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Can I Carry It? — verified carry-on guide

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

Category: Electronics & Batteries

Direct Answer (2026 Official Rules)
Cabin: ✓ YES Hold: ⚠ LIMITED

Yes — you can bring medium lithium batteries on a plane in your carry-on luggage. Bottles over 100 ml prohibited at checkpoint.

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

Carry-on

Yes

Yes — lithium ion batteries in a device is allowed in carry-on bags through TSA checkpoints.

Checked bag

Restricted

Restricted — check airline policies for checked baggage requirements.

Rule conditions: Bottles over 100 ml prohibited at checkpointAllowed in carry-on ONLY if bought post-security or in sealed STEB bag from connecting international flightPack in padded wine sleeves for checked luggage

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 Medium Lithium Batteries (101–160 Wh) for a Flight

Keep lithium ion batteries in a device and all spare lithium batteries in your carry-on luggage. Protect electrical terminals from short circuits and ensure device power switches cannot turn on accidentally during flight.

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

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

Yes — lithium ion batteries in a device is allowed in carry-on bags through TSA checkpoints.

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

Restricted — check airline policies for checked baggage requirements.

Why are there rules for medium 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 medium lithium batteries (101–160 wh) on a plane in Canada and the US?

CATSA: Yes — lithium ion batteries in a device is allowed in carry-on baggage through Canadian security checkpoints. In checked bags: Restricted — check with your airline for carrier-specific allowances and restrictions.

Last verified:

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