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Recommendation: Store smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, e-cigarettes and portable chargers in carry-on baggage only; spare batteries must not be placed in checked baggage and must have terminals insulated.
Battery limits and approvals: Lithium‑ion batteries below 100 Wh are allowed in cabin without prior approval. Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are typically limited to a maximum of two spares per passenger. Batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited from both checked and cabin baggage. For lithium‑metal cells, the limit is generally 2 g of lithium content; higher‑content cells are restricted.
Packing and protection: Protect all spare power packs and loose cells against short circuits by using original packaging, individual plastic sleeves, or by taping exposed terminals. Installed batteries inside devices may remain fitted and placed in checked baggage only when airline rules expressly permit; otherwise keep the device in carry-on. Label power banks with Wh rating where available; if only mAh and voltage are shown, calculate Wh using: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V (example: 10,000 mAh at 3.7 V = 37 Wh).
Security screening and onboard use: Expect larger electronic devices to be removed for X‑ray screening at checkpoints. Smoking and use of e‑cigarettes onboard is prohibited; charging of personal power packs or connecting external batteries to aircraft systems is subject to crew and operator approval. Always declare unusually large-capacity batteries or non-standard equipment at check-in and verify the carrier’s published policy before departure.
Carry-on rules for portable electronic gadgets
Store portable lithium-powered gadgets in cabin baggage; spare batteries must remain in the cabin with terminals insulated; cells above 160 Wh are prohibited.
Lithium‑ion limits: up to 100 Wh permitted without airline approval; 100–160 Wh allowed only with prior carrier permission and restricted to two spare packs per passenger; greater than 160 Wh not permitted.
Lithium‑metal cells: single cells with lithium content up to 2 g are typically acceptable in cabin; higher lithium content requires written consent from the carrier or is forbidden.
Power banks and external chargers: treated as spare lithium‑ion batteries and must be transported in cabin baggage only; units should display Wh where possible. If only mAh is shown, calculate Wh = V × mAh ÷ 1000 (example: 3.7 V × 10,000 mAh = 37 Wh).
Vape devices and e‑cigarettes are not permitted in checked stowage; carry them in cabin and refrain from use during flight. Cartridges and spare batteries follow the same spare‑battery handling rules.
Keep gadgets accessible for security screening; protect terminals with tape or original packaging; carry written airline approval for batteries between 100–160 Wh. Devices with swollen, damaged or recalled cells must not be carried.
Check the carrier’s website before travel for model‑specific allowances, quantity limits and any additional airport or national restrictions.
Which electronic devices are permitted in cabin bags
Store spare lithium batteries and powerbanks inside cabin bags only: lithium‑ion units up to 100 Wh are accepted without approval; units between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require prior approval from the airline; batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited. Removable lithium‑metal batteries must contain no more than 2 g of lithium each. Built‑in batteries present no additional restrictions beyond standard screening.
Quick rules
Spare batteries must be individually insulated (original packaging or taped terminals), carried in the cabin, and presented for inspection if requested. No spare lithium batteries are permitted in checked baggage. Devices must be switched off during pushback and taxi if crew instructions require it; personal medical devices and mobility aids need advance notification when large batteries are involved.
Examples and limits
| Device | Allowed in cabin bag? | Spare battery rules | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone / Tablet | Yes | Built‑in batteries; no spare needed | Must pass security screening; carry chargers separately |
| Laptop | Yes | Removable lithium‑ion batteries ≤100 Wh allowed; 100–160 Wh with approval | Remove battery for inspection if requested |
| Powerbanks / Portable chargers | Yes (in cabin only) | Each unit ≤100 Wh; 100–160 Wh requires approval; >160 Wh prohibited | Counted as spare batteries – not permitted in checked baggage |
| E‑cigarettes / Vapes | Yes (do not use onboard) | Spare batteries follow Wh limits; no spares in hold | Use or charging prohibited during flight |
| Camera / Action cams | Yes | Spare batteries allowed in cabin under standard limits | Memory cards and accessories OK |
| Battery‑powered medical devices | Yes | Larger batteries may need airline notification; documentation recommended | Bring spare batteries in cabin and medical paperwork if available |
| Mobility aids (wheelchairs, scooters) | Permitted with restrictions | Batteries >100 Wh require notification; some systems >160 Wh need special approval | Arrange with airline in advance; handling procedures and stowage apply |
Practical checks before travel: verify battery Wh printed on the cell or device, pack spares in individual pouches or taped contacts, carry documentation for medical power sources, and notify the airline for batteries between 100–160 Wh or for any mobility aid. Follow security screening instructions at the gate.
Power banks and spare batteries: Wh limits, quantity and carry-on rules
Store power banks and spare batteries in cabin baggage only: ≤100 Wh – permitted without prior approval; 100–160 Wh – maximum two spare batteries per passenger and airline approval required before travel; >160 Wh – prohibited from both cabin and checked stowage.
Wh calculation and examples
Convert mAh to Wh using Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Example: a 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V = 74 Wh (20,000 × 3.7 / 1000). Devices or power banks labelled in Wh take precedence over mAh; when only mAh is shown, use the formula above.
Packing, quantity and handling
Spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must have terminals insulated (tape or individual plastic pouches) or remain in original retail packaging. Batteries installed in devices should be switched off and protected from accidental activation. For lithium metal cells, each unit must contain ≤2 g lithium to be allowed in the cabin; cells with greater lithium content are forbidden. Declare any power banks or spare batteries in the 100–160 Wh range to the airline before travel and present them at check-in if requested. Many carriers expect quantities of sub-100 Wh spares consistent with personal use; multiple high-capacity units can trigger refusal without prior approval.
Packing tips for laptops, tablets and cameras to clear security
Place laptops, tablets and cameras in an easily accessible top compartment to speed screening.
- Use a slim padded sleeve that slides out without unzipping multiple pockets; soft sleeves produce clearer X-rays than bulky hard cases.
- Keep devices near the carry-on opening; items buried beneath clothing or toiletry bags delay inspections.
- Power-up check: ensure each device has enough charge to boot and display a home screen on request.
- Store spare memory cards in a small labelled plastic case in an external pocket to avoid loss during checks.
- Organise chargers, cables and dongles in a single clear resealable bag for rapid presentation; remove cable clutter from around devices.
- For interchangeable-lens cameras, pack body and lenses in separate padded compartments so shapes read better on X-ray; cap exposed contacts to prevent damage.
- Avoid metal tripods in carry-on; place collapsible tripods in checked baggage or ship separately when possible.
- Fold or remove bulky camera straps so they don’t obscure the sensor area on the scanner.
- Label cases with contact details and include a brief contents list inside the case for faster handling if a search occurs.
- If an inspection is requested, follow the officer’s instructions and place devices on top of the tray or conveyor as directed.
E-cigarettes, hair tools and travel adapters: how to store and present at screening
Store e-cigarettes, hair tools and travel adapters in carry-on only; do not place in checked baggage, and keep them accessible for screening trays.
E-cigarettes: switch devices off and secure fire buttons with tape or a fitted hard case to prevent accidental activation. Removable batteries should be taken out and packed so terminals cannot contact metal (wrap terminals or use individual battery sleeves). E-liquid cartridges and spare pods must follow 100 ml/3-1-1 container rules and sit in a clear resealable bag; present that bag separately at the scanner if asked. Use a small padded case for devices to avoid damage and to keep them together in one tray.
Hair tools (heated straighteners, curling irons): allow complete cooling before packing; store in a heat-resistant sleeve or padded pouch to protect surrounding contents. For corded models, coil the lead neatly and fix with a Velcro strap; for cordless models with built-in batteries follow the same precautions as other battery-powered gadgets (powered off, terminals protected). If a tool is bulky, place it in the top compartment of the carry-on to enable quick extraction for manual inspection.
Travel adapters and plug converters: group adapters in a single pouch to avoid loose metal pieces triggering alarms. Remove any attached plugs from sockets and stow loose USB cords coiled and tucked inside the pouch. If an adapter has visible signs of damage or exposed wiring, present it separately and be prepared for additional checks.
Presentation at screening: keep all small powered gadgets and accessories in one tray rather than scattered across pockets; switch devices off and remove batteries where feasible. Separate liquids (e-liquid) into the security liquids bag and place that on top of the tray. Small cameras and compact electronics should be presented alone on a tray for rapid X-ray review – see best digital camera for 150 pounds for an example of a compact device that benefits from this treatment. If asked by security staff, declare batteries or unusual adapters immediately to avoid delays.
If a device is refused at security or the gate: options and next steps
Remove power source if removable, request a written refusal slip from security or the gate agent and ask for supervisor contact details immediately.
Immediate actions
1. Obtain a written reason for refusal (screening report or refusal note) and record the name and badge number of the staff member handling the case.
2. If the gadget has a removable battery, remove it and present battery separately for inspection; batteries installed in devices that cannot be rendered safe will often be rejected from the aircraft cabin.
3. If the refusal cites damage, modification or visible swelling, do not attempt to power the device; move it to a designated safe area and follow staff instructions–airport security may require the item to be detained.
Transport and disposal options
4. Gate-check into the aircraft hold only if the carrier confirms acceptance and the battery state meets checked-baggage rules; secure the device in a hard case and cushion it with padding. For robust protective options see best luggage on wheels for every budget.
5. Ship the gadget home or to a repair centre via an approved courier desk at the airport; remove and pack batteries according to courier and airline hazardous-goods rules, and obtain a tracking receipt.
6. Surrender to airport hazardous-waste or battery-disposal points if the device is declared unsafe; many airports maintain collection bins or specialised disposal services.
7. Purchase a replacement at airport electronics or duty-free shops when continuation of travel is time-sensitive; keep purchase receipts for possible reimbursement claims. Seasonal offers on protective cases and replacement suitcases can be found via best luggage black friday deal.
Documentation for later claims: keep the refusal note, boarding pass, any correspondence with carrier staff, photos of the condition, and receipts for shipping or replacement. File a complaint with the carrier and contact travel insurance or card-provider protections using those documents.
