Yes, you can bring lithium batteries in carry-on; spares need covered terminals, ≤100 Wh (101–160 Wh with airline OK); never loose in checked.
Taking Lithium Batteries In Your Carry-On: Practical Rules
Most flyers carry phones, laptops, cameras, or a power bank. All of these use lithium cells. The rules split batteries by size and by whether the cell is inside a device or riding alone as a spare. Carry-on is where spares live. Checked bags accept some devices, not loose cells. The quick table below keeps the choices plain.
| Battery Type & Size | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium ion ≤100 Wh (in device) | Yes | Yes |
| Lithium ion ≤100 Wh (spare) | Yes | No |
| Lithium ion 101–160 Wh (in device) | Yes | Usually yes with airline |
| Lithium ion 101–160 Wh (spare) | Yes, max two with airline approval | No |
| Lithium metal ≤2 g (in device) | Yes | Yes |
| Lithium metal ≤2 g (spare) | Yes | No |
| Lithium batteries >160 Wh (consumer gear) | No | No |
| Mobility device lithium packs (up to airline limits) | Often allowed with special steps | Device may go checked; battery carried in cabin |
Watt-Hours, mAh, And The Math
Your label might show milliamp-hours (mAh) instead of watt-hours (Wh). Convert by dividing mAh by 1000 to get amp-hours, then multiply by the battery’s voltage. Example: a 10,000 mAh, 3.7 V power bank is roughly 37 Wh. That sits under the 100 Wh cap, so it fits carry-on with no airline paperwork. Many laptop packs land around 50–70 Wh, while big drone packs can brush close to 99 Wh. If your pack shows only volts and mAh, grab a calculator before you pack.
Finding The Rating On Your Gear
Look for tiny print near the terminals or along the case. Makers often write “Wh,” “mAh,” and “V” together. If you own older camera cells with faded labels, tape a small note with the math so an agent can see it. Clear markings save time at security.
Spares, Power Banks, And Protection
Spares belong in carry-on. Power banks count as spares too, even if they look like a device. Keep each one in its retail sleeve, a padded pouch, or a small plastic bag. Cover exposed terminals with caps or tape. Do not stack bare cells together. A short can heat fast; simple covers prevent it. The TSA page for power banks spells this out in clear terms.
How To Prevent A Short
Use tape over button-top ends, slide small cells into plastic cases, and keep tools away from metal parts. Many travelers also tuck packs into a fire-resistant pouch. That pouch is optional, yet it keeps everything tidy and calm.
Large Batteries 101–160 Wh: Airline Approval
Some gear uses a bigger pack: cinema cameras, high-end lights, or advanced drones. Spares in this range ride in the cabin only, and most airlines cap them at two per person. Bring proof of the Wh rating, keep terminals covered, and tell the agent if asked. The FAA Pack Safe page explains these limits and the two-spare rule in plain charts.
What Airlines Usually Ask For
Check your booking email or your carrier’s dangerous goods page. Many carriers want packs taped, each in its own sleeve or box, and sometimes ask that you spread packs across bags. Gate staff may tag them. If a pack is swollen, damaged, or wet, leave it home.
Batteries Over 160 Wh
Big packs for e-bikes, power tools, and studio lights exceed passenger limits. Do not bring them on a plane as personal baggage. A special case exists for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Those batteries can fly under separate rules, often up to about 300 Wh, with the pack removed and carried in the cabin while the chair goes as checked baggage. Call the airline well before travel so they can note it in your record.
Mobility Devices And E-Bikes
Airlines treat medical mobility gear differently from hobby gear. A wheelchair pack can ride with you after staff secure it for the cabin. E-bike packs rarely qualify. If you must move an e-bike pack, speak with a cargo desk; passenger bags are not the place for it.
Devices In Checked Bags: When It’s Allowed
A phone, tablet, or laptop with a built-in battery under 100 Wh can ride in checked baggage, yet cabin space is still better. If you do check one, turn it fully off, pad it, and stop it from turning on by accident. Many airlines ask that passengers keep small electronics in the cabin so crews can reach them fast if needed.
Before You Close The Bag
Turn devices off, not just sleep. Pack spares in carry-on only. Protect every loose cell. Keep a small roll of tape and a few plastic sleeves in your kit. That tiny kit prevents hassles.
Common Items And Typical Ratings
These ranges help you sort gear fast. Always read your own label.
| Item | Typical Battery | Carry-On Rule Note |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | 10–15 Wh lithium ion | Under 100 Wh; spares in the cabin only |
| Tablet | 25–40 Wh lithium ion | Under 100 Wh; spares in the cabin only |
| Laptop | 50–70 Wh lithium ion | Under 100 Wh; spares in the cabin only |
| Drone flight pack | 40–99 Wh lithium ion | Cabin only; two 101–160 Wh spares need airline OK |
| DSLR or mirrorless cell | 10–20 Wh lithium ion | Cabin only when spare |
| Power bank (10,000 mAh) | ~37 Wh lithium ion | Carry-on only; never checked |
| AA lithium metal cell | ≤2 g lithium | Cabin only when spare |
| Mobility scooter pack | Up to about 300 Wh* | Special handling; ask airline in advance |
International Trips And Airline Differences
Core limits match worldwide, yet wording shifts by country or carrier. Some carriers cap the total number of spares per person. Others set extra packing steps. Print the rules and carry them with your gear. If an agent asks a tough question, showing the rule can speed things along.
Quick Packing Checklist
Label shows Wh or mAh and V.
Spares in carry-on only, each protected.
Devices off, not in sleep.
No damaged or swollen cells.
Keep a small tape roll and sleeves.
Bring airline approval if you carry 101–160 Wh spares.
Keep power banks handy; never gate-check them.
Spread spares across bags to avoid a dense bundle.
Mini Troubleshooter
A Screener Flags My Pack
Show the Wh label or your math. Explain that spares are in carry-on and terminals are covered. Offer to separate cells for a closer look. A calm tone helps.
My Power Bank Has No Rating
Check the maker’s site for specs and print a page. If you cannot find a rating, pick a smaller bank with a clear label.
A Gate Agent Wants Me To Check A Bag Holding Spares
Move spares into a coat or small purse, then gate-check the bag. Power banks and loose cells do not ride in the hold.
A Device Warms Up In Flight
Unplug it. If heat keeps rising or the unit smokes, call a flight attendant at once. Leave the device where it sits and follow crew steps.
Final Call: Safe Carry-On Lithium Battery Rules
Keep spare lithium batteries and power banks in carry-on with terminals covered. Stay at or below 100 Wh unless your airline approves up to two larger spares. Do not place loose cells in checked bags. Pack smart, label clearly, and your gear will pass smoothly.