It is still safe to bring a laptop computer with us on a plane. Cell phones, cameras, personal digital assistants, and other battery-powered devices are also technically acceptable, subject to security considerations. However, their batteries do potentially cause a problem. We thought it would be useful to list the lithium-ion batteries allowed on airplanes.
Safety Rules for Flying with Spare Lithium-Ion Batteries
You may take spare lithium-ion batteries with you as carry-on baggage per the bulleted criteria we mention below. However please do take precautions to avoid a possible incident. Please check with your airline to make sure you’re abiding by their specific regulations, which are ever changing. Always check for the latest information.
It is essential you protect the terminals from short-circuiting. Cover both electric contacts with adhesive electricians tape if you removed the batteries from their packaging. Then put them in separate zip-lock bags to be extra safe.
The Lithium-Ion Batteries Allowed on Airplanes
The following is a list of lithium-Ion batteries allowed on airplanes per the U.S. Department of Transportation list.
- The regulations allow lithium-ion batteries installed in devices as carry-on baggage – and checked baggage – but with operator approval. However, these may not exceed 160 watt-hours capacity.
- Spare lithium-ion batteries not exceeding 100 watt-hours capacity may accompany passengers as carry-on baggage only. Operators may allow 1 or 2 larger ones up to 160 watt-hours. This is the upper limit.
Seek operator advice before carrying damaged batteries, or damaged battery-powered devices on board with you. These may not be in checked baggage under any circumstances.
Restrictions on Lithium Metal Batteries
Lithium-Metal batteries in devices with up to two grams of lithium may travel with you as hand luggage or in the hold. Keep spare ones with you in the cabin. These may not contain more than two grams of lithium either. Electronic smoking devices (vapers) have similar limits but you must carry them with you.
We sourced this information from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and provide it in good faith. We believe the list of lithium-ion batteries allowed on airplanes was accurate at the time of publication. Please confirm the status when you make an airline reservation
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Lithium-Ion Batteries are Not Small Change
Preview Image: Departure Terminal
