Travelling with batteries, battery-powered devices and power banks
Check what you can bring, quantity limits, and how batteries and devices must be packed for travel.
Battery and battery powered device limits
Batteries
The more powerful the battery, the bigger the risk. That's why global regulations limit the size and number of batteries you can fly with.
You can carry up to 18 spare batteries (lithium, non-spillable, dry cell etc.) each not exceeding 100Wh in total
This includes:
- Up to 2 lithium-ion batteries exceeding 100Wh up to 160Wh
- Up to 2 lithium metal batteries with a lithium content exceeding 2g or up to 8g for portable medical devices only
- Up to 2 sealed lead-acid batteries not exceeding 12V and 100Wh
- Up to 2 fuel cell cartridges
In addition, you can carry up to 2 power banks no more than 100Wh each
To calculate the ‘Watt hour’ rating of a battery go to How to find the watt hour (Wh) rating of a battery or power bank
All batteries must be carried in your carry-on bag with the terminals protected.
Battery powered devices
You can carry up to 15 battery-powered personal electronic devices in total however, the above battery power limits still apply.
A pacemaker is exempt and doesn’t count toward your electronic device limit.
Batteries and power banks
Types and requirements
Check if your battery is allowed
Use the table below to see if your battery is allowed onboard and whether it must be packed in carry-on or checked baggage.
Ensure all batteries, power banks and devices have their terminals protected when carried.
What is a watt-hour (Wh)?
Watt-hours (Wh) measure the energy rating of a battery. Airlines use this rating to determine whether a battery is allowed on board.
Lithium batteries
Low power batteries (under 100Wh or 2g Lithium metal) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Installed in devices | Checked-in only if carry-on isn't possible. Device must be off and protected. | |
| Spare and loose batteries | ||
| Power banks, power packs, power chargers | Maximum 2 per passenger (Not exceeding 100Wh) | |
Medium power batteries (under 100-160Wh or 2-8g lithium metal for medical devices only) | ||
| Installed in equipment | Checked-in only if carry-on isn't possible. Device must be off and protected. | |
| Spare and loose lithium ion and metal batteries | ||
High power batteries (exceeding 160Wh or 8g Lithium) | ||
| Installed in equipment | ||
| Spare or loose batteries | ||
| Carry-on | Checked-in |
|---|---|
Low power batteries (under 100Wh or 2g Lithium metal) | |
Installed in devices | |
Checked-in only if carry-on isn't possible. Device must be off and protected. | |
Spare and loose batteries | |
Power banks, power packs, power chargers
| |
Maximum 2 per passenger (Not exceeding 100Wh) | |
Medium power batteries (under 100-160Wh or 2-8g lithium metal for medical devices only) | |
Installed in equipment | |
Checked-in only if carry-on isn't possible. Device must be off and protected. | |
Spare and loose lithium ion and metal batteries | |
High power batteries (exceeding 160Wh or 8g Lithium) | |
Installed in equipment | |
Spare or loose batteries | |
Non-spillable batteries
Sealed lead-acid batteries (up to 12V or and 100Wh) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Installed in a device | Checked-in only if carry-on isn't possible. Device must be off and protected. | |
| Spare or loose batteries | Maximum 2 per passenger | |
| Carry-on | Checked-in |
|---|---|
Sealed lead-acid batteries (up to 12V or and 100Wh) | |
Installed in a device | |
Checked-in only if carry-on isn't possible. Device must be off and protected. | |
Spare or loose batteries | |
Maximum 2 per passenger | |
Packing your batteries, power banks and battery powered devices
Use the guidance below to understand where batteries and battery-powered devices can be packed and how to prepare them for travel.
Special items
Travelling with a battery-powered special item? Check the guidance below to help you prepare your item for safe and compliant travel
Using your devices during your journey
For your safety, please follow instructions from airport staff and cabin crew, as they determine when and how devices can be used in the terminal and on board.
At the airport
You can use your electronic devices in most areas of the airport, including terminals and enclosed walkways like airbridges. Many airports also offer Wi-Fi and charging stations, check the airport’s website for details.
- At security screening, you may need to remove laptops from your bag for separate screening. X-ray machines will not damage your devices.
- If you’re walking across the tarmac, your devices can stay switched on but must not be used, as this is a hazardous area and requires your full attention.
- In some security-controlled areas such as customs or immigration the use of devices including phones and cameras may be restricted. You can keep them switched on, but please do not use them.
On the plane
Lightweight handheld electronic devices can be used at any time during your flight. Ensure your devices are switched to flight mode. If Wi-Fi is available on your flight, you can connect once advised by the crew.
Bluetooth can still be used during the flight once flight mode is enabled.
What devices are covered and guidance on using them
Each person is limited to a maximum of 15 portable electronic devices
The batteries in a portable electronic device are also subject to the spare battery requirements.
Refer to Batteries and power banks: Types and requirements
For information about using electronic equipment not listed here, please contact us.