Applicable Regulations - Carry-on Luggage

Uninstalled lithium ion and lithium metal batteries are permitted in carry-on baggage only. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit.

This regulation applies to uninstalled lithium metal and uninstalled rechargeable lithium ion batteries for personal electronics. This regulation also applies to external battery chargers containing a lithium ion battery.

There are limits to the size of lithium batteries that can be carried on an aircraft. Lithium metal batteries are limited to two grams of lithium per battery. Lithium ion batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. These limits allow for nearly all types of lithium batteries used by the average person in electronic devices. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries between 101-160 Wh. This size covers the larger after-market, extended-life laptop computer batteries and some larger batteries used in professional audio and visual equipment.

There are no quantity limits for most batteries but batteries must be for use by the passenger. Batteries carried for further sale or distribution are prohibited.

Batteries must be protected from damage.

Battery terminals must be protected from short circuit. There are several methods for preventing short circuit, as follows:

• Leave the batteries in their retail packaging
• Cover the battery terminals with tape
• Use a battery case
• Use a battery sleeve in a camera bag
• Put the batteries snugly in a plastic bag or protective pouch

Lithium batteries recalled by the manufacturer must not be carried on-board aircraft or packed in baggage. Battery-powered devices recalled because of lithium battery safety concerns also should not be carried on-board aircraft or packed in baggage unless the device or its battery has been replaced, repaired, or otherwise made safe per manufacturer instructions. The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) and the airline may offer further public guidance on individual recalled products.