A few years back, I boarded a plane with two bags: one contained my dog, while the other was packed with electronics and batteries. My dog rested under the seat ahead of me, and the bag full of electronics was placed in the overhead compartment.
When I mention it was packed, I mean it contained an Apple Magic Mouse, a battery removed from my handheld vacuum cleaner, Bluetooth headphones (both over-ear and in-ear), numerous charging cables, an electric nail file for my dog, an e-reader, an iPhone, a mini camping lantern, a Nintendo Switch Lite, a rechargeable fabric shaver, two Android phones, two fitness trackers, and two laptops.
This might seem ridiculous, but I was relocating, and the packers handling my shipment advised, “Absolutely no lithium-ion batteries.” So, every device I owned with a rechargeable battery had to accompany me. Additionally, since the airline I was using prohibited lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage, I was required to pack them all in my carry-on bag.
Some airlines might allow lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage, provided they are installed in a device and completely powered down. The Transportation Security Administration refers to the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations, which state that you can bring a laptop, digital camera, or similar device with an installed lithium-ion battery in your checked baggage, as long as it is fully powered off and cannot be accidentally turned on.
Whether this is advisable is a different story. If you’re traveling with numerous electronics, here’s what you should understand.
Are There Different Categories of Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Most airline regulations I’ve encountered identify three types of lithium-ion batteries. Understanding these categories is important for grasping the rules. They include:
Installed batteries, like those found in phones or laptops.
Battery packs or loose batteries, which refer to batteries with 100 watt-hours or less; essentially, portable chargers and power banks.
Spare batteries, also known as large battery packs, are batteries with over 100 watt-hours (the TSA labels them as having between 101 to 160 watt-hours or lithium metal batteries with 2 to 8 grams of lithium). Think of a larger battery typically used in a device but isn’t currently installed.
Conversely, dry cell batteries (such as 9-volt, AA, AAA, “button,” C, and D), commonly found in traditional watches and hearing aids, are allowed in either carry-on or checked luggage, regardless of whether they’re installed in a device. (Note that rechargeable AA or AAA batteries are not dry cells; those should only be placed in carry-on luggage.)
Which Airlines Allow Lithium-Ion Devices in Checked Luggage?
In researching the battery policies of six major US airlines, only American Airlines prohibits lithium-ion battery devices that are powered off in checked bags. Four airlines permit this as long as the device is completely powered down, following FAA guidelines. One airline’s policy is not clear.
All airlines require spare batteries and battery packs to be carried in your carry-on luggage, although the quantity allowed and specific wrapping requirements can differ slightly. Storing them in their original packaging is always permitted and generally preferred. Covering the terminals with non-conductive tape and individually wrapping each battery is more than adequate for all airlines.
Below is a summary of the battery policies for six airlines. Please note that this information is accurate as of publication, though policies may change.
Alaska Airlines
You are allowed to put a device with an installed lithium battery in your checked luggage, provided the device is fully turned off. Spare batteries are restricted to carry-on luggage, and you must keep them in their original packaging or cover their terminals with non-conductive tape. Alaska Airlines elaborates on its policy regarding specific electronic devices that have been recalled and, therefore, are prohibited on its flights entirely.
American Airlines
All lithium batteries and devices containing them must be carried only in your carry-on luggage.
Delta
You may place a device with an installed lithium battery in your checked luggage if it is completely powered off. However, spare lithium batteries are not permitted in checked bags; they need to be transported in carry-on luggage, and the battery must be protected either in its original packaging or by wrapping it securely.
JetBlue
You are permitted to place a device containing a lithium battery in your checked luggage, provided that the device is completely turned off. Spare lithium batteries are only allowed in carry-on bags.
Southwest
According to the airline’s website, “Spare lithium batteries for portable electronic devices and cigarette lighters must be taken out of checked or gate-checked baggage and brought onto the aircraft.”
United
The airline permits lithium batteries in carry-on luggage but does not allow loose lithium batteries in checked bags.
Many of these regulations specify the quantity of spare batteries you can carry onboard and offer particular details regarding them. All airlines generally allow at least two spare batteries. Check your airline’s policy if you plan to travel with more.
Is It Wise to Place Your Laptop in Checked Luggage?
It’s one thing to be allowed to stow a powered-off digital camera or handheld gaming device in your checked bag, but thinking it’s a good choice is another matter.
I prefer to keep any valuables in my carry-on luggage. I don’t want high-priced electronics inside checked bags in case they are lost or damaged. I also don’t fully trust that items won’t be misplaced or fall out during searches of my luggage.
To be on the safe side, take all your devices with rechargeable batteries and spare batteries onto the plane. Battery banks are acceptable, but do not carry more than two spare batteries. Use non-conductive tape to cover their terminals. Then, either wrap them in plastic or place them in their original packaging. Regardless of the airline you choose, confirm its policy a day or two prior to your travel.
In the end, you are always subject to the individual agents who inspect your checked luggage or those at the TSA checkpoint screening your carry-on items. By keeping all your electronics with you in your carry-on, at least you can address any issues directly with a person if they express concerns about the number of batteries or battery-operated devices you have and how you’ve packed them.
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