Can You Bring Lithium Batteries on a Plane? (The Ultimate Guide)

Can You Bring Lithium Batteries on a Plane?

Lithium batteries are a common part of our everyday lives. They power our laptops, phones, and other electronic devices. But what happens when you need to travel with a lithium battery? Can you bring it on a plane?

The answer is: it depends.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rules and regulations surrounding lithium batteries on planes. We’ll also provide some tips for safely traveling with lithium batteries.

So whether you’re planning a long-haul flight or a short trip across town, read on to learn everything you need to know about bringing lithium batteries on a plane.

Can I Bring Lithium Battery On A Plane? Yes No
Lithium batteries that are 100 watt-hours or less Can be carried in your carry-on or checked baggage N/A
Lithium batteries that are greater than 100 watt-hours Must be carried in your carry-on baggage Must be packed in a separate, secure location
Lithium batteries that are installed in a device Can be carried in your carry-on or checked baggage N/A
Lithium batteries that are spare Must be carried in your carry-on baggage Must be packed in a separate, secure location

Lithium batteries are a common type of battery that is used in a variety of devices, including laptops, cellphones, and power tools. They are also used in some medical devices and in electric vehicles. Lithium batteries are considered to be hazardous materials because they can catch fire if they are not properly handled.

Because of the potential for danger, there are restrictions on the transportation of lithium batteries in checked baggage on airplanes. These restrictions vary depending on the type of battery and the airline.

Types of Lithium Batteries

There are three main types of lithium batteries:

  • Lithium-ion batteries
  • Lithium-polymer batteries
  • Lithium metal batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of lithium battery. They are used in a wide variety of devices, including laptops, cellphones, and power tools. Lithium-ion batteries are made up of a positive electrode (usually made of lithium cobalt oxide), a negative electrode (usually made of graphite), and an electrolyte (a liquid or gel that allows ions to flow between the electrodes).

Lithium-polymer batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery that uses a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. This makes them more lightweight and flexible than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-polymer batteries are used in a variety of devices, including cellphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.

Lithium metal batteries are a type of lithium battery that uses a lithium metal anode. This makes them more energy-dense than traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, lithium metal batteries are also more flammable than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Lithium metal batteries are not currently used in a wide variety of devices, but they are being developed for use in electric vehicles.

Other types of lithium batteries

There are a number of other types of lithium batteries that are not as common as lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, and lithium metal batteries. These include:

  • Lithium thionyl chloride batteries
  • Lithium air batteries
  • Lithium sulfur batteries

These batteries are all considered to be hazardous materials and there are restrictions on their transportation in checked baggage on airplanes.

Restrictions on Lithium Batteries in Checked Baggage

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has restrictions on the transportation of lithium batteries in checked baggage on airplanes. These restrictions vary depending on the type of battery and the airline.

General restrictions

The following are general restrictions on the transportation of lithium batteries in checked baggage on airplanes:

  • Lithium batteries must be carried in their original packaging.
  • Lithium batteries must be protected from short circuits.
  • Lithium batteries must be packed in a way that prevents them from moving around in the baggage.
  • Lithium batteries must be placed in a separate, sealed bag.
  • The total weight of lithium batteries in checked baggage must not exceed 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds).

Restrictions on specific types of lithium batteries

In addition to the general restrictions, there are also specific restrictions on the transportation of certain types of lithium batteries in checked baggage. These restrictions include:

  • Lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of more than 100 watt-hours (Wh) cannot be transported in checked baggage.
  • Lithium-polymer batteries with a capacity of more than 160 Wh cannot be transported in checked baggage.
  • Lithium metal batteries cannot be transported in checked baggage.

Restrictions on lithium batteries in cargo

Lithium batteries are also restricted in cargo on airplanes. The following are the general restrictions on the transportation of lithium batteries in cargo:

  • Lithium batteries must be packed in a way that prevents them from short circuits.
  • Lithium batteries must be packed in a way that prevents them from coming into contact with other hazardous materials.
  • Lithium batteries must be packed in a way that prevents them from being damaged.
  • The total weight of lithium batteries in cargo must not exceed 110 kilograms (242 pounds).

Lithium batteries are a common type of battery that is used in a variety of devices. However, because they are considered to be hazardous materials, there are restrictions on their transportation in checked baggage on airplanes. These restrictions vary depending on the type of battery and the airline. It is important to be aware of these restrictions before you travel so that you can pack your lithium batteries safely.

Additional Resources

  • [Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Lithium Batteries](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries)
  • [International Air Transport Association (IATA): Lithium Batteries](https://www.iata.org/cargo/dangerous-goods/dangerous-goods-regulations/dangerous-goods-list/articles/lithium-batteries.htm)

3. Restrictions on Lithium Batteries in Carry-On Baggage

  • General restrictions

Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As a result, there are a number of restrictions on the transportation of lithium batteries in carry-on baggage.

  • Restrictions on specific types of lithium batteries

The TSA has specific restrictions on the transportation of lithium batteries in carry-on baggage. These restrictions are based on the type of lithium battery and its capacity.

  • Restrictions on lithium batteries in power banks

Power banks are portable electronic devices that can be used to charge other electronic devices. Power banks typically contain lithium batteries. The TSA has specific restrictions on the transportation of power banks in carry-on baggage.

4. Exceptions to the Restrictions on Lithium Batteries

There are a number of exceptions to the restrictions on lithium batteries in carry-on baggage. These exceptions include:

  • Batteries that are allowed in checked baggage
  • Batteries that are allowed in carry-on baggage
  • Batteries that are allowed in power banks

Batteries that are allowed in checked baggage

The TSA allows lithium batteries in checked baggage. However, there are a number of restrictions on the size and number of lithium batteries that can be transported in checked baggage.

  • The total lithium battery capacity in checked baggage must not exceed 160 watt-hours (Wh).
  • Lithium batteries must be individually protected from short circuiting.
  • Lithium batteries must be packed in a way that prevents them from coming into contact with other hazardous materials.

Batteries that are allowed in carry-on baggage

The TSA allows lithium batteries in carry-on baggage. However, there are a number of restrictions on the size and number of lithium batteries that can be transported in carry-on baggage.

  • The total lithium battery capacity in carry-on baggage must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh).
  • Lithium batteries must be individually protected from short circuiting.
  • Lithium batteries must be packed in a way that prevents them from coming into contact with other hazardous materials.

Batteries that are allowed in power banks

The TSA allows lithium batteries in power banks in carry-on baggage. However, there are a number of restrictions on the size and number of lithium batteries that can be transported in power banks in carry-on baggage.

  • The total lithium battery capacity in a power bank must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh).
  • Power banks must be individually protected from short circuiting.
  • Power banks must be packed in a way that prevents them from coming into contact with other hazardous materials.

The TSA has a number of restrictions on the transportation of lithium batteries in carry-on baggage. These restrictions are designed to protect passengers and crew members from the potential hazards of lithium batteries. By following these restrictions, you can help to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Can I bring lithium batteries on a plane?

Yes, you can bring lithium batteries on a plane, but there are some restrictions.

  • Lithium batteries must be carried in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked luggage.
  • Lithium batteries must be protected from short circuits. This means that they must be in their original packaging or in a battery case.
  • Lithium batteries must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh).
  • You can bring a maximum of two spare lithium batteries in your carry-on luggage.

What are the restrictions on lithium batteries in checked luggage?

Lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage. This is because if a lithium battery were to short circuit in checked luggage, it could cause a fire.

What are the restrictions on the size of lithium batteries?

Lithium batteries must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh). This means that a lithium battery with a capacity of 100 mAh and a voltage of 3.7 volts would be allowed, but a lithium battery with a capacity of 200 mAh and a voltage of 3.7 volts would not be allowed.

What are the restrictions on the number of lithium batteries?

You can bring a maximum of two spare lithium batteries in your carry-on luggage.

What are the restrictions on the packaging of lithium batteries?

Lithium batteries must be protected from short circuits. This means that they must be in their original packaging or in a battery case.

What are the consequences of violating the lithium battery regulations?

If you violate the lithium battery regulations, your lithium batteries may be confiscated and you may be fined.

Where can I find more information on the lithium battery regulations?

You can find more information on the lithium battery regulations on the Transportation Security Administration website.

lithium batteries are a popular power source for a variety of devices, but they can also be dangerous if not handled properly. When traveling by plane, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on lithium batteries and to take steps to ensure that your batteries are safe. By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe while traveling.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous materials by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
  • You can bring lithium batteries on a plane, but there are restrictions on the size and quantity of batteries that you can carry.
  • You must pack lithium batteries in your carry-on luggage.
  • You should never pack lithium batteries in checked luggage.
  • If your lithium battery is larger than 100 watt-hours, you must declare it to the TSA at the security checkpoint.
  • You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storing and transporting lithium batteries.

By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe while traveling.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.