Can You Bring Batteries On A Plane?

Can you bring Batteries on a plane?, taking batteries on a plane, whether in a carry-on or checked baggage, could be a point of concern. As batteries produce heat and have the tendency to lead to fire, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has defined certain regulations. This is done to ensure the security and safety of passengers onboard as well as the maintenance of discipline at the airport. 

No doubt, you could be carrying electronic devices like cell phones, cameras, razors, laptops etc., which use batteries. There may be extra batteries in your bags. So, if you are flying with batteries to any other state within the USA, you ought to abide by TSA rules. 

Get all set for an informative guide on carrying batteries on a plane.

Can You Take Batteries On A Plane In Hand Luggage?

If you are planning to take an extra number of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, you can pack them in your carry-on bag. These may also include battery charging cases for your cell phones, or even power banks.

There are three types of batteries:

Lithium Batteries With Less Than or Up to 100-Watt Hours 

As per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the following are the rules for extra lithium metal and extra rechargeable lithium ion batteries that are not installed in electronic devices:

• There is a 2 gm lithium per battery limit for non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries.
• A maximum of 100-watt hours (Wh) per battery is allowed in the case of rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

So, nearly all lithium battery types used in electronic devices are allowed as per these conditions. You may carry extra batteries for a range of personal gadgets such as cell phones, laptops, cameras, tablets, calculators, and watches. Portable rechargers that are powered by a lithium ion battery are also included under the same rule.

You must also stay informed about rules for keeping electric razors, trimmers, or electric toothbrushes in your carry-on bags, as they might also be using lithium batteries.  

TSA Carrying Rules for Batteries Less Than or Equal to 100 Wh

Lithium Batteries With Over 100-Watt Hours

You need to go as per the following instructions, given by FAA, in the case of extra lithium metal and extra rechargeable lithium ion batteries that are not installed in electronic devices:

• Confirm with your airline, if you wish to carry up to two extra larger lithium ion batteries with 101 to 160 Watt hours or lithium metal batteries from 2 to 8 grams.
• This size is applicable for larger laptop batteries whose life has been extended.
• Batteries required for professional devices may also be kept as per these size limits.
• One passenger is allowed to bring up to two extra larger batteries. One battery can be 101–160 watt-hours.

For a variety of personal electronics, including cell phones, laptops, cameras, tablets, calculators, and watches, you may carry extra batteries. The same regulation also applies to portable rechargers that run on lithium ion batteries.

TSA Carrying Rules for Batteries Greater Than to 100 Wh

TSA Dry Batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D) Rules

You can also keep non-lithium dry batteries such as nickel metal hydride, alkaline, and nickel-cadmium in your carry-on bag. They are allowed in usual sizes like AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, button cell, and more. 

However, please make sure to keep batteries that are not damaged and/or that do not lead to the generation of sparks or excessive heat. 

Can you bring Dry batteries on a plane?

Non-Spillable Wet Batteries 

If you need to bring non-spillable batteries (with electrolyte in an absorbed form) that are used in portable electronic devices, please keep in mind the following instructions. 

• The voltage of a battery must not be greater than 12 volts.
• The watt hour rating of the battery must be less or up to 100 watt hours.
• You can bring a maximum of two spare batteries.

These rules are not meant for large vehicle batteries, or for wheelchairs and mobility devices that are driven by batteries.

Bring Non-Spillable Wet Batteries on a Plane

Spillable Batteries 

Spillable batteries are not at all allowed to be taken on a plane. You can take only the mobility devices and/or wheelchairs having these batteries installed within them. 

You are suggested to keep a check that the batteries are safely attached to the devices and their terminals are properly covered. These points are important to avoid chances of short circuits or any damage. Also, they should remain in an upright position while being kept in an aircraft. 

TSA Carrying Rules for Non-Spillable Wet Batteries

Can You Put Batteries In Checked Luggage?

In checked luggage, passengers may keep all types of batteries permitted in carry-on bags. However, only extra lithium batteries (lithium metal and lithium ion/polymer) are not allowed in checked luggage. Similarly, devices containing these batteries may not be taken in a checked bag. You must seek detailed information on the same while packing your bags with such devices.

TSA suggests passengers to pack the batteries in their hand luggage, if suitable for them. This is because of the reason that if the batteries catch fire or cause any other danger, the crew members onboard will be able to check the same and immediately undertake relevant measures for safety.

List of batteries prohibited by TSA

Passengers are not allowed to bring the following types of batteries on a plane in any of the bags:

• Car batteries
• Wet batteries
• Spillable batteries 

Nonetheless, if these batteries are used to run a scooter or wheelchair, they may be taken. In addition, the aircraft operator must be informed in advance to properly pack these batteries for the flight, if you are taking them as extras for a scooter or wheelchair.

Can You Take Damaged or Recalled Lithium Batteries or Battery-Driven Devices?

There is a huge risk associated with damaged or recalled batteries. They can generate sparks or excessive heat. So, you are advised to take them in your carry-on bag only when you have packaged them in such a way that no such dangerous situation could occur.

It may be highlighted that passengers are not advised to place them in checked baggage, as it is probably impossible to handle such hazardous circumstances while the flight is on its way. 

How To Pack Batteries In The Luggage?

It is important to make sure that the terminals or electrical connections of a battery must be covered, as they can come in contact with other batteries or metals. This can probably lead to short circuits. 

So, you can keep the batteries protected in a packed state in the following ways:

1. First of all, they must be kept in the original packing so to avoid any unfavorable consequences during the transfer of baggage. 

2. If the electrical connections or terminals of the batteries are exposed, cover them using electrical tape.

3. You can also pack each battery in its individual plastic bag.

4. If a device containing a battery is kept in your checked luggage, you must package it in such a way that the device does not get switched on during the flight. You can use tape to fix the switched-off button part of the device and remove the tape when you have to use it at your destination.

5. You must use the respective charger for each battery. For e.g., do not use the charger of Battery A with Battery B. 

6. Make sure to use protective material or trigger locks so that the device does not activate on its own while being placed in checked baggage. This is particularly relevant in case you have kept the devices containing batteries.

How to Safely Pack Battery Chargers?

Battery chargers are permitted to be taken in a carry-on and checked baggage. But, they must also be packed with care.

1. Please ensure that the charger’s electrical cord, if attached, is properly wrapped around it.

2. You must not pack non-rechargeable batteries in a charger used for rechargeable batteries. Placing non-rechargeable batteries in a battery charger could be dangerous, as they are not meant to be charged.

Concluding Lines

So, there are TSA rules for different types of batteries categorized as – Lithium batteries with less than or up to 100-watt hours, Lithium batteries with over 100-watt hours, Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D), Non-spillable wet batteries, and Spillable batteries.

All are allowed in carry-on and checked bags with or without instructions. But, only extra lithium batteries (lithium metal and lithium ion/polymer) are not permitted to be placed in checked luggage. So, beware and pack your bags accordingly. Wish you a safe journey!

Frequently Asked Question