Can you check in luggage with batteries

Put spare lithium-ion cells and external power packs in cabin baggage only; loose spare cells are not permitted in the aircraft hold on most passenger flights. Devices that contain installed rechargeable packs may be stowed in the hold depending on carrier rules, but moving removable packs to the cabin is the safest and most widely accepted practice.

Regulatory thresholds: spare lithium-ion cells/packs up to 100 Wh are normally allowed in the cabin without airline approval; units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are usually limited to two spare units per person; units over 160 Wh are forbidden on passenger aircraft and must be shipped as dangerous goods on freighter services. Non-rechargeable lithium metal cells with more than 2 g lithium content are prohibited in passenger carriage.

Conversion formula: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Examples: a phone cell ~3.7 V, 3000 mAh → ~11.1 Wh; a typical laptop pack ~11.1 V, 5000 mAh → ~55.5 Wh; a 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V → ~74 Wh. Power banks are treated as spare lithium-ion packs and must travel in cabin baggage.

Packing and handling steps: isolate terminals (cover exposed contacts or use original packaging), switch devices fully off, protect packs from crushing or impact, store spares in a dedicated protective case, and carry proof of Wh rating when available. Declare packs above 100 Wh to the carrier at check-in; do not place spare cells inside checked luggage.

Reference standards include IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, ICAO Technical Instructions and national rules (FAA/49 CFR for US departures). For transport of units beyond passenger limits, arrange freight shipment under dangerous-goods procedures and obtain carrier approval and required paperwork before tendering.

Airline and IATA rules for transporting power cells in the aircraft hold

Do not place spare lithium cells in the aircraft hold; carry spare units only in the cabin and ensure installed power sources are protected against short circuit and accidental activation.

IATA numeric limits and core prohibitions

• Lithium‑ion (rechargeable):
  • ≤100 Wh: allowed when installed in equipment in either cabin or hold; spare (uninstalled) units permitted only in the cabin.
  • 100–160 Wh: airline approval required; typically a maximum of two spare units per passenger, kept in the cabin.
  • >160 Wh: forbidden on passenger aircraft in both cabin and hold.
• Lithium‑metal (primary):
  • Cells containing more than 2 g lithium content: prohibited on passenger aircraft.
  • Cells containing ≤2 g lithium content: spare units generally limited to cabin carriage only; installed cells may be subject to carrier restrictions.
• Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices: carriage limited to cabin; stowage in the hold is disallowed by most carriers.

Packing, declaration and carrier policy

• Terminal protection: cover exposed terminals using original packaging, insulating tape, or individual plastic bags; prevent contact between terminals and metal objects.
• Device preparation: power off devices, use hard cases for transport in the hold, and block buttons to prevent activation during transit.
• Quantity limits: many carriers and IATA cap spare rechargeable cells at specified counts (examples: up to 2 spares between 100–160 Wh; common practice allows multiple spares ≤100 Wh but carriers often impose a per‑passenger numeric limit). Check specific airline rules before departure.
• Exceeding allowed ratings: arrange transport as regulated dangerous goods via cargo channels; advance airline approval and proper packaging/labeling are mandatory for permitted shipments.
• At point of drop‑off: declare any large capacity or multiple uninstalled cells to airline staff for inspection and routing instructions.

General carrier policies vary considerably; consult the airline’s dangerous goods guidance and the latest IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for exact wording and packaging requirements. For unrelated pet containment tips see how to keep my dog from going under the fence.

Watt-hour (Wh) and cell limits that determine aircraft-hold eligibility

Recommendation: Treat lithium-ion packs above 100 Wh as requiring carrier approval; packs over 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft.

• Thresholds:

  • ≤100 Wh – generally acceptable for stowage in the aircraft hold when installed in equipment; spare packs are typically restricted to the cabin compartment.
  • 100–160 Wh – written carrier approval required; most carriers allow up to two spare packs per passenger but typically prohibit placing those spares in the hold.
  • >160 Wh – prohibited on passenger flights (transport only via cargo with dangerous-goods documentation and special packing).
  • Lithium metal cells – limit is 2 g of elemental lithium per cell; cells exceeding 2 g require special handling and are generally unsuitable for passenger carriage.

• How to find or calculate Wh:

  1. Locate a Wh marking on the pack or device (example: “74 Wh”).
  2. If only mAh and voltage are shown, calculate Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Example: 20,000 mAh × 3.7 V → 74 Wh.
  3. If neither value is present, obtain manufacturer specifications or technical datasheet before travel.

• Practical examples:

  • Smartphone cells ≈ 10–15 Wh each.
  • Typical laptop packs ≈ 30–100 Wh (many models around 50–90 Wh).
  • Large power banks: 10,000 mAh @3.7 V ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh @3.7 V ≈ 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh @3.7 V ≈ 99 Wh.
  • Portable power stations and professional camera packs often exceed 100 Wh and require advance approval or cargo handling.

• Cell-count and pack construction:

  • Limits are applied to the pack’s total Wh rather than individual cell count; multi-cell assemblies are evaluated by aggregate Wh.
  • For lithium metal chemistry, the per-cell Li-content limit (≤2 g) is the primary metric; multiple cells with low Li content may still trigger special requirements if aggregate characteristics fall into restricted categories.

• Simple action list before travel:

  1. Verify Wh marking or calculate Wh from mAh and voltage.
  2. If Wh is between 100 and 160, obtain written carrier approval and confirm the permitted quantity (commonly up to two spares).
  3. If Wh exceeds 160, arrange cargo transport with appropriate dangerous-goods declarations; passenger routing is not allowed.

Spare lithium‑ion cells and power banks: must stay in carry‑on

Keep all spare lithium‑ion cells and portable power banks in carry‑on; do not place spare cells or external chargers in the aircraft hold.

Capacity limits and airline approval

Standard allowances: cells/packs up to 100 Wh are normally permitted in the cabin without prior airline approval. Units rated between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are typically limited to two spare units per passenger. Any single unit above 160 Wh is prohibited on passenger aircraft (neither cabin nor hold). Portable power banks are treated as spare packs and count toward those limits. Some carriers impose stricter internal limits or ban high‑capacity power banks entirely, so consult the operator before travel when ratings exceed 100 Wh.

How to calculate Wh, label reading and packing

If only mAh is shown, calculate watt‑hours as Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000; use nominal cell voltage 3.7 V when voltage is not specified. Examples: 3,000 mAh ≈ 11.1 Wh; 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh ≈ 99.2 Wh; 30,000 mAh ≈ 111 Wh. Always rely on the Wh rating printed on the unit when present.

Packing rules: protect terminals against short circuits by using original covers, insulating tape, or individual plastic pouches; place each spare cell or power bank separately; keep units powered off; present them separately for security inspection if requested. Do not carry damaged, swollen or leaking cells/packs; such items will be refused. Keep documentation or manufacturer labels available for any unit between 100–160 Wh to expedite airline approval and security checks.

Packing devices containing installed cells for hold baggage

Power devices down, deactivate alarms, immobilize moving controls and place each device inside a rigid protective case before it goes into the aircraft hold.

Packing checklist

Wrap devices in at least 2 cm of closed-cell foam or bubble wrap; position them in the suitcase center and surround by soft clothing to create a crush-resistant cushion.

Prevent short circuits: cover any exposed metal contacts or accessible cell terminals with non-conductive tape or a purpose-made cap. If compartments are user-accessible, ensure they are fully closed and locked.

Avoid direct contact with sharp tools, loose metal objects or heavy hard items; do not stack other heavy pieces on top of the device and keep it away from suitcase corners and zippers that could puncture the housing.

Maintain a moderate state of charge for lithium-based cells when possible (rough target 30–50%) to reduce thermal risk during transit; do not ship devices at 100% charge unless the manufacturer instructs otherwise.

Keep original packaging, manufacturer specifications (Wh rating, model, serial) or proof of approval accessible in carry documents and present them at the airline desk if staff requests verification of cell capacity or special handling.

If a device is fragile, high-value, or contains high-capacity cells beyond standard ratings, consider placing it in a locked hard-shell case and notifying airline staff at drop-off so it can be stowed appropriately or handled under special procedures.

For corporate asset-protection options related to transit risks consult best places to search for umbrella insurance for s corporations.

Required terminal protection, packaging and labeling for cells and power packs in hold baggage

Immediate requirement: Insulate every exposed terminal using non‑conductive caps or at least two full wraps of heavy‑duty PVC electrical tape; ensure no bare metal remains exposed and adjacent terminals cannot short through shifting.

Inner packaging: Place each insulated cell or power pack inside an individual sealed plastic sleeve or shrink tube, then pad with foam or polyethylene spacers to prevent contact between units. Original manufacturer individual caps and retail trays are preferred where available.

Outer containment: Use a rigid outer box or a hard‑sided suitcase insert; immobilize inner parcels by filling voids with soft items or closed‑cell foam so no movement greater than 25 mm can occur during handling. Position packs centrally, away from case edges, sharp objects and heat sources.

Segregation and short‑circuit prevention: Separate energy cells and packs from metal tools, loose change, jewellery and other conductive items. Do not place cells in pockets or sleeves containing chargers, cables or other metallic parts. Remove or disable external terminals that could be bridged by luggage contents.

Labeling and documentation: Mark items subject to UN numbers as required (UN3480 for cells, UN3481 for packed/contained in equipment). Include the lithium handling mark when shipping under special packing instructions or as cargo, state Wh rating on the package when applicable, and add an emergency contact telephone number. Packs >100 Wh require carrier approval; packs >160 Wh normally require cargo acceptance, Class 9 hazard labelling and a shipper’s declaration.

Large or mobility‑aid packs: For wheelchair or mobility packs follow manufacturer containment instructions, disconnect terminals where possible, enclose in a rigid protective container, label chemistry and Wh, and secure airline/operator acceptance prior to transport. Keep original packaging and terminal caps accessible for inspection.

What to do at the airport if security finds cells in hold baggage

Present all devices containing lithium-ion or primary cells to the screening officer immediately and comply with their directions; keep documentation for each device (make, model, Wh or V/Ah rating, serial number) ready on request.

Immediate actions at the security point

1) Produce device receipts, manuals, or marked packaging that show Wh or cell type. 2) Remove spare power packs and loose cells from the checked hold and place them into carry-on items when the officer authorises transfer to the cabin. 3) If transfer not authorised, ask for supervised disposal options or airline acceptance for surrender. 4) Request written confirmation of any seizure or disposal (security form, stamped note, or photograph of the item marked by staff).

If retention, surrender or removal is ordered

Obtain the name, department and contact details of the staff member authorising retention; demand an itemised receipt. If disposal is performed on behalf of the airline, request a disposal certificate or disposal-location name. For surrendered power packs intended for later retrieval, insist on a signed chain-of-custody record and retrieval instructions including time window and location.

If a change of packaging is required before boarding, move permitted items into an accessible carry-on bag; a compact option is available here: best messenger bag for air travel. Retain all written records for claims or complaints; if removal causes missed connections, present receipts and seizure documentation to the airline ground desk for rebooking or compensation review.

FAQ:

Can I pack spare lithium-ion batteries in my checked luggage?

Most airlines and international rules do not allow spare lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage. Loose or spare batteries are meant to travel in the cabin because a thermal event in the cargo hold is harder to manage. Small batteries under 100 Wh are usually allowed in carry-on without airline approval; batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh typically require airline approval and are limited in number (commonly up to two spares per passenger); batteries above 160 Wh are generally forbidden on passenger aircraft. Protect battery terminals by taping contacts or keeping each battery in its original packaging or in separate plastic pouches, and never pack loose batteries next to metal objects. Power banks are treated as spare lithium-ion batteries and must remain in carry-on. Always check your airline’s rules and the relevant dangerous-goods guidance before travel.

Is it OK to check devices that have batteries installed, such as a laptop, camera or e-cigarette?

Many carriers allow devices with installed batteries in checked baggage, but cabin carriage is usually preferred. Switch devices off and prevent accidental activation (remove batteries if they are removable and carry them in the cabin). E-cigarettes and similar vaping devices are commonly banned from checked baggage and must be carried in the cabin; most airlines also prohibit charging them on board. If a device contains a large battery (over 100 Wh), airlines may require prior approval even when the battery is installed. To reduce risk, cushion devices so they cannot be crushed, protect battery terminals, and separate them from metal objects. Because individual airline policies and national rules vary, verify the carrier’s policy before you pack.

How can I tell the watt-hours of my power bank and what should I do at the airport?

Look for a label on the power bank showing Wh or, more commonly, mAh and voltage. Convert mAh to Wh with this formula: Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000. Many power banks use a nominal voltage of 3.7 V. For example, a 10,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V is 37 Wh; a 20,000 mAh unit is about 74 Wh. Devices or power banks under 100 Wh are normally allowed in carry-on. Units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh often need airline approval and are limited to a small number per passenger; anything above 160 Wh is usually not permitted on passenger flights. Keep power banks in your carry-on, protect the terminals (tape or original case), and be ready to show the label if asked. If you are unsure about a particular model, check the airline’s website or consult the airport’s check-in staff before handing over luggage.

Video: