Most batteries are generally safe for air travel. However, on rare occasions, batteries can short-circuit, overheat, and potentially cause sparks or a fire. This page provides tips for travelling with batteries, including how to properly pack spare batteries.
General tips for travelling with batteries
- Carry-on only: Keep all batteries and electronic devices containing batteries on you or packed in your carry-on baggage.
- Consult your airline: Not all airlines allow lithium batteries carried in personal devices such as laptops or cell phones in checked baggage. Similarly, not all airlines allow alkaline batteries (e.g., AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt, etc.) in checked baggage. Please consult your airline for more information.
- Avoid damaged batteries: Do not carry damaged or recalled batteries on the plane.
Restrictions on lithium batteries
Several airlines have policies regarding the carrying and usage of lithium batteries onboard due to safety concerns. This includes restrictions on power banks and e-cigarettes, with specific guidelines for storage and usage during flights.
Preparing for updated lithium battery policies
- Check airline policies: Before travelling, review the specific lithium battery policies of the airline you are flying with. This information is usually available on the airline's website or can be received by contacting customer service.
- Pack smart: Ensure that power banks, e-cigarettes, and other lithium battery-powered devices are packed in your carry-on luggage. Avoid storing these items in overhead bins or checked baggage.
- Avoid charging onboard: Be aware that many airlines prohibit charging devices onboard. Plan accordingly by charging your devices before your flight and carrying fully charged power banks, if necessary.
- Follow capacity limits: Check the capacity limits for lithium batteries. Most airlines follow the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines, which typically allow power banks up to 100Wh without special approval, and those between 100Wh and 160Wh with airline approval
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with any changes to airline policies regarding lithium batteries. Regulations can evolve, and staying informed will help ensure compliance and safety during your travels
Examples of lithium batteries
- Small lithium batteries and cells (<100Wh): Mobile phones, cameras, watches, portable music players, most original laptop computer batteries
- Medium lithium batteries and cells (100-160Wh): Extended life batteries for laptop computers and batteries used by audiovisual professionals
- Large lithium batteries and cells (>160Wh): Found in some electric and hybrid vehicles, mobility devices or scooters
|
Spare battery or in device |
Watt-hour (Wh) rating |
Carry-on |
Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
|
In device |
<100Wh |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Spare |
<100Wh |
Yes |
Permitted only with air carrier approval |
|
In device |
100-160 Wh |
Yes |
Permitted only with air carrier approval |
|
Spare |
100-160 Wh |
Maximum of 2 individually protected spares per person with air carrier approval |
Permitted only with air carrier approval |
|
In device |
>160Wh |
No |
Permitted only with air carrier approval |
|
Spare |
>160Wh |
No |
Permitted only with air carrier approval |
Calculating the watt-hour (Wh) rating of a battery
Watt-hours (Wh) = Volts (V) x Amp hour (Ah)
If you know the miliamp hours (mAh) of your battery
Wh = V x (mAh / 1000)
Example: A 12 Volt battery rated to 8 Amp hours is rated at 96 watt-hours (12 x 8 = 96).
Packing spare batteries
- Avoid contact with metal objects: Don’t let a loose battery come into contact with metal objects (e.g. coins, keys, or jewelry).
- Protective packing: Place each battery in a protective case, plastic bag, or leave it in its original packaging when possible. You can also place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals (noted by the + and – symbols) to prevent short-circuiting.
- Prevent damage: Prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short-circuit and result in overheating.
Batteries for wheelchairs, mobility aids and medical devices
Batteries in mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs) and medical devices (e.g., CPAP machines) are allowed without any watt-hour (Wh) limit. You may also bring one spare battery, up to 300 Wh, through the pre-board screening checkpoint. Please inform your airline in advance and notify the screening officer when you arrive at the checkpoint.
To prevent short circuits of all spare lithium batteries in your carry-on baggage, please:
- Enclose them in their original retail packaging,
- Tape over the terminals, or
- Place each battery in a separate plastic bag (or protective pouch).
Battery-powered devices in checked baggage
- If you must carry a battery-powered device in your checked baggage, such as a power tool like a nail gun or saw that isn’t permitted in carry-on, be sure to package it in a protective case to prevent it from turning on accidentally. If there is an on/off switch or a safety switch, tape it in the "off" position.
Safety Starts With You
Check out Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate's Lithium Battery by Air Awareness video to learn how to safely handle and pack personal electronic devices containing lithium batteries while flying. Share with your friends and join the conversation on social media #SafetyStartsWithYou.
Want to know more about what you can and can’t bring on the plane?
Use our What Can I Bring? search tool or visit the Travel Advice section of our website.