Yes, spare camera batteries must ride in your carry‑on, not checked bags, and each lithium‑ion pack must be ≤ 100 Wh—or up to 160 Wh with airline approval.
Carrying Camera Batteries On A Plane: Safety Basics
Lithium cells power everything from pocket‑sized action cams to pro‑grade mirrorless rigs. These little energy stores are safe when used and packed correctly, yet they can spark if crushed or short‑circuited. Regulators require passengers to keep spares in the cabin, where crew can react fast if one overheats. Checked holds are harder to reach, so loose batteries stay topside. That rule covers lithium‑ion (rechargeable), lithium‑metal (non‑rechargeable), and power‑bank style grips.
| Battery Type | Carry‑On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium‑ion ≤ 100 Wh (standard mirrorless/DSLR packs) | Allowed; no quantity limit for personal use | Device only; spare cells banned |
| Lithium‑ion 101–160 Wh (cinema rigs, light panels) | Max two spares with airline OK | Device only if fully installed and powered off |
| Lithium‑metal ≤ 2 g lithium content (camera remotes) | Allowed; pack to prevent shorting | Device only; spares banned |
Taking Camera Batteries In Your Carry‑On Bag
Every major civil aviation body—from the FAA PackSafe chart to the TSA What Can I Bring? list—echoes the same guidance: loose cells go in hand luggage. Follow these core limits:
- 100 Wh and under: Common LP‑E6, NP‑FZ100, EN‑EL15, and similar packs fall here. Bring as many as you reasonably need for the trip. Keep them for personal use—selling batteries in flight is a no‑go.
- 101–160 Wh: Cinema‑grade V‑mount and Gold‑mount bricks sit in this band. Most airlines let two spares per passenger after you request approval. Contact customer service a few days out and print the e‑mail clearance for check‑in.
- Above 160 Wh: Only mobility aids get exceptions. High‑capacity broadcast packs must ship as regulated cargo, not carry‑on.
Packing Tricks That Prevent Trouble
Short‑circuits happen when metal touches both terminals. Select one or more of these hassle‑free fixes:
- Terminal covers: Many OEM batteries ship with rigid plastic caps—stash and reuse them.
- Individual pouches: Tiny zip bags or dedicated neoprene sleeves keep cells separate.
- Original box: Slip unused packs back into their retail tray and carton.
- Tape tabs: Masking tape over contacts works if other options vanish, but remove the tape before charging to avoid residue.
Bundle everything inside a mid‑sized camera cube or gadget organizer, then tuck that parcel near the top of your backpack. Screening officers like quick access, and you win points for neatness.
Why Spare Cells Stay Out Of Checked Bags
Lithium fires need rapid intervention. The cabin holds extinguishers and trained staff; the cargo hold sits under layers of luggage. A small thermal runaway event in checked baggage can mushroom before sensors alert the flight deck. Crew can isolate a smoking battery in a special bag—an option missing down below.
International regulators support the cabin‑only rule. The IATA passenger guidance caps spares at twenty cells per traveler, all individually wrapped. That number easily covers wedding shooters, vloggers, and adventurers packing multiple camera systems.
Installed Batteries Are Different
When a cell sits inside a camera body, grip, or drone, regulators treat it as part of the device. You may check the item after switching it fully off, padding corners, and stopping accidental activation. Some airlines still advise cabin carriage for pricey gear, yet the option remains. Remove any spare batteries and seal them in your hand luggage first.
Handling High‑Capacity Packs For Video Sets
Cinema shooters often haul 150 Wh bricks that push the upper legal edge. Follow this playbook:
- Label watt‑hours clearly: Stickers fade; carry a spec sheet or printout from the manufacturer in case counter staff ask.
- Pre‑clear the flight: Airlines may require extra paperwork for each direction. Obtain a reference number during booking.
- Limit to two spares: Once past security, keep them in arm’s reach—not deep in the overhead—in case a crew member needs to check.
Airline Rules Compared
Carrier websites often hide battery details behind general “dangerous goods” pages. This cheat sheet saves digging (policies sampled mid‑2025; verify before flying):
| Airline | ≤ 100 Wh Spares | 101–160 Wh Spares |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | Unlimited for personal use | Two with advance approval |
| Emirates | Must fit in hand baggage | Two; approval at check‑in desk |
| Qantas | Unlimited; each ≤ 100 Wh | Two; inform staff 48 h pre‑flight |
Note the pattern: unlimited small cells, tight limits on mid‑range packs, bans above 160 Wh. Budget carriers often mirror these thresholds. Always skim the airline’s dangerous goods PDF during trip prep.
Can I Pack DSLR Batteries In Cabin Luggage On International Legs?
Cross‑border rules match up more than you might expect. The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations underpin most regional laws. Still, screening style differs:
- EU airports: Agents rarely ask you to pull batteries if they’re already in a tidy pouch, though random checks happen.
- Japan: Expect a brief watt‑hour query at security. Show the label or spec sheet and move on.
- Australia: After a recent cabin fire linked to a power‑bank, carriers tightened vigilance. Be ready for a visual inspection of each cell.
Voltage Converters And Chargers
Chargers and AC adapters face no watt‑hour limits. Treat them like any other electronic—carry‑on or checked fine. When abroad, confirm your brick accepts 100‑240 V; most do. Bring a compact plug adapter, not a bulky transformer, if the charger’s label lists both voltages.
Quick Pre‑Flight Checklist
Before zipping your pack:
- Count spares—stay below twenty loose cells.
- Cover / wrap every terminal.
- Mark high‑capacity bricks with clear Wh labels.
- Print airline approval e‑mails for 101–160 Wh packs.
- Place the battery pouch on top of gear for easy removal at security.
Do that, and security lines glide by. You slash the risk of delays, confiscations, or a last‑minute gate check shuffle.
Final Boarding Thoughts
Camera batteries—and the epic footage they power—belong inside your carry‑on. Stick to ≤ 100 Wh for simplicity, or obtain clearance for two midsize bricks. Seal contacts, organize spares, and store the pouch where cabin crew can grab it if heat or smoke appears. With sensible prep you keep regulators happy, protect fellow travelers, and roll off the plane ready to press record.