Generally, most batteries are safe for traveling via air, but batteries appear with particular hazards; so, in some cases, they might cause fire risk by short-circuit and overheating. Since certain battery types are potential for fire risk, there are specific rules and restrictions for carrying batteries on a plane.
Therefore, today I will explain the rules and restrictions on carrying batteries on a plane, including a detailed list of which type of batteries are allowed on a plane.
So, can you bring batteries on a plane?
Yes, according to TSA, you can bring batteries on planes. All types of Alkaline or dry cell batteries and general household lithium batteries up to 100 watts are allowed for carrying on a plane.
Note: Batteries for Cars, such as spillable batteries, are not allowed on a plane unless you need them for the wheelchair. In that case, inform the aircraft authority beforehand.
But there are certain rules on how to pack them depending on the type of battery. Some are allowed to carry on bags, but certain types of batteries are not so, let’s learn in details –
Can You Bring Lithium Ion Batteries On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring lithium batteries on planes. Lithium metal and spare rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for personally used electronics such as cameras, watches, calculators, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, calculators are allowed. But there are some rules for bringing those batteries.
- Your lithium metal or non-rechargeable batteries size should be 2 grams per battery.
- Lithium-ion batteries or rechargeable batteries should be up to 100 watt-hours rating.
- Passengers are allowed to carry up to 2 larger lithium-ion spare batteries with 101 to 106 Wh and 2 to 8 grams lithium metal batteries.
- Only Two spare batteries per person and those should be for personal use. No business or selling purpose batteries are allowed in carrying bags.
Remember, uninstalled lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked luggage. Also, batteries more than 160 watt-hours are not permitted on a plane.
Guideline Based On The TSA:
The below table will give you the precise guideline to carry batteries during your air travels-
| Can you bring AA batteries on a plane? | You can bring common household batteries such as AA, AAA, C, or even D on planes, according to TSA rules and regulations. But make sure your spare batteries are not exceeding the 100 to 160 Watt-hour rate. You can bring them in both ways, either carry-on bags or check-in luggage. Up to only two individual protected spare batteries are allowed per person during flights. |
| Can you bring rechargeable batteries on a plane? | Rechargeable batteries such as Lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries and portable batteries are permitted, but you can bring them only in your carry-on luggage or baggage. But make sure each battery up to 100-watt hours rate. With individual airline approval, you might be able to carry two larger spare batteries up to 160 watt-hours. |
| Can you bring Laptop batteries on a plane? | Generally, consumer-sized lithium-ion batteries up to 8 grams or under 100-watt hours are allowed in carry-on bags during flights. So, batteries for devices such as laptops, smartphones, or tablets are allowed. But remember, after your carry-on bag has crossed the gate and the boarding checking formalities, keeping any spare lithium-ion batteries is prohibited. |
| Can you bring camera batteries on a plane? | All non-rechargeable batteries for personal film and digital cameras are allowed in Carry-on Bags. These batteries are known as Lithium metal batteries, non-rechargeable lithium, or primary lithium batteries. But make sure your carrying batteries are in components and under 100watt hours, such as AA, AAA, flat-round lithium button cells, 123, CR123A, CR22, 2CR5, CR1, CR2, etc. |
What Happens When You Accidentally Left Battery In Checked Luggage?
Generally, it depends on what type of battery you are carrying. If you are carrying regular household lithium-ion batteries or dry cell batteries and those are under 100 Wh. rating, nothing happens. But you cannot carry loose batteries or even batteries in external chargers.
If your batteries are in checked baggage and completely turned off, there is no risk of short circuit or accidental fire sparks.
In the worst case, if your batteries are not turned off and your luggage makes it onto your connecting plane’s cargo hold. The batteries might catch fire because of some defect, ultimately causing the plane to go down or, even worse killing everyone onboard. Therefore, be more careful not to cause the worst scenario in real life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why are batteries not allowed in checked luggage?
Mainly, because of safety concerns, uninstalled lithium-ion batteries are not allowed. If carried on checked baggage, those might catch fire due to short circuits or overheating.
What batteries are not allowed on planes?
Along with spare or uninstalled lithium batteries, wet batteries, car batteries, or spillable batteries are also not permitted to carry on a plane.
In cases of using any of those batteries for powering a scooter or wheelchair, you are allowed but have to inform the authority earlier.
Does TSA allow batteries in carry-on?
Yes, besides uninstalled or spare lithium batteries, most commonly used daily household batteries are allowed by TSA.
What happens if you bring batteries on a plane?
If your carry-on bag goes through the checking formalities at the gate or in the boarding, spare lithium batteries, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices will be removed from your bag, and you will need to keep them with you in the aircraft cabin.
Can you put batteries in checked luggage?
Yes, common household AA, AAA, C, and D batteries are allowed in both carry-on bags and checked-in luggage.
Ending Notes
Often people get confused about whether they are allowed to bring certain batteries of daily used electronics devices. So, I have tried to clear the whole confusion with my answer to the question- can you bring batteries on a plane in this article.
Hopefully, all your confusions about what batteries are allowed on planes or how to carry them onboard are clear now.
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