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Can I Carry It? — verified carry-on guide

Can You Bring Lithium Batteries (101 - 160 Wh) on a Plane?

Category: Electronics & Batteries

Direct Answer (2026 Official Rules)
Cabin: ⚠ LIMITED Hold: ✕ NO

Yes, with limits — you can bring lithium batteries in carry-on bags provided you follow security limits. Spares between 101 and 160 Watt-hours require airline approval.

Verified against published 2026 TSA (United States) & CATSA (Canada) security screening databases.

On this page · 9 sections

⚖️ Why This Rule Exists: Aviation Cargo Fire Safety & Thermal Runaway Regulations (49 CFR § 175.10)

Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway if crushed, short-circuited, or overheated. Because aircraft cargo fire suppression systems (Halon 1301) cannot reliably extinguish an uncontained lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, aviation safety regulations (FAA Pack Safe and ICAO Annex 18) require spare batteries and portable electronics to be transported in the passenger cabin where flight attendants can promptly deploy thermal containment bags.

Decision Threshold: Verify that battery capacity is under 100 Wh. If between 101–160 Wh, obtain airline approval (max 2 spares). If over 160 Wh, carriage is prohibited on passenger aircraft.

Rules by security authority

United States — TSA

Cabin:

LIMITED

Max 2 spare batteries (101-160 Wh) with airline approval.

Hold:

NO

Prohibited in checked baggage under FAA rules.

Rule conditions: Spares between 101 and 160 Watt-hours require airline approvalMax 2 spare large batteries per passenger in carry-onBatteries over 160 Wh are strictly forbidden on passenger aircraft

Flying internationally? Security follows the country you depart from — the authority above applies at your departure airport. Customs at arrival is separate.

🔍 Security Checkpoint & X-Ray Screening Advice

In standard 2D X-ray lanes, remove laptops and large power banks from your bag and place them flat in a dedicated bin with nothing above or below them. In modern 3D CT scanner lanes, they may remain packed inside your carry-on bag.

Learn more about scanner differences and traveler rights in our Airport Security Screening Guide →

⚠️ Common Traveler Mistake to Avoid

The Mistake: Packing spare power banks or loose camera batteries into checked luggage or forgetting them inside a roller bag during a forced gate-check.

How to Avoid It: Always keep all spare batteries, power banks, and portable chargers in your personal item backpack so they stay with you in the aircraft cabin.

How to Pack Lithium Batteries (101 - 160 Wh) for a Flight

Calculate Watt-hours: (mAh × Volts) ÷ 1,000; batteries over 100 Wh must be carried in the cabin. Always verify specific airline carry-on size limits and pack delicate items securely to prevent baggage damage during transit.

Lithium Batteries (101 - 160 Wh) on a plane — FAQs

Can you bring Lithium Batteries (101 - 160 Wh) in a carry-on?

Max 2 spare batteries (101-160 Wh) with airline approval.

Can you pack Lithium Batteries (101 - 160 Wh) in checked luggage?

Prohibited in checked baggage under FAA rules.

Why are there rules for lithium batteries (101 - 160 wh) on a plane?

Lithium-ion batteries carry a risk of thermal runaway if crushed, short-circuited, or overheated. Because aircraft cargo fire suppression systems (Halon 1301) cannot reliably extinguish an uncontained lithium battery fire in the cargo hold, aviation safety regulations (FAA Pack Safe and ICAO Annex 18) require spare batteries and portable electronics to be transported in the passenger cabin where flight attendants can promptly deploy thermal containment bags.

Can I bring lithium batteries (101 - 160 wh) on an airplane?

Max 2 spare batteries (101-160 Wh) with airline approval. In checked bags: Prohibited in checked baggage under FAA rules.

Last verified:

Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →