Are Batteries Allowed on Planes? a Quick Guide

Here is a quick guide on what batteries you can bring on a plane because it can be confusing to remember what you can and cannot bring.

It makes sense that people would wonder if batteries could be brought on airplanes given how many electronic devices we now bring with us when we travel. Batteries carry some risks, so there are restrictions on bringing them on airplanes for safety reasons.

Whether you are packing batteries in carry-on or checked luggage, as well as the type of batteries, will affect the regulations. For information on power banks and chargers, as well as more details about airplane batteries, continue reading.

Are Batteries Allowed on Planes?

Yes, the TSA has strict rules regarding what is permitted on board aircraft. These guidelines often change in order to ensure the safety of all passengers.

To improve safety, there are rules for both checked and carry-on luggage.

Can You Take Batteries in Carry-on Luggage?

They are frequently required to be in your carry-on bags because specific battery types present a fire risk. Batteries in checked baggage are subject to a lot more restrictions if they are even permitted. However, there are specific regulations and restrictions for batteries carried in hand luggage. Let’s explore the various battery types and what is and is not permitted.

Dry Cell Alkaline

Despite popular belief, these rules are quite lax. When it comes to standard dry cell alkaline batteries, you can carry AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, and button-sized cell batteries. As long as they don’t exceed 100 watt-hours, rechargeable dry cell batteries like Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) are also acceptable.

Lithium-Ion

Lithium-ion batteries are a little different, however. There is a two-battery maximum per passenger for these rechargeable batteries, which must be transported in your carry-on bag. This means if you have a laptop, camera, and phone, you can only bring two of those devices with you on the plane. See Are Lithium Batteries Allowed on Planes?

Non-Rechargeable Lithium

Calculators and watches are frequently powered by non-rechargeable lithium batteries. There is a limit of five extra batteries per passenger, which can be brought on board in carry-on luggage as well as checked luggage.

Wet

Wet batteries are permitted in carry-on luggage as long as they are contained in spill-proof containers and don’t have a voltage or wattage greater than 12 volts or 100 watts.

Before you board the plane, check out whether these devices can be brought on the plane:

• Are Power Banks Allowed on Planes?
• Is a 20000mah Power Bank Allowed in Flight?
• Is a 30000mah Power Bank Allowed in Flight?
• Are Camera Batteries Allowed on Planes?
• Are Drone Batteries Allowed on Planes?

Can You Take Batteries in Checked Bags?

In comparison to carry-on luggage, the regulations for batteries are much stricter. To be clear, the majority of batteries that are allowed in carry-on luggage may also be brought in checked bags.

However, the majority of airlines advise customers to always pack them in carry-on luggage. The process adds another layer of safety for the batteries, and it also means you’ll have access to them during the flight if you need them.

In the event of a fire, flight attendants will find it much simpler to extinguish it in a carry-on bag as opposed to a checked bag. Car, spillable, and wet batteries are prohibited from being packed in checked bags. If these batteries are used to power a wheelchair or scooter, that is the only situation in which they cannot be transported.

It’s imperative to let the airline know if you must bring a spare battery so they are aware of its presence. Even without a battery, e-cigarettes and vape pens are not permitted in checked baggage. These items must be placed in the carry-on luggage of passengers. They are not to be used or charged during the flight.

This is due to the fact that the lithium-ion batteries that power these devices can overheat and cause a fire. Other than that, spare lithium batteries that are metal and ion/polymer are strictly prohibited from being transported in either checked or carry-on luggage.

Can You Take a Power Bank on a Plane?

Many people don’t leave the house without a power bank, also known as a portable phone charger. It essentially functions as a small, portable power source that you can use to recharge your phone or tablet without having to plug it into the wall.

In-flight use of these power banks is permitted. If they include lithium-ion batteries, you must pack them in your carry-on luggage rather than your checked luggage. Since the majority of them will be like this, it would be wiser for you to pack a power bank in your carry-on luggage.

In fact, the TSA website says “NO” to packing power banks in checked luggage, and then clarifies by saying, “Lithium-ion battery-powered portable chargers and power banks must be transported in carry-on luggage.”

Can You Take Phone Chargers in Hand Luggage?

A typical phone charger is a wire and plug that connects your device to a wall outlet so that it can be recharged. These are acceptable in hand luggage or checked baggage.

• Battery chargers are allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage. If the charger has an electrical cord, be sure to tightly wrap it around the device.
• Don’t pack regular batteries in a rechargeable battery charger. Non-rechargeable batteries are dangerous when used in battery chargers because they are not made to be recharged.

How to Transport Batteries on Airplanes?

Let’s discuss how to transport these batteries safely now that we are aware of which battery types and sizes are permitted on airplanes. You should keep extra batteries in their original packaging, according to the TSA. If the packaging gets damaged or disregarded, it’s best to wrap the battery in clear plastic.

It will assist in avoiding the possibility of a fire starting if the terminals come into contact with metal objects. Additionally, it would be beneficial if you kept batteries apart from other electronic devices and one. Short circuits will be avoided as a result.

It’s a good idea to keep your batteries close to you when putting them in your carry-on bag. Compared to if your bag is tossed around during the flight in the checked baggage area, there is less chance of damaging your electronics.

It is always best to check with your airline if you have any questions about bringing batteries on a plane. They will be able to provide you with the most recent details about their policies.

Packing Tips for Batteries

• Consider putting each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package if you’re traveling with spare batteries in addition to the ones inside your devices. Alternatively, you can use tape to isolate the battery’s terminals by placing it across the contacts. Isolating terminals prevents hazards due to short-circuiting.
• If you must transport a battery-operated item in luggage, please package it so it won’t accidentally turn on during the flight. If there is an on-off switch or a safety switch, tape it in the “off” position.
• For more advice on packing spare batteries securely, visit the Department of Transportation’s spare battery packing tips page. For more details on permitted and permitted batteries, visit this webpage from the FAA, which includes useful images.

Conclusion: Are Batteries Allowed on Planes?

Bringing batteries on board an aircraft is risky business. Over the years, new procedures created work to protect passengers and make the process of transporting batteries easier. These regulations were put in place by the TSA and FAA to guarantee the safety of all passengers during flights. It’s crucial to keep in mind that batteries can overheat and catch fire.

Avoid traveling with any batteries or electronic equipment that has been recalled. It won’t be permitted on the aircraft, usually because of safety concerns. Because of the possibility of overheating or catching on fire, which is obviously something you don’t want to happen on an airplane, these batteries or devices have frequently been recalled.

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