Are flashlights allowed in hand luggage

Recommendation: Stow any portable light in your carry-on rather than checked baggage when it uses lithium cells; keep spare lithium cells in the cabin and remove them from checked bags. Use alkaline or NiMH cells for devices you plan to check.

Follow international battery thresholds: ≤100 Wh per lithium‑ion battery: travel without airline approval; 100–160 Wh: airline approval required, typically limited to two spare units; >160 Wh: prohibited on passenger aircraft. For lithium metal (non‑rechargeable) the limit is 2 g lithium content per cell; batteries above that limit cannot travel on passenger flights. Watt‑hours = (voltage × mAh) / 1000.

Safety steps: keep spare cells in the cabin with terminals insulated (tape, original packaging or protective cases), prevent accidental activation by switching the device off or removing batteries, and limit the number of spare high‑capacity cells. Power banks and external battery packs count as spare lithium batteries and must be carried in carry‑on baggage.

Do not pack devices that use liquid fuel, gas cartridges or other combustible propellants in either checked or carry‑on bags. If a device has a non‑removable battery exceeding 160 Wh, contact the carrier for cargo options; some airlines prohibit transport altogether. Regulations vary by carrier and country – verify with the airline and consult current IATA/ICAO guidance before travel.

TSA and FAA carry-on rules for portable illumination devices and battery packs

Keep portable illumination devices and external battery packs inside carry-on bags; never place spare lithium batteries in checked baggage and always insulate battery terminals.

Lithium‑ion cell limits: up to 100 Wh per cell permitted in cabin without airline approval; 100–160 Wh require airline approval and normally limited to two spare batteries per passenger; over 160 Wh prohibited for transport in passenger aircraft. Check the Wh rating printed on the battery or on the device label.

Lithium metal (non‑rechargeable) spare batteries with lithium content up to 2 g permitted in cabin only; larger lithium metal cells demand carrier approval or will be forbidden. Power banks and battery packs count as spare lithium‑ion batteries and must travel in the cabin compartment.

Handling and packing rules: remove batteries from devices when possible; tape over exposed terminals or place each spare in original retail packaging or individual plastic pouches; never place loose spare cells in checked compartments. Devices with non‑spillable sealed batteries (alkaline, NiMH) normally may go in either checked or cabin bags, but keeping them in the cabin reduces risk of activation or damage during screening.

Practical checks before travel

1. Verify Wh or lithium content markings on batteries; 2. Obtain airline approval for 100–160 Wh cells before arriving at the airport; 3. Store all spares in carry-on with terminals insulated; 4. Contact the carrier for large lanterns, professional lighting rigs, or industrial batteries, since individual airline policies and international regulations can impose further restrictions.

Lithium battery classifications: built-in batteries vs spare cells in carry-on

Store spare lithium batteries in cabin/ carry-on baggage; spare cells must not be placed in checked baggage and power banks count as spare batteries.

• Basic classification:
  • Lithium‑ion (rechargeable) – capacity measured in watt‑hours (Wh).
  • Lithium‑metal (primary/non‑rechargeable) – measured by lithium content (grams, g).
• Watt‑hour thresholds for lithium‑ion:
  • <100 Wh: normal consumer batteries–permitted in cabin as spare; installed in devices may travel in checked or cabin, but cabin preferred.
  • 100–160 Wh: requires airline approval for spares; typically limited to two spare batteries per passenger.
  • >160 Wh: prohibited on passenger aircraft (both spare and installed intact batteries for most carriers).
• How to calculate Wh: Wh = volts (V) × ampere‑hours (Ah). Example: 3.7 V × 2.0 Ah = 7.4 Wh (2,000 mAh = 2.0 Ah).
• Lithium‑metal cells: cells with more than 2 g of lithium are generally forbidden for carriage on passenger aircraft; cells ≤2 g are acceptable as spares only in cabin under airline/DGR rules.

Packing and handling recommendations:

• Keep spare cells in original retail packaging or individually insulated (tape exposed terminals, use plastic sleeves) to prevent short circuit.
• Label or carry documentation showing Wh rating when battery markings are unclear; compute Wh and note on a slip if needed for airline staff.
• Limit quantities: follow the two‑spare limit for 100–160 Wh batteries and typical cabin limits for smaller cells–check carrier policy before travel.
• Devices with built‑in batteries (phones, cameras, built‑in torch) should be powered off and protected from accidental activation; store in carry‑on for immediate access.
• Power banks are classified as spare lithium‑ion batteries and must remain in cabin baggage; do not stow power banks in checked compartments.
• At security checkpoints present large batteries or unusual packs for inspection if requested; airline approval documentation should be on hand for 100–160 Wh items.

Practical tip: use a secure carry compartment such as a best travel tote purse to keep spare batteries, power banks and devices together and protected from crush or shorting during transit.

Maximum battery capacity (Wh) and airline limits to check before flying

Do not bring lithium-ion cells rated above 160 Wh on a passenger aircraft; batteries >160 Wh are prohibited for carriage in both cabin and checked compartments.

Batteries rated 100–160 Wh require airline approval before travel and are commonly limited to two spare units per traveller; batteries ≤100 Wh normally do not require prior approval for carriage in the cabin.

Compute watt-hours (Wh) precisely: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Use the cell’s nominal voltage (typical Li‑ion values: 3.6 V or 3.7 V). Examples: 18650 (3000 mAh, 3.7 V) → 11.1 Wh; 20,000 mAh powerbank (3.7 V) → 74 Wh.

Before booking or check‑in: (1) read the carrier’s lithium battery policy on its website; (2) if label lacks Wh, calculate from mAh and voltage and attach manufacturer spec; (3) request and keep written approval for 100–160 Wh items; (4) declare batteries at check‑in when required.

For multi‑cell products and powerbanks: use the internal battery voltage (not USB output) for Wh calculation; when in doubt, carry documentation showing manufacturer’s Wh rating and carry spares in the cabin with terminal protection.

How to pack, label and present a torch at security checkpoints

Pack portable lights in your carry-on baggage in an easily reachable outer pocket; keep the primary battery installed in the device when possible and isolate spare cells in separate insulating sleeves or individual resealable clear bags to prevent short circuits.

Protect exposed terminals with commercial plastic caps or wrap with non-conductive tape so no two terminals can touch. For cylindrical cells place each cell in its own pouch; for button cells keep them in original blister packs or on cardboard until screening.

Label batteries with capacity and chemistry if not already printed: write Wh using the formula Wh = V × Ah (Ah = mAh ÷ 1000). Example: 3.7 V and 2000 mAh → 3.7 × 2.0 = 7.4 Wh. Affix a legible sticker or use a permanent marker on the battery housing; include cell count when carrying packs of multiple cells.

Use a clear resealable bag for all spare cells and place that bag in the same accessible pocket as the device. If the torch has a metal holster or clip, remove it from the case to minimise false alarms; place the device loose in the bin rather than nested in clothing so the image on the X‑ray is clear.

At the checkpoint present the device and spare cells together, and proactively hand the clear pouch and any documentation (manufacturer label, airline approval for >100 Wh) to the screener. If asked, demonstrate the device is switched off or power it on briefly on the lowest setting to show it functions as a benign lighting device.

If screening requires battery removal, show the screener how to remove cells or provide the protective caps; do not attempt to force open sealed compartments. If an item is retained or questioned, request a written reason and keep any airline approval emails or accessory receipts ready for review.

Country and airline variations to verify for EU, UK, Canada and Australia routes

Confirm national regulator and operating carrier rules and obtain written airline approval 48–72 hours before departure for lithium-ion packs rated >100 Wh; carry printed manufacturer label showing Wh and model number.

EU (EASA/IATA framework): lithium-ion packs up to 100 Wh may travel in cabin without prior approval; 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are typically limited to two spare units per passenger; >160 Wh prohibited on passenger aircraft and must move as cargo under UN3480/3090 provisions with dangerous-goods paperwork. Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air) routinely ban power banks in checked baggage and enforce cabin-only carriage; legacy carriers (Lufthansa, KLM) follow IATA but check each carrier’s dangerous-goods page for small variations (terminal protection, packaging).

UK (CAA): national guidance aligns with ICAO/IATA. Common carrier practices: installed batteries in devices permitted in cabin; spare cells/packs only in cabin; 100–160 Wh require prior airline acceptance (usually max two spares). For codeshare itineraries, the operating airline’s DG policy governs boarding permission.

Canada (Transport Canada / CATSA): spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal cells must remain in cabin; lithium-metal cell limit ≤2 g without approval, >2 g up to 8 g require airline approval; lithium-ion >100 Wh to 160 Wh require approval and normally limited to two units. Air Canada and WestJet explicitly prohibit power banks in checked compartments and require terminals insulated or in original packaging.

Australia (Department of Infrastructure / CASA): follows IATA limits. Qantas and Virgin Australia require spare batteries and power banks carried in cabin with terminals protected; >100 Wh needs prior written approval and may trigger an inspection at check-in. Regional operators sometimes impose stricter bans on spares – verify the specific operator for domestic legs.

Transit and codeshare rules: apply the strictest rule among origin, destination and operating carrier. If any sector of the itinerary prohibits a battery type or capacity, removal from the itinerary or carriage as approved cargo is required. For multi-carrier itineraries, request dangerous-goods confirmation from the operating carrier, not just the marketing airline.

Practical checklist before travel: verify Wh rating on the device or battery label; read the operating carrier’s “dangerous goods” or “batteries” page; call the airline DG desk and request written approval 48–72 hours prior when rating is 100–160 Wh; keep batteries in cabin with terminals taped or in original packaging; present printed approval and manufacturer label at check-in and security.

Steps to take if a torch or batteries are confiscated at security

If a portable torch or spare cells get seized at screening, demand a written confiscation receipt immediately and record the officer’s name and badge/ID number.

What to request at the checkpoint

Request a receipt that includes: date and time, exact description (brand, model, serial number), number and type of batteries (alkaline, NiMH, Li‑ion, with mAh or Wh if visible), specific regulation or code cited, name/ID of seizing officer, facility/terminal location, and a claim or reference number for retrieval. Photograph the item, packaging and battery labels before surrendering whenever possible.

Ask whether the item will be stored, disposed as hazardous waste, or handed to local law enforcement. If the answer is disposal, request confirmation of hazardous‑materials handling and a disposal receipt or reference to the department that performed it.

Immediate documentation and proof of ownership

Collect or prepare: purchase receipts, serial numbers, original packaging photos, warranty documents, and any registration emails. Email those items to yourself and to the screening agency or airport property office so there’s a verified timestamped copy. Keep photocopies of your ID and the confiscation receipt.

Follow up within 24–72 hours with the airport lost & found / property office and the screening authority (TSA in the US or the local equivalent). Ask for the specific office handling seized property, their retrieval hours, storage location, and the deadline to claim items. If the agency provided a case or reference number, use it on every communication.

If retrieval is denied, file a formal written complaint with the screening agency and the airport operator, attaching the confiscation receipt and ownership proof. For US flights, include the TSA incident number if provided; for other countries, request the national civil aviation authority’s complaint route. Request a written explanation stating legal basis for non‑return.

If the item contained lithium batteries, notify the manufacturer and insurer (if applicable), keep purchase invoices, and note cell capacity (mAh or Wh). Batteries may be destroyed for safety; ask whether a disposal certificate or environmental handling record will be issued–this may be required for reimbursement claims or insurance.

When seeking recovery, bring government ID, the confiscation receipt, boarding pass or ticket for that day, and original purchase proof. Expect property offices to verify ownership by serial number or receipts before release; some airports require a notarized claim form for high‑value items.

Keep a timeline of all interactions (dates, names, phone numbers, emails) and back up all documents. If consumer restitution is sought, present the documented timeline, receipts and photos to the airport, screening agency, airline or small‑claims court as appropriate.

For parallel guidance about other electronic devices and venue policies, see are dslr cameras allowed in yankee stadium.