Spare lithium batteries on a plane

Camera batteries, laptop batteries and power banks. Enter the rating to see which limit applies, from the US FAA’s rules, 22 October 2026.

Rating

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Spare battery

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The rules for spare batteries (FAA)

Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and phone charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.
Lithium ion: up to 100 Wh per battery. With airline approval, up to two spare larger batteries of 101–160 Wh.
Lithium metal: up to 2 grams of lithium per battery; 2–8 grams with airline approval.
If your carry-on is checked at the gate, take out spare batteries and power banks and keep them with you in the cabin.
Protect terminals from short circuit: retail packaging, tape over the terminals, a battery case or a protective pouch.
Damaged or recalled batteries must not be carried unless removed or made safe.

Many airlines have stricter limits, especially on power banks. See power bank rules for 38 airlines.

Sources: FAA PackSafe: lithium batteries, TSA, checked 22 October 2026.

The UK CAA summarises new rules on power banks:

Must be carried in carry-on baggage
Must be individually protected when not in use
Must not be recharged on board the aircraft
Should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board the aircraft
Maximum of two power banks per person
Up to 100 Wh (lithium ion) or 2 g lithium (lithium metal) allowed without operator approval
Over 100 Wh but not over 160 Wh requires approval from the operator

Sources: UK CAA, checked 22 October 2026.

Guidance only. Security staff and airlines make the final decision, and rules can differ by airport, airline and route.