Can you have lithium ion batteries in checked luggage

Immediate rule: spare portable power cells and external power packs must travel inside carry-on bags. Uninstalled cells placed in hold stowage are prohibited by most civil aviation authorities; only cells fixed inside equipment may be placed in the hold when the device is switched off and terminals are protected.

Energy limits: units up to 100 Wh are allowed in cabin without airline approval; units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are generally limited to two spare units per passenger; units over 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger flights and must move as cargo under dangerous-goods procedures.

How to check rating: use the printed watt‑hour marking when present. If only milliampere‑hours (mAh) and nominal voltage are shown, calculate: Wh = V × mAh / 1000. Examples: a 3.7 V, 3000 mAh phone cell ≈ 11.1 Wh; a 11.1 V laptop pack at 5000 mAh ≈ 55.5 Wh; a 3.7 V, 20,000 mAh power bank ≈ 74 Wh.

Packing and handling recommendations: keep spares in original packaging or place each cell in individual plastic sleeves; tape exposed terminals or use terminal covers; protect against crushing and metal contact; do not pack spare units in checked hold stowage. Devices with built‑in cells should be powered off and prevented from accidental activation (remove batteries if designed for safe removal, where feasible).

Operational advice: declare packs that exceed 100 Wh to the carrier before travel, carry documentation of watt‑hour ratings, and follow airline and national authority guidance (examples: FAA, TSA, IATA dangerous‑goods regulations). When in doubt, move the portable power source into the cabin or arrange approved cargo transport rather than placing unattached cells in the aircraft hold.

Check airline and country rules for rechargeable power cells before packing

Obtain written airline approval for spare rechargeable cells rated between 100 Wh and 160 Wh; quantity limited to two per passenger; cells above 160 Wh are not permitted on passenger aircraft.

Verify the carrier’s dangerous-goods page and the specific flight policy online; if policy language is unclear, contact the airline by phone or email and provide: flight number, booking reference, device model, rated voltage (V), capacity (mAh or Ah) and quantity of cells.

Consult regulatory sources: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions set the baseline. Check national authorities for deviations–examples: FAA (United States), EASA (European Union), CASA (Australia), Transport Canada, CAAC (China). Use the airline rule if it is stricter than the regulator.

Calculate watt-hours when only mAh and voltage are printed: Wh = V × (mAh ÷ 1000). Example: a 3.7 V, 2600 mAh cell = 3.7 × 2.6 = 9.62 Wh. List Wh on all enquiries to airlines and security staff.

When requesting approval, attach photos of the cell label or device specification, and be ready to present any written airline consent at check-in and security screening. Pack spare power cells in original retail packaging or isolated in separate insulating pouches with terminals taped; installed cells should remain inside equipment and devices must be powered off.

For itineraries with transfers, confirm rules for every carrier and every transit country; follow the most restrictive requirement encountered during the route. Keep printed copies of policies and approvals accessible during the journey.

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Calculate battery capacity: converting mAh to Wh and knowing the limits

Convert milliamp-hours to watt-hours and compare with regulatory thresholds: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V; limits commonly used by airlines/regulators are ≤100 Wh, 100–160 Wh (airline approval required, usually max two spare packs), and >160 Wh (prohibited on passenger aircraft).

Quick formula and steps

1. Locate the rated capacity in mAh and the nominal voltage (V) printed on the cell/pack or in manufacturer specifications.
2. Apply formula: Wh = (mAh / 1000) × V. If only mAh is given and no voltage, assume 3.7 V per single cell for a rough estimate (use manufacturer data when available).
3. Compare the calculated Wh to thresholds: ≤100 Wh, 100–160 Wh, >160 Wh. If the pack lists Wh directly, use that figure.

Examples

• Smartphone: 3000 mAh at 3.7 V → (3000/1000)×3.7 = 11.1 Wh.
• Power bank (internal cell spec): 20,000 mAh at 3.7 V → 20×3.7 = 74 Wh.
• Power bank labeled at 5 V output: 20,000 mAh at 5 V → 20×5 = 100 Wh (labels at output voltage produce different Wh than internal cell rating).
• Laptop pack: 5000 mAh at 11.1 V → 5×11.1 = 55.5 Wh.

Convert Wh back to mAh for a given voltage when checking thresholds: mAh = (Wh ÷ V) × 1000. Examples at 3.7 V: 100 Wh ≈ 27,027 mAh (≈27,000 mAh); 160 Wh ≈ 43,243 mAh (≈43,200 mAh).

• If the pack shows Wh on the label, use that number; if only mAh is shown, locate nominal voltage or request manufacturer specs before assuming compliance.
• For multi-cell packs the printed pack voltage should be used directly in the Wh calculation (no per-cell splitting required).
• Round results conservatively when close to thresholds (e.g., treat a 99–101 Wh reading as ≥100 Wh for planning purposes).

Spare cells and power banks: rules for aircraft hold vs cabin baggage

Recommendation: Place all spare cells and portable chargers in carry-on (cabin) baggage only; stowage in the aircraft hold is not permitted.

Capacity-based rules

Up to 100 Wh: permitted in cabin without airline approval; commonly accepted for phone power packs and small camera cells.

100–160 Wh: allowed in cabin only with airline approval; maximum two spare units per passenger for this range.

Over 160 Wh: generally prohibited as spare items for passenger carriage; exceptions exist for mobility aids or specialised equipment but require carrier approval and documentation.

Packing and handling

Terminals must be insulated (original caps, taping, or individual plastic sleeves) and each spare should be separate from metal objects and device batteries. Portable chargers must be switched off and protected against short circuits.

Devices with fixed cells (laptops, cameras, phones) are usually accepted in either cabin or hold depending on carrier policy, but keeping them in the cabin reduces risk and allows quicker incident response. For any unit exceeding 100 Wh integrated in equipment, obtain prior airline approval.

Declare power packs that require approval at check-in and carry documentation showing Wh rating; carry-on placement ensures compliance with most national and international screening and fire-response procedures.

Safe packing for installed power packs: insulation, terminal protection, and placement

Power devices off, lock any physical switches, and disconnect external power leads before stowing.

Cover exposed terminals with two layers of high-quality PVC electrical tape or fit purpose-made plastic terminal caps; where accessible, add heat-shrink tubing shrunk to snug fit. Avoid metal fasteners or conductive wraps. If a terminal is recessed, still apply tape across the recessed area to prevent contact with foreign metal objects.

Place each device inside a sealed non-conductive bag (zip-top polyethylene or a soft TPU pouch) to isolate from loose items. Add at least 10 mm of closed-cell foam or three layers of small-bubble bubble wrap around the device; for devices with fragile corners, use corner guards or molded inserts. Aim for a minimum 20 mm clearance from hard case walls and zippers.

Use a hard-sided case or a padded insert inside a soft case to limit compression and point loads. Immobilize devices with Velcro straps, elastic retention bands, or cable ties (do not overtighten). Keep devices away from sharp objects (tools, metal pens, folding knives) and from dense metal items that could short terminals through a damaged enclosure.

Do not tape over ventilation slots, pressure-relief vents, or manufacturer safety labels. If original device packaging or a manufacturer-supplied transport case is available, prefer it: original foam inserts and terminal covers are designed for safe transit.

Avoid placing devices in external pockets or loose side compartments; position them near the case center where impact forces and shear are reduced. For compact travel solutions consult best luggage for mini convertible for cases with integrated padded compartments suitable for electronic gear.

Keep devices away from liquids and heavy toiletries; a single leak can corrode terminals or damage insulation. For guidance on packing liquids safely, see can red wine cause bloating.

Store at moderate temperatures prior to travel; avoid prolonged exposure above 60°C (140°F) or direct heat sources. If doubt exists about a specific device, follow the manufacturer’s transport recommendations and use original protective components when available.

How to request airline approval and declare power packs at check-in

Request written approval from the carrier at least 72 hours before departure for any portable power pack rated between 100 Wh and 160 Wh; units above 160 Wh are prohibited on passenger aircraft.

Contact methods: phone to the airline’s cargo/dangerous-goods desk, dedicated online special-request form, or official email address shown on the airline’s dangerous-goods page. Record agent name, reference number, date and time of call.

Submit the following documentation when requesting authorization: flight number and date, passenger name exactly as on ticket, model and manufacturer, capacity in Wh (show calculation if only mAh is printed), quantity, serial numbers, whether installed in equipment or spare, photos of the unit and label, and a scanned copy of proof of purchase if available. Request explicit confirmation that units may be carried in the cabin or placed in the aircraft hold and capture that confirmation in writing.

Acceptable approval formats: airline-stamped PDF, email from an official airline account, or a completed airline dangerous-goods declaration form bearing an approval code. Keep both paper and electronic copies accessible at airport check-in and security screening points.

At check-in, present the approval document and the power units separately from other bags for inspection if requested. Expect security officers to open bags for visual inspection and X-ray screening of the units; pack items so removal is simple. If the carrier’s approval mandates carriage in the cabin, ensure terminals are insulated and devices are immediately accessible.

If approval is refused at time of request or at the airport, arrange shipment via the airline’s cargo division or a licensed freight forwarder that accepts hazardous goods; same-day containment or transport in passenger service will be denied for units above regulatory limits.