Airline Passengers and Batteries

Frequently Asked Questions

Batteries Allowed in Airline Passenger Baggage in the US

Based on US DOT regulations (49 CFR, Sec. 175.10). Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security, individual airline, and international rules may, at times, be more restrictive. 

Item Examples Info Carry on Checked
Baggage Equipped with Lithium Batteriesorange suitcase Baggage equipped with lithium batteries. Bags must be carried as carry-on bags unless the batteries can be removed from the baggage. Removed batteries must be carried in accordance to the same restrictions as spare batteries. YES YES
Dry Alkaline Batteriesdry alkaline batteries illustration Most A, AA, AAA, C, D, or button cell batteries Must be protected from damage and short circuit YES YES
Dry Rechargeabledry rechargeable batteries illustration Nickel metal hydride (NiMH), nick cadmium (NiCad), etc. Must be protected from damage and short circuit YES YES
Portable Electronic Devicescell phone illustration Lithium-ion powered: cell phone, laptop, tablets, gaming systems, watches, cameras, etc... The same watt hour (Wh) restrictions for spare batteries apply to these devices. They can only be checked when powered off and protected from short circuit and unintentional activation. YES YES
(see info)
Spare Battery or Power Bankspare battery illustration power bank Lithium-ion powered: power bank, portable chargers, charging cases, cell phone battery, laptop battery, external batteries Lithium-ion batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium-ion batteries (101-160 Wh). Must be carry-on only and protected from damage and short circuit. YES NO
Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devicesvape illustration

Lithium-ion battery powered: E-cigarettes (e-cigs), vaporizers, vape pens, atomizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems

Must be protected from damage and short circuit, carry-on only.  YES NO
Location Trackerslocation tracker illustration Air tags, tile tracker Bluetooth baggage, trackers equipped with lithium batteries are only allowed in checked baggage when containing lithium content not exceeding 0.3 grams, or lithium-ion batteries with a watt hours (Wh) rating not exceeding 2.7 Wh. YES YES
(see info)
Lithium Metal Batterieslithium metal battery illustration Non-rechargeable as used in small consumer electronics such as cameras, LED flashlights, watches, etc. Must be protected from damage and short circuit. Spare batteries can be carried in carry-on only. 2 grams or less lithium per battery. YES YES
(see info)

Non-Spillable Wet Batteries (Absorbed Electrolyte)wet non-spillable battery illustration

Used for portable electronic devices, 12 volts and 100 watt hours (Wh) Must be protected from damage and short circuit and in strong packaging. Battery and outer packaging must be marked "non-spillable." YES YES
Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices with Lithium-ion Batteries that are Not Adequately Protected and Batteries Removedwheelchair illustration Electric wheelchair, mobility scooter Lithium-ion battery size is limited to 300 watt hours (Wh). The lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only. The passenger must advise the airline of the battery location. Lithium metal (non-rechargeable lithium) batteries are forbidden with these devices. YES
(see info)
NO
Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices with Lithium-ion Batteries, with Batteries Installed and Protected by Designmobility scooter illustration Electric wheelchair, mobility scooter Lithium-ion battery size is limited to 300 watt hours (Wh). The lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only. The passenger must advise the airline of the battery location on the device. Mobility device with battery installed and not removed must be checked and not carried on. Lithium metal (non-rechargeable lithium) batteries are forbidden with these devices. NO YES
Spare Lithium Battery Wheelchair and Mobility Device Battery spare battery Spare or removed wheelchair or mobility device battery A maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 watt hours (Wh) or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each carry-on only.  YES
(see info)
NO
Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices with Spillable, Non-Spillable, or Dry Batteriesbattery wheelchair Electric wheelchair, mobility scooter For complete passenger instructions contact your airline as advanced arrangements and extra check-in time may be necessary NO YES
(see info)

Download a printable version of the information on this page.

For additional passenger resources, see our PackSafe Resources.

For additional shipper & e-commerce resources, see our SafeCargo Resources.

For additional air carrier resources see our OperateSafe Resources.

For additional lithium battery resources see our Lithium Battery Resources.

For questions about traveling with dangerous goods (chemicals, batteries, battery-powered devices, gases, aerosols, flammables, etc.) you may contact the FAA Office of Hazardous Materials Safety at 405-954-0088 or via e-mail at hazmatinfo@faa.gov.

Last updated: Wednesday, January 22, 2025