Source data
FAA passenger baggage limits for personal-use lithium batteries
Sources checked
- 01Decide whether it is a spare
The FAA treats power banks and portable rechargers as spare batteries. Source 1
- 02Read the watt-hour rating
Up to 100 Wh is the ordinary rechargeable battery limit. Ask the airline about a larger battery. Source 3
- 03Keep spares with you if a bag is checked
Remove any spare lithium batteries from a carry-on checked at the gate. Source 2
Spare batteries and power banks follow carry-on rules.
FAA passenger baggage limits for personal-use lithium batteries
FAA PackSafe rules checked 11 November 2026. This table covers selected ordinary personal electronics, power banks and spare batteries. Airlines can impose tighter limits. Specialized equipment has separate provisions.
| Source | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Spare lithium-ion battery | Up to 100 Wh per battery | Carry-on only for personal use | Source 1 |
| Spare lithium-ion battery | Above 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh | Carry-on only, with airline approval and no more than two larger spares | Source 3 |
| Ordinary spare lithium-ion battery | Over 160 Wh | Outside the passenger baggage allowance | Source 3 |
| Spare lithium metal battery | Up to 2 g of lithium per battery | Carry-on only for ordinary personal electronics | Source 1 |
| Power bank | Same rating thresholds as a spare lithium-ion battery | Carry-on only | Source 1 |
| Battery installed in an eligible personal device | Check the applicable battery rating | Prefer carry-on. If checked, power off completely and protect the device. | Source 2 |
| Spare batteries in a gate-checked carry-on | Any permitted rating | Remove and keep the spares with you in the cabin | Source 2 |