Can You Fly with Lithium Batteries?

Lithium batteries power phones, laptops, cameras, drones, power tools, and portable energy devices. But when flying, batteries are regulated because damaged or improperly packed lithium batteries can overheat and create fire risks.

So, can you fly with lithium batteries? Yes. But airlines and aviation authorities place strict limits on battery size, battery type, quantity, and packing method.

If you are wondering:

• Can you take lithium ion batteries on a plane?
• Are lithium batteries allowed on planes?
• Can lithium batteries go in checked luggage?
• What happens if you have a lithium battery in checked luggage?
• Can batteries be taken on airplanes internationally?

This guide explains current lithium battery airplane rules, airline policies, watt-hour limits, and safe packing practices.

Key takeaways

• Lithium batteries are generally allowed on planes, but restrictions apply.
• Spare lithium batteries usually must stay in carry-on baggage.
• Loose lithium batteries in checked luggage are prohibited by most airlines.
• Batteries under 100Wh normally do not need airline approval.
• Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh often require airline approval.
• Batteries over 160Wh are usually prohibited on passenger aircraft.
• Protect battery terminals to avoid short circuits.
• Damaged, swollen, or recalled batteries should never travel by air.

Part 1. Can you bring lithium batteries on a plane?

Yes. You can bring lithium batteries on airplanes, but aviation safety organizations set limits to reduce fire risks.

Airlines commonly follow rules from:

• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

There are different requirements for:

• Carry-on baggage
• Checked baggage
• Installed batteries (inside devices)
• Spare batteries (not attached to equipment)

Understanding the difference matters because lithium battery carry on requirements are usually less restrictive than checked baggage rules.

Part 2. Can lithium batteries go in checked luggage?

This is one of the most searched questions: “lithium batteries in checked luggage”.

The answer depends on battery condition and installation.

Loose lithium batteries: Not allowed

Spare lithium-ion batteries cannot normally go into checked baggage.

Examples:

• Power banks
• Camera spare batteries
• Drone batteries
• External battery packs
• Uninstalled laptop batteries

Why? If a lithium battery overheats in the cargo hold, firefighters cannot access it quickly. Thermal runaway events can spread rapidly.

Installed batteries inside devices: Usually allowed

Devices containing lithium batteries may sometimes go in checked baggage:

• Laptop computers
• Cameras
• Smartphones
• Tablets

However, aviation experts generally recommend carrying valuable electronics in cabin baggage.

Part 3. What happens if you have a lithium battery in checked luggage?

Airport security or airline staff may:

• Remove the battery
• Require bag inspection
• Ask passengers to move batteries into carry-on baggage
• Confiscate prohibited batteries
• Refuse transport if safety rules are violated

Improper battery packing can also delay luggage handling.

Part 4. Lithium battery carry-on rules

If you are asking “can you fly with lithium batteries”, carry-on baggage is usually the safest option.

General airline rules include:

• Spare lithium batteries must stay in carry-on baggage
• Battery terminals should be protected
• Batteries should remain in original packaging or battery cases
• Damaged batteries are prohibited
• Airline approval may be needed for larger batteries

Examples commonly allowed in carry-on:

Part 5. Lithium battery watt-hour (wh) limits for flying

Airlines use Watt-hours (Wh) instead of battery capacity (Ah) to determine flight restrictions.

Battery limits usually follow this structure:

Typical examples:

Most e-bike batteries exceed airline limits.

How to calculate battery watt-hours (wh)

Airlines may ask for battery watt-hour ratings.

Calculation formula:

Wh = V × Ah

Example:

• 10V × 5Ah = 50Wh

A 50Wh battery falls below the 100Wh threshold and is normally allowed.

Check:

• Battery label
• User manual
• Manufacturer specifications

If your battery does not show Wh directly, calculate it before flying.

For battery fundamentals, read our internal guide:

Related Reading: Watts vs Watt Hours

Part 6. Lithium-ion vs lithium-metal battery flight rules

Not all lithium batteries follow identical airline rules.

1 Lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable)

Common uses:

• Phones
• Laptops
• Power banks
• Drones
• Cameras

These are measured using watt-hours (Wh).

2 Lithium-metal batteries (non-rechargeable)

Common uses:

• Medical devices
• Backup electronics
• Specialty cameras

These are measured by lithium metal content.

Typical airline limit:

• Maximum 2 grams lithium content per battery

Understanding battery chemistry matters when flying with lithium batteries internationally.

Learn more battery chemistry differences here:

Related Reading: Lithium-ion vs Lithium-metal Battery

Part 7. Can you fly with power banks?

Power banks create confusion because passengers often ask:

“Can you take a li ion battery on a plane if it is a power bank?”

Yes, but rules are strict.

Power bank flight rules:

• Carry-on only
• Never place in checked baggage
• Under 100Wh: generally allowed
• 100Wh–160Wh: airline approval often required
• Over 160Wh: prohibited

Examples:

Many travelers accidentally violate rules by placing power banks in checked luggage.

Part 8. Can you fly with e-bike or electric scooter batteries?

Most electric mobility batteries exceed passenger aircraft limits.

Examples:

• Electric bicycle batteries
• Electric scooter batteries
• Large portable power stations

Typical battery sizes:

• E-bike battery: 300Wh–700Wh
• Electric scooter battery: 250Wh–600Wh

Because airlines generally prohibit batteries over 160Wh, most personal mobility batteries cannot travel on passenger aircraft.

Some removable batteries below limits may qualify.

Always verify airline requirements before travel.

Part 9. Airline lithium battery policy comparison

Policies vary slightly by airline.

Important: Airline policies change.

Always check your airline before departure.

Part 10. How to pack lithium batteries safely for air travel?

Follow these practices when flying with lithium batteries:

1. Keep spare batteries in carry-on

Carry-on placement improves safety monitoring.

2. Protect battery terminals

Prevent short circuits by using:

• Battery cases
• Original packaging
• Terminal tape covers

3. Avoid damaged batteries

Never fly with:

• Swollen batteries
• Leaking batteries
• Physically damaged battery packs

4. Check battery labels before flying

Know:

• Voltage
• Capacity
• Watt-hours

5. Follow airline quantity limits

Some airlines limit spare battery quantity.

Industrial battery shipping requirements differ from passenger aviation requirements.

Related guide: Learn About Lithium Battery Packaging and Shipping

Part 11. Common lithium battery air travel scenarios

Part 12. FAQs about flying with lithium batteries