Last updated on October 22, 2025
No, it is not allowed. Spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries—including lithium-ion and lithium metal types—must be packed in carry-on baggage only. U.S. regulations prohibit placing them in checked luggage due to fire risk.
The Battery Ban Below Deck
It’s the night before your flight. You’re packing your camera gear, your noise-canceling headphones, and a few extra lithium batteries—just in case. You toss them into your checked suitcase and zip it up. But wait—should you?
The answer is a firm no. In the United States, carrying spare lithium batteries in checked baggage is not just discouraged—it’s prohibited. And there’s a very good reason for that.
A Fiery History
Lithium batteries are the lifeblood of our modern gadgets. They power everything from smartphones and laptops to drones and electric toothbrushes. But they also come with a fiery flaw: if damaged, short-circuited, or exposed to extreme heat, they can ignite. And when they do, they burn hot—really hot.
This isn’t just a theoretical risk. Incidents involving lithium battery fires in aircraft cargo holds have occurred, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to take action. Fires in the cabin can be managed by crew and passengers. Fires in the cargo hold? Not so much.
What the Rules Say
According to the FAA, spare lithium batteries—including power banks and charging cases—must be carried in your carry-on baggage. They must remain accessible and be protected from damage, accidental activation, and short circuits. That means taping over the terminals or keeping them in their original packaging.
The TSA echoes this rule. While devices with batteries installed (like your laptop or camera) can go in checked luggage under certain conditions, spare batteries cannot. If your carry-on is gate-checked, you must remove the batteries and keep them with you in the cabin.
These rules apply to both lithium-ion (rechargeable) and lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries. The limits are clear: lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100 watt-hours per battery, and lithium metal batteries must not contain more than 2 grams of lithium.
Why It Matters
The restrictions aren’t just bureaucratic red tape. They’re grounded in safety science. Lithium battery fires can lead to a phenomenon called thermal runaway—a chain reaction that causes the battery to overheat, catch fire, and even explode. In the confined space of an aircraft cargo hold, that’s a nightmare scenario.
By keeping spare batteries in the cabin, passengers and crew can respond quickly if something goes wrong. It’s a simple precaution that could prevent a serious incident.
The Bottom Line
So, next time you’re packing for a flight, remember: spare lithium batteries ride up top. Not below. Keep them in your carry-on, protect the terminals, and fly safe.
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Sources
Lithium Batteries with 100 Watt Hours or Less in a Device – TSA
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-device
24 September 2025
Lithium Batteries in Baggage – Federal Aviation Administration
https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/lithium-batteries-baggage
24 September 2025