Yes. Camera batteries can go in hand luggage; spare lithium cells must stay in carry‑on with terminals covered, and loose spares are not allowed in checked bags.
Quick answer: carry-on vs checked
Most camera batteries ride in the cabin. The rules turn on two things: the chemistry of the cell and whether it’s installed in a device or packed as a spare. Here’s a fast map you can act on right now.
| Battery type | Hand luggage | Checked bags |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium‑ion (rechargeable) spares | Allowed; terminals protected; ≤100 Wh per cell without approval; 101–160 Wh needs airline approval; max two spares in that band | Not allowed as loose spares |
| Lithium‑ion installed in camera | Allowed | Allowed with care; power off, protect from damage |
| Lithium metal (non‑rechargeable) spares | Allowed in cabin only; ≤2 g lithium content per cell; terminals protected | Not allowed as loose spares |
| Lithium metal installed in device | Allowed | Allowed with care; power off, protect from damage |
| Dry cells (AA/AAA, NiMH, alkaline) spares | Allowed; protect from short circuit | Allowed; protect from short circuit |
| Power banks / USB camera grips | Carry‑on only; treat as spare lithium‑ion | Not allowed |
Authoritative rules live on the FAA PackSafe: lithium batteries page and the TSA lithium batteries guidance. International flights closely follow the IATA passenger lithium battery rules (PDF).
What counts as a camera battery
Think of three families. First, lithium‑ion packs: the flat rectangles used by mirrorless bodies, DSLRs, action cameras, LED panels, and field recorders. Second, lithium metal cells: non‑rechargeable CR‑type or custom packs used in some remotes and meters. Third, dry cells such as AA or AAA in flashes and audio gear. Each family has different limits and bag placement rules.
For flying, the big divider is “installed” vs “spare.” When a cell sits inside a camera or accessory and the device is switched off, it’s considered installed. Anything not installed is a spare and gets stricter handling.
Carrying camera batteries in hand luggage: the exact rules
Spare lithium cells live in the cabin. That includes the mirrorless or DSLR packs in your pouch, the tiny cells for action cameras, and any brick‑style photo packs you carry for lights or monitors. Pack every spare so the terminals cannot touch metal or another battery. Use plastic cases, original sleeves, or tape across exposed contacts.
Watt‑hour rating drives the quantity rules for lithium‑ion. Cells up to and including 100 Wh ride without airline approval. Cells between 101 and 160 Wh need airline approval, with a strict cap of two spares per traveler. Anything above 160 Wh stays off passenger flights. Lithium metal cells use a different yardstick: no more than 2 grams of lithium per cell for personal carriage.
Installed batteries can ride in either bag, yet cabin carry is smarter for safety and screening speed. If a roller gets gate‑checked, remove spares before it goes to the hold. That single move prevents a last‑minute scramble at the aircraft door.
Power banks count as spare lithium‑ion cells. Treat them like any other loose battery: cabin only and terminals protected. Smart grips that double as a USB charger fall under the same rule.
Packing checklist that keeps lines moving
Set up your kit so you pass security without fuss and your gear lands ready to shoot. Run through this short list the night before you fly.
- Bag spares in purpose‑built plastic cases, or cover contacts with tape and place each cell in its own pouch.
- Leave cells at a partial state of charge. Cool, dry storage cuts risk and preserves cycle life on the road.
- Snap a photo of the label that shows voltage and capacity. If asked, you can show the math for the Wh rating.
- Keep a small roll of tape and a few zip bags in your tech pouch for field fixes.
- Place power banks and spare packs near the top of your carry‑on so the bin search is quick.
- Separate AA or AAA cells for flashes in a small caddy, not loose in a pocket.
Are camera batteries allowed in carry on luggage across regions?
The core rules stay consistent around the world. Aviation bodies align on the same safety aim: spare lithium cells ride in the cabin with terminals protected; larger cells need airline approval; very large cells do not fly on passenger aircraft. Carriers can add stricter house limits on quantities and device counts, so a quick policy check remains wise before a long trip.
Flying from or within the United States? The FAA and TSA language in the links above applies. In Europe, airlines follow IATA and EASA guidance with the same overall structure. The practical outcome for a photographer is the same: keep spares with you and be ready to show ratings on request.
How to figure out your battery’s Wh rating
The Wh number may be printed on the label. If not, calculate it in seconds. Use this formula:
Watt‑hours (Wh) = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000
Sample calculation: a 7.2 V, 2280 mAh mirrorless pack yields 16.4 Wh, which sits well under the 100 Wh line. A photo block at 14.4 V and 98 Wh also sits under the no‑approval limit. Packs in the 150 Wh class move into the approval band and are common on lighting or broadcast rigs rather than still bodies.
If your pack shows capacity in amp‑hours (Ah), multiply volts by amp‑hours directly. The result is Wh. A clear label speeds up any spot check and removes guesswork for airline staff.
Watt-hour bands and what they mean on travel day
| Wh or lithium content | What you can carry in hand luggage | How many spares |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium‑ion ≤100 Wh | Carry in cabin; no airline approval required | Personal‑use quantities; pack each cell to prevent short circuit |
| Lithium‑ion 101–160 Wh | Carry in cabin with airline approval | Up to two spares per traveler |
| Lithium‑ion >160 Wh | Not permitted on passenger flights | Zero |
| Lithium metal ≤2 g per cell | Carry in cabin; terminals protected | Personal‑use quantities; some airlines set an overall cap |
These bands match the ranges used by aviation regulators. If you carry any pack in the 101–160 Wh window, contact your airline so approval is already on file before you reach the airport.
Common camera setups and what to do
Mirrorless and DSLR bodies
Keep one battery in the body and the rest in cases. Your working pack rides in the camera with the switch off. Spares ride nearby in a pouch with contacts covered.
Speedlights and AA‑powered accessories
AA or AAA cells used in flashes, audio recorders, and triggers can ride in either bag when protected from short circuit. A slim plastic caddy is cheap and keeps screening smooth.
Action cameras and tiny packs
Small lithium‑ion packs for action cameras sit far below 100 Wh, which makes them easy to carry in quantity. Treat them as spares and keep them in the cabin in separate sleeves or a divided case.
Battery grips and USB‑C power banks
Grips with a built‑in cell or USB‑C output count as power banks under transport rules. That means carry‑on only, never the hold. If the grip takes AA cells, remove any loose cells and store them so the contacts cannot touch.
LED lights and field monitors
Many compact panels and monitors use the same packs as bodies. Pack them installed or remove the pack and treat it as a spare. Larger brick‑style packs often sit under 100 Wh; read the label and sort them into the correct band.
Checked-bag risks you can dodge
Cabin crew can deal with a problem cell. A bag in the hold cannot be reached during flight. That’s the reason spare lithium cells are barred from checked baggage. Even for installed batteries, glass, cold, and heavy loads can damage gear in a hold. Cabin carry cuts those risks and speeds inspections at your destination.
If a gate agent asks you to check a full flight bag, remove every spare and any power bank before handing it over. Keep a slim sling or pouch inside your roller so you can pull those items in seconds.
Mistakes that delay screening
- Loose cells rolling around in a pocket or the bottom of a bag.
- Stacks of spares rubber‑banded without terminal covers.
- Power banks packed in checked luggage.
- Batteries with damaged wrappers or swollen cases.
- No visible label for volts or capacity.
- Arriving with 101–160 Wh packs and no airline approval.
Travel-day script for airline staff
Keep the exchange short and clear if anyone asks about your kit: “These are camera batteries. Each one is under 100 Wh and packed to prevent short circuit. Spares are in my carry‑on. This one is 150 Wh and I have airline approval; I am carrying two.” Proof on your phone or a printed note ends the chat fast.