Michael Turner
Rules summary: lithium‑ion cells up to 100 Wh are permitted in carry cabin without airline approval; batteries between 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are normally limited to two spare units per passenger; cells above 160 Wh must be shipped as cargo and are not allowed in passenger compartments. These limits reflect IATA/ICAO guidance adopted by most carriers and by security authorities such as the TSA and EASA.
Packing and handling: treat power banks and external chargers as spare batteries–store them only in cabin baggage and protect terminals against short circuits (tape terminal ends, use original packaging or dedicated battery sleeves). Devices with built‑in batteries (phones, laptops, cameras, medical devices) are usually permitted in checked bags but are strongly recommended to remain in the cabin when feasible; personal vaporizers and e‑cigarettes must not be placed in checked baggage on many carriers.
How to check capacity: many batteries show watt‑hours (Wh) directly. If only milliampere‑hours (mAh) and voltage (V) are listed, use the conversion Wh = (mAh × V)/1000. Example conversions (typical nominal cell voltage 3.7 V): 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh, 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh. Laptop packs are often listed between 40–100 Wh; confirm markings before travel.
Practical checklist before departure: verify carrier battery policy online; declare batteries >100 Wh and obtain written approval if required; limit spare 100–160 Wh cells to two units; isolate and insulate terminals; keep devices powered off during boarding if requested; present batteries and large devices separately for screening on request.
Lithium battery limits for laptops, tablets and e-readers
Devices with lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh are permitted in cabin baggage without airline approval; spare lithium-ion batteries are forbidden in checked baggage and must be carried in cabin baggage. Batteries rated between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are normally limited to two spare units per passenger; batteries over 160 Wh are not allowed on passenger aircraft and must be shipped as cargo under dangerous-goods procedures.
How to check capacity
- Find the Wh rating printed on the battery or device specification label.
- If only mAh and voltage are shown, calculate Wh: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Example conversions:
- E-reader: 1500 mAh × 3.7 V = 5.55 Wh
- Tablet: 6000 mAh × 3.8 V = 22.8 Wh
- Laptop: 5000 mAh × 11.1 V = 55.5 Wh (common laptop range up to ~99 Wh)
- If the rating is absent, carry a manufacturer spec sheet or invoice showing the Wh value for inspection.
Practical recommendations
- Keep batteries installed in equipment when possible; spares must be individually protected from short circuits (tape terminals or use original packaging/insulating pouches).
- Power devices off to prevent accidental activation during transit.
- Limit spare batteries between 100–160 Wh to two per passenger and obtain written airline approval before travel.
- Avoid placing spare cells in checked baggage; carriers enforce this strictly due to fire risk.
- For multiple high-capacity devices, contact the carrier ahead of travel to confirm acceptance and any additional paperwork.
- Medical device batteries exceeding standard limits may qualify for exemptions with documentation from a medical professional and prior airline approval.
Carry-on rules for spare batteries and power banks (mAh and Wh limits)
Store spare lithium‑ion batteries and power banks in carry‑on only: up to 100 Wh per unit allowed without airline approval; 100–160 Wh per unit allowed only with airline approval (typically a maximum of two spare units); units above 160 Wh are prohibited on passenger aircraft.
Convert mAh to Wh using: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Use the nominal cell voltage shown by the manufacturer (most cells: 3.7 V). Examples at 3.7 V: 10,000 mAh → 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh → 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh → ≈99 Wh; 30,000 mAh → 111 Wh (requires approval if ≤160 Wh).
If a product lists capacity at output voltage (e.g., 5 V) or gives only mAh without voltage, prefer a Wh label from the manufacturer; otherwise calculate using the specified voltage. When no voltage is given, use 3.7 V as the default cell nominal voltage for conversions and treat results cautiously.
Protect terminals against short circuit: keep items in original packaging or individual protective pouches, cover exposed contacts with tape or terminal caps, switch power banks off, and avoid loose placement with metal objects. Damaged, swollen, or recalled batteries must not be transported.
For units between 100 and 160 Wh, contact the carrier before travel to request approval and be ready to show the device label or manufacturer specification indicating Wh. Many carriers limit approval to two spare batteries per passenger; some carriers may forbid any above-100 Wh units–verify carrier policy before travel.
Checked baggage prohibits spare batteries and portable chargers; do not place spare lithium cells in the aircraft hold. Follow all airline and airport instructions at check‑in and security checkpoints to avoid seizure or refusal to board.
Portable chargers and e-cigarettes: packing, declaration and transport rules
Store power banks and vaping devices in cabin baggage with batteries protected from short-circuit and accidental activation; devices and spare cells must not be placed in checked baggage.
Key capacity rules and carrier approval
Allowed without airline approval: lithium-ion cells or packs up to 100 Wh each (typical power bank up to ~27,000 mAh at 3.7 V).
Requires airline approval: >100 Wh and ≤160 Wh – limit two spare units per passenger and approval must be obtained before travel.
Prohibited for transport by passengers: >160 Wh (no carriage in cabin or checked).
Packing, labelling and declaration steps
Conversion: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000; use V = 3.7 if only mAh is shown. Examples: 5,000 mAh ≈ 18.5 Wh; 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 27,000 mAh ≈ 99.9 Wh; 43,000 mAh ≈ 159.1 Wh.
Pack batteries and power banks so terminals are insulated (tape terminals, use original packaging or individual plastic pouches). Keep spare cells separate from metal objects and switch devices off. For items >100 Wh, declare to the airline at check-in and present manufacturer-rated Wh label or a calculation; refusal of transport can occur if rating not verifiable.
Present all power banks and e-cigarettes separately at security screening. Charging of vaping devices or power banks on board is prohibited; any device showing damage, swelling or leakage must be surrendered to airline staff or security. Confirm carrier-specific restrictions before travel, since some operators set stricter limits or require pre-approval documentation.
Presenting large electronics at security: removal, cases and device testing
Remove large electronics from cabin baggage and place each device in its own screening tray; power devices off unless staff request a power-on check.
Devices larger than A4 (210 × 297 mm) or typical laptop size are commonly required to be screened separately – have them accessible at the top of the bag to avoid delays.
Cases and packing
Thin sleeves or soft pouches may remain on devices if the screen and exterior are clearly visible; thick or densely padded cases, backpacks with laptop compartments, and hard shells should be opened or the device removed to prevent image artifacts. Remove cables, dongles and removable drives from pockets and place them in the tray alongside the device rather than inside the case.
For multi-device folders or cases designed to carry several tablets/laptops, extract each unit into its own tray; stacked items frequently trigger manual inspection. Labeling devices externally with a bright sticker helps security staff identify items without handling them extensively.
Device testing and operational checks
Officers may request a basic operational check: power-on, show the home or lock screen, open a photo or settings menu, or perform a short reboot. Maintain battery charge of at least ~50% to ensure immediate testing – fully drained devices often require manual inspection and possible hold for later examination.
If encryption or strong passcodes prevent a requested demonstration, expect additional screening, temporary retention, or referral to border/security legal procedures; disclose lock status proactively when asked. For devices with removable batteries or SIM cards, separate handling of those components may be required under local rules.
Checking airline and destination-specific bans before you fly
Check airline and destination prohibitions at least 72 hours before departure and repeat 24 hours prior; verify the operating carrier, any codeshares and all transit states listed on the itinerary.
Step-by-step checks
1) Visit the carrier’s official “Prohibited Items” and “Dangerous Goods” pages; download the PDF rules for cabin and checked baggage and search for specific product names (drone, e-scooter, power tool, medical device). 2) Consult the national civil aviation authority for origin, transit and destination (examples: TSA, EASA, CAA) for mandatory declarations and temporary import limits. 3) Review airport terminal notices where connections occur – some terminals forbid certain device types or charging stations. 4) For international trips, check destination customs/import rules for used electronics, commercial samples and items requiring permits or taxes.
Operational and paperwork recommendations
Contact the carrier’s dangerous-goods desk with exact model numbers and battery specifications if doubt exists; request written confirmation (email) if an exception or special packing is approved. For drones, scooters and commercial equipment, obtain any required permits or registration before arrival. For rapid verification, keep screenshots or PDFs of the carrier’s policy and the email reply accessible on a phone and printed in carry documents.
Photograph serial numbers, IMEI/model plates and receipts; store these copies alongside invoices in a folder and a cloud backup. At check-in, declare items that the airline requests declared and present documentation proactively to the agent or the dangerous-goods representative.
When cabin containment is preferred, use a padded cabin bag that meets airline size rules; recommended options include best cool bag backpack and best backpack patagonia. For devices used in biological research or clinical settings, confirm biosample and device-entry restrictions and consult technical resources such as which of the following statements about transmembrane proteins is correct for classification guidance.
