Michael Turner
Keep all battery-powered devices and spare battery packs in carry-on baggage; do not store spare lithium batteries or portable chargers in checked baggage. Airlines and U.S. screening agencies require spare lithium-ion and lithium-polymer cells to travel in the cabin, with terminals protected against short circuits (original packaging, tape over terminals, or individual plastic sleeves).
Watt-hour limits: cells and removable battery packs ≤100 Wh are permitted without airline approval; 100–160 Wh require airline approval (common for high-capacity camera or drone batteries); >160 Wh are prohibited from passenger aircraft. For devices with built-in batteries, the same Wh thresholds apply for spare batteries only.
Security screening: place larger devices (laptops, tablets, cameras) in an easily accessible compartment for separate X-ray inspection when requested by Transportation Security Administration (TSA). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may request to power on devices at ports of entry; passengers unable or unwilling to provide access risk device seizure or denial of entry, and should carry backups of critical data and minimal sensitive content.
How to calculate watt-hours: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Example: a 3.7 V, 3000 mAh phone battery ≈ 11.1 Wh; a 3.7 V, 20,000 mAh power bank ≈ 74 Wh (allowed without approval). For multi-cell packs check the manufacturer’s Wh rating printed on the unit.
Practical steps before travel: label high-value new gear, register serial numbers, and carry proof of purchase when possible; consult the specific carrier for policy updates and request written approval for 100–160 Wh batteries well before departure. For customs and duty purposes, declare high-value items on arrival and review CBP guidance on personal exemptions and temporary imports. For drones and RC gear, remove batteries from the airframe and follow the same cabin-only and Wh rules.
Place smartphones, tablets and laptops in cabin baggage for U.S. flights
Store smartphones, tablets, cameras and notebooks inside cabin baggage and present tablets and laptops separately at security when requested; keep spare lithium-ion cells protected (terminals insulated) and accessible for inspection.
Key numeric limits: spare lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh are permitted in cabin baggage without airline approval; cells between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are limited in quantity; batteries above 160 Wh are prohibited from both checked and cabin baggage. Power banks are classified as spare batteries and must follow the same Wh rules.
| Item | Screening action | Battery rule |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | Leave in cabin bag or remove only if asked by security | Internal battery permitted; spare cells rarely relevant |
| Tablet / E-reader | May need removal for X-ray unless bag uses CT scanner | Internal battery permitted; spare cells follow Wh limits |
| Laptop | Often removed for separate screening; secure with password | Internal battery permitted; spare laptop batteries usually require airline approval if >100 Wh |
| Power bank / Spare battery | Carry in cabin baggage only; present if requested | ≤100 Wh: allowed; 100–160 Wh: airline approval required; >160 Wh: prohibited |
Declare suspicious devices if requested by inspectors; label high-capacity batteries with Wh rating or manufacturer spec. Small personal items such as a compact umbrella (best day ever umbrella) are allowed in cabin bags, while tool batteries and accessory packs should follow the same Wh and carriage rules – for battery-handling guidance on power equipment see best pressure washer for porcelain tiles.
TSA and CBP screening requirements for laptops, tablets, and cameras
Place laptops, tablets and cameras in a single bin and remove protective cases at the security X‑ray unless enrolled in TSA PreCheck, which typically allows leaving devices inside a carry‑on container.
TSA screening: standard procedure requires larger portable computers and slate devices to be screened separately on the X‑ray belt; if an X‑ray image is unclear, Transportation Security Officers will request removal of the item and may open cases or bags for inspection. Expect requests to power on devices only when necessary to verify functionality; keep batteries charged to avoid secondary inspection delays.
Battery rules: spare lithium‑ion batteries (including power banks) are forbidden in checked baggage and must travel in the cabin. Watt‑hour limits: up to 100 Wh per battery permitted without airline approval; 100–160 Wh allowed with airline approval (typically limited to two spare batteries); >160 Wh prohibited in passenger aircraft. For cells listed by capacity in mAh, convert to Wh using Wh = (mAh/1000) × V (common nominal voltage 3.7 V). Tape exposed terminals or keep spares in original packaging or separate plastic pouches.
Checked baggage guidance: devices with installed batteries are technically permitted in checked bags but risk damage, theft and stricter airline policies; many carriers advise carrying valuable cameras, laptops and tablets in the cabin. Spare memory cards and SIMs should be removed or placed in a small sealed pouch for inspection.
CBP border screening: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has authority to inspect electronic devices at ports of entry without a warrant and may request passcodes or ask officers to power on devices. Refusal can lead to device detention, forensic search, or seizure; options include presenting a clean device, providing limited access, or arranging legal counsel before contesting a search. Back up critical data and consider traveling with minimal sensitive information.
Ownership and declaration: high‑value professional gear may require declaration and could be subject to duty on arrival; U.S. residents exporting gear temporarily should obtain CBP Form 4457 before departure to document ownership for re‑entry. Carrying receipts, serial numbers and loan agreements speeds resolution during secondary inspection.
Practical checklist for screening: charge devices before screening; remove bulky cases and place devices in one bin; carry spare batteries and power banks in the cabin only; label high‑capacity power banks with Wh rating or provide conversion; remove SD cards and SIMs into a clear pouch; keep proof of ownership and export forms accessible.
Power banks and lithium battery rules: capacity limits and carry-on procedures
Passengers must keep power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries in cabin baggage; portable external batteries are prohibited in checked baggage.
Capacity thresholds & mAh→Wh conversion
Lithium‑ion capacity is governed by watt‑hours (Wh). Batteries ≤100 Wh are allowed in cabin without airline approval. Batteries >100 Wh and ≤160 Wh require airline approval and are typically limited to two spare units per passenger. Batteries >160 Wh are forbidden on passenger aircraft and require cargo shipment with special handling.
Convert milliamp-hours to watt‑hours: Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000. Most power banks use a nominal cell voltage of 3.7 V. Examples: 5,000 mAh ≈ 18.5 Wh; 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh ≈ 99.2 Wh; 50,000 mAh ≈ 185 Wh (not permitted).
Packing, screening and airline approval
Terminals must be insulated: cover exposed contacts with non-conductive tape, use original packaging, or store each unit in a protective pouch. Keep power banks accessible for security screening; some checkpoints require removal from bags and separate presentation. Be prepared to power a unit on if requested to demonstrate it functions.
If a power bank lacks a Wh label, calculate Wh from the mAh and voltage or assume higher capacity; unlabeled high‑capacity units risk refusal at boarding. For batteries between 100–160 Wh, obtain written airline approval before travel and declare the units at check‑in. High‑capacity external batteries intended for shipment must be handled under dangerous‑goods procedures through cargo services, not via passenger channels.
How to prepare devices for X‑ray and secondary inspection at U.S. airports
Place all portable devices in a single, easily accessible bin and remove protective cases and keyboard covers prior to screening.
Pre‑screen checklist
- Charge primary device to at least 30–50% and bring the charger and an accessible spare battery or external battery stored in carry‑on.
- Remove SIM and microSD cards and store them in a labeled, clear envelope for rapid presentation.
- Photograph serial numbers, IMEI/MEID and current desktop/home screens; save those images to a separate secure location (cloud or encrypted drive) and print a copy.
- Create a temporary travel user/profile with minimal installed apps and personal files, or log out of work/cloud accounts that are not needed for the trip.
- Move highly sensitive documents and private archives into an encrypted container (e.g., VeraCrypt, FileVault, BitLocker) stored offline on a separate encrypted drive.
- If devices are corporate property, carry a signed authorization letter from the employer listing device serial numbers and an IT contact with phone/email.
At the checkpoint and during X‑ray
- Place each device flat in the bin; laptops and larger units should lie centered and separate from other items to reduce repeat scans.
- Remove cases, folios, and screen protectors that obscure internal outlines; transparent bags for small items (phones, cameras, batteries) speed screening.
- Keep chargers and relevant cables together but not tangled; officers may ask to see ports and connectors exposed.
If directed to secondary inspection
- Present devices powered on and unlocked when requested; have PINs/passcodes available and a biometric fallback disabled only if there is a numeric PIN set.
- Avoid deleting, wiping, or altering files during inspection; any data modification increases the risk of device seizure.
- Request a written receipt for any item retained, note officer names/badge numbers and take photos of device condition and packaging when possible.
- If unable or unwilling to provide access to certain files, provide an encrypted backup on a separate medium and contact legal or employer support immediately.
Recovery and contingency
- Keep a current inventory of device serial numbers and proof of ownership stored offsite; file a report and use serials when seeking return or replacement.
- Have IT or legal contacts pre‑identified with contact details accessible outside the device (printed or on another device).
- If devices contain regulated data (company IP, client records), follow employer incident procedures and begin a remote backup/sync as soon as access is restored.
Declare high‑value devices: receipts, proof of ownership, and customs forms
Declare any device whose total value exceeds the applicable personal exemption at the U.S. port of entry and present original proof of purchase, serial numbers, and the completed customs declaration on request.
Documentation to have ready
Original sales receipts showing seller name, purchase date, item description (make/model), and price. If receipt lacks serial number, add a photo of the device’s serial/IMEI printed on the device or packaging.
Paper or electronic copies of warranty cards, bank/credit‑card transaction records, and order confirmations for online purchases. Store scanned PDFs and clear photos in cloud storage plus one printable copy in carry‑on baggage for inspection.
Photograph each device out of the case with the serial number visible; export a short inventory (brand, model, serial, purchase price) as a single PDF for quick presentation.
Forms, exemptions, and procedure at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Complete the customs declaration (CBP Form 6059B or electronic kiosk/arrival system). Declare merchandise when total dutiable value for the trip exceeds the personal exemption. Typical exemptions: $800 per person for trips of 48 hours or more, $200 for trips under 48 hours; exemptions apply per traveler including minors.
U.S. residents who plan to temporarily take valuable devices abroad should obtain CBP Form 4457 before departure to document ownership and avoid duties on return. Form 4457 requires officer inspection and serial‑number listing; retain both the original form and scanned copy when re‑entering the United States.
If declared value exceeds the exemption, CBP will determine duty based on tariff classification and country of origin; many portable computing and photographic items carry low or zero duty but rates vary–check the HTS or ask a CBP officer. Failure to declare high‑value items can lead to seizure, fines, or civil penalties.
If selected for secondary inspection, present receipts, serial‑number photos, Form 4457 (if issued), and the inventory PDF. Request a written receipt for any assessment, seizure, or duty payment and keep it with travel records for tax or insurance purposes.
Packing methods to protect devices and reduce chances of inspection delays
Place all portable computing and imaging gear in a single, top-access compartment so screening staff can view items without unloading the entire bag.
Rigid protection and internal padding
Use a hard-shell briefcase or suitcase with an internal clamshell layout; insert each device in a snug sleeve (neoprene 3–6 mm) and add an outer foam spacer (EVA foam 10–20 mm). For cameras, keep bodies and lenses in separate padded pouches with lens caps on; for phones and tablets, add a microfiber layer between screen and sleeve to avoid abrasion. Avoid loose bubble wrap – it shifts and can force secondary checks. Place heavy items (tripod legs, umbrellas) away from device pockets to prevent pressure; for bulky umbrellas consider checked storage or a separate exterior carry option such as those listed at best outdoor patio umbrella and base.
Layout and documentation to speed inspections
Arrange items flat and parallel to the bag’s opening: laptop/tablet flat on top, camera and accessories beneath in labeled compartments. Store cables coiled and secured with Velcro straps inside clear zip pouches; keep SD cards and spare SSDs in anti-static cases, each labeled with model and serial. Attach a printed inventory sheet with device names, serial numbers and purchase dates in a transparent sleeve on the inner lid for rapid verification. Apply small removable adhesive labels with serial numbers on sleeves (not on device bodies) to avoid unnecessary handling. Use a single external pocket for travel adapters and power banks so they can be shown without opening the main compartment.
