in checked baggage, and declare any battery above 100 Wh to the airline at check-in.
Battery limits (IATA/ICAO basis): lithium‑ion cells rated ≤ 100 Wh are allowed without airline approval; between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are limited to a maximum of two spare units per passenger; batteries > 160 Wh are forbidden on passenger aircraft. For non‑rechargeable lithium metal cells the limit is ≤ 2 g lithium content; > 2 g is not permitted.
Packing instructions: Treat power banks as spare batteries: carry them in cabin, ensure terminals are insulated (original packaging or tape over terminals), keep each spare in individual protective pouches or plastic wrappers to prevent short circuits, and attach visible capacity labels. Devices with installed cells may be carried in checked baggage but are recommended in cabin to allow quick access and to prevent accidental activation.
Technical tip: If only mAh is shown, convert to watt‑hours using Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000; most lithium‑ion cells use ≈ 3.6–3.7 V. Example: a 10,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V ≈ 37 Wh (within the standard allowance).
Operational notes: Airlines and national aviation authorities may impose stricter rules – medical devices and certain professional batteries can require documentation or pre-approval. Keep device power switched off during boarding, do not charge devices during taxi/takeoff/landing if airline policy forbids it, and verify carrier policy for quantity limits before travel to avoid confiscation or travel disruption.
Which batteries are allowed in carry-on and what are watt-hour limits?
Store spare lithium batteries in carry-on only; protect terminals with tape, original packaging or insulated sleeves and keep spares separate from devices.
Watt‑hour and lithium-content limits
Lithium‑ion (rechargeable): up to 100 Wh – allowed in cabin as installed or spare without airline approval. 100–160 Wh – permitted in cabin with airline approval, typically limited to two spare batteries per passenger. Over 160 Wh – generally prohibited on passenger aircraft except under special cargo or airline-approved procedures (mobility aids and certain equipment only).
Lithium‑metal (non‑rechargeable): lithium content ≤2 g per cell – allowed in cabin. Lithium content >2 g – prohibited on passenger aircraft.
Alkaline, NiMH, NiCd (consumer cells such as AA/AAA/C/D): no specific Wh limits for normal consumer use; allowed in cabin and checked baggage, but terminals should be protected against short circuits. Button/coin cells containing lithium follow the lithium‑metal rules above.
Calculation, packaging and quantity rules
Watt‑hours = volts × ampere‑hours. For milliampere‑hours use Wh = V × (mAh ÷ 1000). Example: a 3.7 V battery rated 2000 mAh = 3.7 × 2.0 = 7.4 Wh.
Spare batteries and power banks are treated as lithium‑ion batteries: transport in cabin only, tape or insulate terminals, keep in original or individually protected packaging, and avoid loose storage in pockets or checked bags. Power banks must be presented as carry‑on and are subject to the same Wh thresholds; many carriers forbid >160 Wh and require approval for 100–160 Wh.
Large quantities intended for resale or bulk shipment require airline notification and usually must travel as cargo under special provisions. Mobility aids with batteries >160 Wh may be accepted with prior airline approval and special handling paperwork. When in doubt, consult the carrier’s battery policy before travel.
How to pack spare lithium batteries to meet airline and TSA rules
Keep spare lithium batteries in carry-on only; never pack loose spares in checked baggage.
Packing steps
- Protect terminals: cover exposed contacts with non-conductive tape (e.g., electrical tape) or use factory terminal caps.
- Use original packaging or dedicated battery cases: individual molded trays or hard plastic boxes prevent contact and crushing.
- Separate batteries: store each cell separately or place cells in individual sleeves to avoid contact with other metal objects or other batteries.
- Group by chemistry and size: keep lithium-ion and lithium-metal cells in different compartments to simplify inspections.
- Prevent movement: place battery cases inside a carry-on pocket or a small pouch that stops shifting and protects from impact.
- Limit charge for long travel: if storage for days is expected, leave rechargeable cells at about 30–50% state of charge to reduce risk.
Labeling, documentation and airline/TSA checks
- Legible markings: ensure capacity (Wh) or lithium content is readable on each battery; obscured markings may trigger inspection or denial.
- Airline approval: for cells above standard consumer limits, obtain airline authorization before travel and carry proof of approval.
- Declare during check-in if required: when asked by carrier staff, present batteries in their protective packaging for inspection.
- Carry tools and spares separately: spare power packs and replacement cells should be packed in protective cases, not loose in pockets or bags.
Common mistakes to avoid: placing loose cells with coins or keys, relying solely on zip-top bags without terminal protection, overfilling a single pouch with multiple large cells, and failing to separate damaged or swollen batteries (those must not be transported).
Power banks and declaration of high-capacity units
Keep power banks rated up to 100 Wh in carry-on; units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior airline approval and are limited to two per passenger; units above 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft except when a carrier issues written acceptance and special dangerous-goods paperwork.
Identify capacity from the manufacturer label: if Wh not shown, calculate Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. If voltage not printed, use 3.7 V for lithium-ion cells. Examples: 10,000 mAh → (10,000/1000)×3.7 = 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh → 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh → 99.16 Wh (below 100 Wh).
Declaration steps: contact the carrier before travel to request approval for 100–160 Wh units and keep written confirmation (email or PDF). At airport check-in present the power bank(s) with visible Wh labeling and serial/model info; complete any dangerous-goods form required by the airline. Keep proof of approval accessible during security screening.
Packing and protection: carry all power banks in the cabin, not in checked baggage; protect terminals by using original packaging, individual plastic pouches, or terminal covers and place each unit in a separate pocket to prevent short circuits. Limit of two 100–160 Wh units per passenger applies even with approval; extra proof (invoice or spec sheet) may speed acceptance. Avoid stowing with loose metal objects or in checked compartments.
For organization while traveling, use a dedicated electronics organizer or compact travel case to keep power banks accessible and labelled–see best luggage with organization. For outdoor charging near seating or picnic areas, consider protective shade like a best large backyard umbrella to prevent overheating during prolonged sun exposure.
Rules for carrying laptops, tablets, and cameras through security
Place laptops, tablets and cameras in a single screening tray, removed from carry-on bags unless a checkpoint-specific sleeve or notified exemption permits leaving them inside.
Screening procedure
Lay devices flat in the tray with screens facing up; remove rigid folios, thick protective cases and long camera straps that can obscure X-ray images. Small accessories (cables, earbuds) should be placed in a separate bin or small tray to avoid overlapping shadows.
Expect requests for secondary inspection: officers may swab for residue, open cases, power devices on, or request visual checks of internal compartments. Devices must be able to power up on demand; failure to do so can lead to additional screening or denial of boarding.
Packing and handling tips
Use a padded, accessible compartment so devices can be extracted quickly. For cameras, keep the body either assembled with lens attached or packed in a padded insert–both options allow faster inspection than loose unprotected components. Leave SD cards inside camera unless separate storage is required by security; label fragile gear and retain serial numbers separately.
Passengers enrolled in expedited screening programs may leave some devices in bags if the checkpoint permits; verify local checkpoint rules before arrival. For unrelated reading, see how can a chicken lay eggs without a rooster.
What to do if an electronic device is damaged, hot, or smoking in the cabin?
Notify cabin crew immediately; isolate the device and keep other passengers at least 1–2 m away until crew gives further instruction.
If the unit is connected to power, disconnect the charger only if it can be reached without touching hot or swollen areas. Do not puncture or compress a swollen battery.
If the item is hot but not producing smoke, power it down, remove any protective case, and place on a non-combustible surface (metal galley worktop or cleared floor area away from upholstery and stowed bags). Monitor for at least 30 minutes for signs of re-heating or venting.
If smoke or visible flames appear, remain seated unless crew directs evacuation. Trained crew will deploy fire suppression equipment (Halon or approved extinguishers) and, where available, fire-containment bags. Water is an appropriate cooling medium for lithium battery thermal runaway after flames are controlled; allow crew to apply it.
Avoid moving a smoking or flaming unit toward heat sources, into lavatories, or into overhead bins. Do not attempt to extinguish a battery fire with bare hands or by submerging in soft materials that can smolder.
Protect against inhalation of fumes: cover nose and mouth with cloth, follow crew instructions for oxygen or positioning, and report any symptoms (dizziness, coughing, burns) to cabin staff immediately; seek medical assessment on landing for burns or smoke inhalation.
After containment, provide airline staff with device model, serial number and battery specification (chemistry and watt‑hour rating) and supply photos if permitted. Retain proof of purchase and follow airline directions for incident reports, manufacturer notification and any required regulatory notification (e.g., national civil aviation authority).
FAQ:
Can I carry my phone, tablet and laptop in hand luggage?
Yes. Consumer electronics such as phones, tablets and laptops are normally allowed in cabin baggage. Security staff may ask you to remove larger items like laptops and big tablets from your bag for X-ray screening, and they might request that you switch a device on to show it is functional. Pack chargers and keep devices accessible so checks go smoothly.
Are power banks allowed in hand luggage and how do I check their capacity?
Power banks are allowed only in carry-on bags, not in checked luggage. Airlines and regulators use watt-hours (Wh) to set limits: units under 100 Wh are generally permitted without approval; units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh usually require airline approval and are often limited in number; units above 160 Wh are normally prohibited. If Wh is not printed, calculate it as volts × ampere-hours (V × Ah). To convert mAh to Ah divide by 1,000 (for example, a 5 V, 20,000 mAh bank is 5 × 20 = 100 Wh). Protect the terminals (original packaging or cover/tape) and carry power banks in cabin where staff can inspect them if needed.
Can I put spare lithium batteries, camera batteries or e-cigarettes into checked baggage?
Spare rechargeable lithium batteries (lithium-ion) and spare non-rechargeable lithium metal cells should be carried in the cabin, not in checked baggage. Installed batteries inside devices are often permitted in checked luggage, but placing valuable electronics and spare batteries in cabin baggage is recommended because of fire-safety and handling rules. E-cigarettes and vape devices must remain in carry-on and may not be used on board. Some types of lithium metal cells with high lithium content are forbidden; check the battery specifications and airline guidance before travelling.
What should I expect at security: do I need to take electronics out and what if a device won’t power on during screening?
Screening procedures vary by airport. Many checkpoints require removing laptops and larger tablets from bags and placing them in a separate bin; smaller devices and phones often stay inside hand luggage but may still be inspected. Officers may ask you to power a device on to verify it works; if a device cannot be switched on, additional checks can follow and access to the aircraft may be restricted in some cases. To reduce problems, carry chargers, keep spare batteries accessible, label unusual items, and consult your airline or the airport’s security website before travelling if you have high-capacity batteries or specialised equipment.
