Quick Answer
✅ Yes, most batteries are allowed on planes, but rules vary by type:
- AA/AAA & other dry-cell batteries: Allowed in carry-on and checked.
- Lithium-ion (rechargeable) & lithium metal (non-rechargeable): Allowed in carry-on, prohibited in checked as spares.
- Power banks: Carry-on only, must be ≤100 Wh (or up to 160 Wh with airline approval).
Details
- Dry-cell batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V): Allowed in both carry-on and checked. No quantity limit for personal use.
- Lithium-ion (rechargeable, like for laptops/phones):
- Allowed in carry-on, either installed in devices or as spares.
- Spare lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage.
- Lithium metal (non-rechargeable, like camera batteries):
- Allowed in carry-on.
- Limited to 2 grams lithium content per battery.
- Power banks / external chargers:
- Carry-on only.
- Must be ≤100 Wh.
- 101–160 Wh allowed with airline approval (usually max 2 spares).
- >160 Wh prohibited.
TSA & FAA Battery Rules Summary
| Battery Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| AA, AAA, C, D, 9V | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Lithium-ion (installed) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Lithium-ion (spare) | ✅ Allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Lithium metal (spare) | ✅ Allowed (≤2 g) | ❌ Not allowed |
| Power bank ≤100 Wh | ✅ Allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Power bank 101–160 Wh | ✅ Allowed (airline approval, max 2) | ❌ Not allowed |
| Batteries >160 Wh | ❌ Not allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Spare lithium batteries: Always in carry-on — never in checked.
- ✈️ Terminal protection: Tape over battery terminals or keep in retail packaging to avoid short circuits.
- ✈️ Power banks in smart luggage: Must be removable; otherwise bag may be refused at check-in.
- ✈️ Wh vs mAh confusion: Convert using (mAh ÷ 1000) × voltage (usually 3.7 V). Example: 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh → carry-on OK.
- ✈️ International rules: Most countries follow IATA guidance (same limits), but always check your airline’s site.