Can You Bring Batteries on a Plane in Checked and Cabin Baggage?

You can bring batteries on a plane, limited to certain types. Usually, such products can result in fire hazards. That is why only specific battery types are allowed. These include lithium, lithium-ion, metal, and other types of batteries. They can be carried in checked or cabin baggage, based on the terms of an airline. Majorly, the TSA or Transportation Security Administration regulates these terms. Certain airlines implement the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well. These organizations allow passengers to fly with batteries, given that they practice caution, especially when carrying them onboard. 

Can You Bring Batteries on the Plane as per TSA?

As per the rules of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can take a lithium battery on a plane. However, it is suggested to learn a few important rules associated with these items onboard.

While traveling with lithium batteries that are 100 watts or less, passengers need to remember the following:

• These batteries are allowed in the carry-on bags.
• With special instructions, they can be carried in checked bags too.
• Uninstalled or spare lithium and lithium-ion batteries are permitted in the checked bags only.
• The maximum weight of the non-rechargeable batteries is 2 grams.
• These items are the ones that are used in the following:
  • Cell phones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
  • Calculators
  • Watches
  • Cameras

Can You Bring Lithium Batteries on a Plane with 100+ Watt?

Batteries that are over 100 watts can be taken in the carry-on bags. They are not permitted in checked bags in any condition. However, special instructions are there that must be understood even when placing them in cabin luggage.  

• 2 spare lithium-ion batteries between 101-160wh are allowed.
• For lithium metal batteries, the maximum weight should be 2-8 grams.
• The above-given rule is for power banks and portable rechargers.

What Types of Batteries Can You Bring on a Plane?

The TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) work closely to implement safety rules and guidelines in relation to batteries and their types. Some rules are exercised to prevent fire-related issues while carrying these items. 

• Dry cell alkaline batteries including the following are allowed:
  • AA
  • AAA
  • C
  • D
  • Button-sized cells
  • 9-volts

• One can bring dry cell rechargeable batteries like:
  • NiCad (Nickel Cadmium)
  • NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride)

• Lithium-ion batteries such as the following are approved:
  • Lithium polymer
  • Rechargeable lithium
  • Secondary lithium
  • LIPO

• One can get these consumer-sized lithium-ion batteries (below 8 grams and 100 watt-hours):
  • AA
  • AAA
  • Cell phone
  • 9-volt
  • Camcorder
  • Camera
  • PDA
  • Standard laptop computer batteries
  • Gameboy

• These lithium metal batteries can be flown with:
  • Primary lithium
  • Non-rechargeable batteries such as AA, AAA, 2CR5, CR2, CRV3, etc.

What Type of Batteries can be Packed in Checked Baggage?

According to the latest TSA and FAA rules, passengers can pack certain safe batteries in their checked baggage. Keeping in mind the safety of other passengers, they can only pack-installed lithium batteries in checked baggage.

What Battery Types are Prohibited on the Plane?

Currently, travelers are not allowed to bring car batteries either in carry-on or checked bags. Other batteries not allowed on planes are:

• Wet batteries
• Spare lithium batteries

Useful Tips to Pack Batteries

Proper packing of batteries is very important while traveling via a plane. This may not speed up the screening process at the airport but ensure the safety of others. Hence, passengers need to keep the following useful handy before or while packing these items:

• Spare batteries should be kept in separate packages, bags, or cases.
• To prevent short circuits, place tape around the battery case.
• Tape the item to the OFF position so that it won’t turn on.
• Chargers must be tightly packed with the cord.
• When possible, pack batteries and chargers in the original case.

How to Connect with the TSA for Assistance?

Passengers who need more details about the batteries and related aspects can choose to connect with the officials of the TSA. There are different ways available to connect and seek guidance. However, live assistance can only be availed between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. from Monday to Sunday.

Final Thoughts

Knowing whether you can bring batteries on a plane will help you pack your bags in a better way. This is also needed to avoid delays and additional charges at the time of screening. Lastly, it is mandatory to know the airline-specific rules since the policy regarding batteries can vary.