Lithium batteries are common in phones, laptops, cameras, and power banks. For safety, where they can travel depends on the type and size.
Spare (loose) lithium batteries and power banks — CARRY-ON ONLY
- Spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must be in your carry-on bag — never in checked baggage. This includes external phone chargers/power banks and spare camera batteries.
- Protect spare batteries from short circuit (keep in original packaging, a battery case, or tape over the terminals).
- If your carry-on is gate-checked, remove spare batteries and power banks first and keep them with you in the cabin.
Watt-hour (Wh) limits for lithium-ion batteries
- Up to 100 Wh (covers virtually all phones, tablets, laptops, and standard power banks): allowed in carry-on; spares carry-on only.
- 101–160 Wh (some pro camera/drone batteries, extended laptop batteries): allowed with airline approval, limited to two spare batteries per passenger, carry-on only.
- Over 160 Wh: not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage as passenger items.
- Lithium-metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery.
Devices vs. spares
- Devices with batteries installed may be carried in carry-on (preferred) and are generally allowed in checked bags if powered off and protected — but spare/loose batteries and power banks are carry-on only.
When in doubt, bring batteries in the cabin where crew can respond to any rare overheating. Questions about a specific device? Reach the Agentic Airways Help Centre at agenticairways.ai.