Spare lithium-ion battery on a plane
Allowed, with conditions
Short answer: Under TSA and FAA rules: yes, in carry-on bags only, with battery capacity up to 100 Wh, or with airline approval in the cases listed below (reviewed 2026-10-27).
Short answer: not available right now. Some of the rules below are being rechecked against their official sources, so we do not sum them up. The rules that are still current are listed below; check the official sources before you travel.
These are the reviewed rules for a spare lithium-ion battery on flights departing the United States. Each rule is listed as its official source states it, with the date we last reviewed it. A rule from security screening, from the dangerous goods regulations and from your airline can all apply at once, and you need to meet every one of them.
Most recent review on this page: 2026-10-27. Also called: spare lithium ion battery, spare rechargeable lithium battery, uninstalled lithium-ion battery, laptop battery, camera battery, cell phone battery.
Spare lithium-ion battery: each airline's own limits
| Airline | Carry-on bag | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | No airline rule reviewed | No airline rule reviewed |
| Allegiant AirAll Allegiant Air rules for this item |
|
|
| American AirlinesAll American Airlines rules for this item |
|
|
| Breeze AirwaysAll Breeze Airways rules for this item |
|
|
| Delta Air LinesAll Delta Air Lines rules for this item |
|
|
| Frontier Airlines | No airline rule reviewed | No airline rule reviewed |
| JetBlue AirwaysAll JetBlue Airways rules for this item |
|
|
| Southwest AirlinesAll Southwest Airlines rules for this item |
|
|
| United Airlines | No airline rule reviewed | No airline rule reviewed |
Check your spare lithium-ion battery with the item checker · Work out its watt-hours (Wh)
Spare lithium-ion battery in a carry-on bag
Security screening (TSA)
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Spare lithium-ion battery rated up to 100 Wh: carry-on bags only.
- Applies when
- Battery capacity: up to 100 Wh
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: TSA: What Can I Bring?. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Airline approval required
Spare lithium-ion battery rated 101-160 Wh: carry-on bags only, with airline approval, up to two per person.
- Applies when
- Battery capacity: at least 101 Wh
- Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh
- Limits
- Number of items: up to 2
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: TSA: What Can I Bring?. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Dangerous goods (FAA)
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Spare lithium-ion battery rated up to 100 Wh: allowed in carry-on baggage.
- Applies when
- Battery capacity: up to 100 Wh
Also note
- Must be protected from damage and short circuit.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: FAA: Airline Passengers and Batteries. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Airline approval required
Spare lithium-ion battery rated 101-160 Wh: carry-on only, with airline approval, up to two per person.
- Applies when
- Battery capacity: at least 101 Wh
- Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh
- Limits
- Number of items: up to 2
Also note
- Must be protected from damage and short circuit.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: FAA: Airline Passengers and Batteries. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Not allowed
Spare lithium-ion battery rated over 160 Wh: forbidden.
- Applies when
- Battery capacity: more than 160 Wh
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: FAA: Airline Passengers and Batteries. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
American Airlines policy
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Spare lithium-ion battery under 100 Wh on American: carry-on only, up to 4.
- Applies when
- Battery capacity: less than 100 Wh
- Limits
- Number of items: up to 4
Also note
- Spare batteries must be individually protected.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: American Airlines: Restricted items in bags. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Airline approval required
Spare lithium-ion battery of 100 to 160 Wh on American: carry-on only, up to 2, with airline approval.
- Applies when
- Battery capacity: at least 100 Wh
- Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh
- Limits
- Number of items: up to 2
Also note
- Spare batteries must be individually protected.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: American Airlines: Restricted items in bags. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
JetBlue Airways policy
Allowed, with the conditions listed
JetBlue accepts spare lithium batteries in carry-on baggage only.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: JetBlue Airways: Batteries. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Delta Air Lines policy
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Spare lithium-ion battery on Delta: carry-on only, at most 160 Wh per battery and 20 spare batteries per person.
- Limits
- Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh
- Number of items: up to 20
Also note
- Batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuit.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Delta Air Lines: Battery or Fuel-Powered Items. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Spare lithium-ion battery between 100 and 160 Wh on Delta: no more than two.
- Applies when
- Battery capacity: at least 100 Wh
- Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh
- Limits
- Number of items: up to 2
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Delta Air Lines: Battery or Fuel-Powered Items. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Allegiant Air policy
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Allegiant requires spare uninstalled lithium batteries to be carried in carry-on baggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Allegiant Air: Restricted Articles. Reviewed on 2026-10-06.
Breeze Airways policy
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Breeze requires spare lithium batteries to be packed in carry-on baggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Breeze Airways: Travel Tips for Beginners and Frequent Fliers. Reviewed on 2026-10-06.
Southwest Airlines policy
Allowed, with the conditions listed
Spare batteries on Southwest: carryon or on your person, up to 20 spare batteries.
- Limits
- Number of items: up to 20
Also note
- Must be in your carryon or on your person.
- Terminals must be protected to prevent short circuits.
- Southwest defines spare batteries as up to 2 removable batteries form-fitted to each personal electronic device.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Spare lithium-ion battery in a checked bag
Security screening (TSA)
Not allowed
Spare lithium-ion battery: not allowed in checked bags.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: TSA: What Can I Bring?. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Dangerous goods (FAA)
Not allowed
Spare lithium-ion battery: not allowed in checked baggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: FAA: Airline Passengers and Batteries. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
American Airlines policy
Not allowed
Spare lithium-ion battery on American: not allowed in checked bags.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: American Airlines: Restricted items in bags. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
JetBlue Airways policy
Not allowed
JetBlue prohibits spare lithium batteries in checked baggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: JetBlue Airways: Batteries. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Delta Air Lines policy
Not allowed
Spare lithium-ion battery on Delta: not allowed in checked baggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Delta Air Lines: Battery or Fuel-Powered Items. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Allegiant Air policy
Not allowed
Allegiant does not permit spare uninstalled lithium batteries in checked baggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Allegiant Air: Restricted Articles. Reviewed on 2026-10-06.
Breeze Airways policy
Not allowed
Breeze does not permit spare lithium batteries in checked luggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Breeze Airways: Travel Tips for Beginners and Frequent Fliers. Reviewed on 2026-10-06.
Southwest Airlines policy
Not allowed
Spare lithium batteries on Southwest: not allowed in checked luggage.
Being rechecked: we are comparing this rule with its source again, so it is not shown. Check the official source below.
Source: Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters. Reviewed on 2026-10-27.
Before you pack spare lithium-ion battery
Use this list with your actual item and itinerary. It summarizes the current source-reviewed entries below; it does not replace the complete conditions or the airline's instructions.
- Check the reviewed Carry-on bag and Checked bag rules below. If a bag type is not listed, that does not mean it is allowed: verify it with the airline and relevant authority.
- Check the item's specifications against the listed requirements:
- Carry-on bag · security screening: Battery capacity: up to 100 Wh. Official source.
- Carry-on bag · security screening: Battery capacity: at least 101 Wh; Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh; Number of items: up to 2. Official source.
- Carry-on bag · dangerous goods: Battery capacity: up to 100 Wh. Official source.
- Carry-on bag · dangerous goods: Battery capacity: at least 101 Wh; Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh; Number of items: up to 2. Official source.
- Carry-on bag · dangerous goods: Battery capacity: more than 160 Wh. Official source.
- Carry-on bag · airline policy: Battery capacity: less than 100 Wh; Number of items: up to 4. Official source.
- Carry-on bag · airline policy: Battery capacity: at least 100 Wh; Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh; Number of items: up to 2. Official source.
- Carry-on bag · airline policy: Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh; Number of items: up to 20. Official source.
- Carry-on bag · airline policy: Battery capacity: at least 100 Wh; Battery capacity: up to 160 Wh; Number of items: up to 2. Official source.
- Carry-on bag · airline policy: Number of items: up to 20. Official source.
- Do not pack a configuration covered by these prohibitions without checking the full rule and its conditions:
- Carry-on bag: Spare lithium-ion battery rated over 160 Wh: forbidden. Read the source.
- Checked bag: Spare lithium-ion battery: not allowed in checked bags. Read the source.
- Checked bag: Spare lithium-ion battery: not allowed in checked baggage. Read the source.
- Checked bag: Spare lithium-ion battery on American: not allowed in checked bags. Read the source.
- Checked bag: JetBlue prohibits spare lithium batteries in checked baggage. Read the source.
- Checked bag: Spare lithium-ion battery on Delta: not allowed in checked baggage. Read the source.
- Checked bag: Allegiant does not permit spare uninstalled lithium batteries in checked baggage. Read the source.
- Checked bag: Breeze does not permit spare lithium batteries in checked luggage. Read the source.
- Checked bag: Spare lithium batteries on Southwest: not allowed in checked luggage. Read the source.
- Some configurations need airline approval. Contact the operating airline before travel and verify the conditions in the applicable rules below.
- Confirm the operating airline, connecting airports and destination rules. This site does not verify destination customs or quarantine restrictions.
- Recheck the linked official sources shortly before departure; published guidance and your flight circumstances can change.
What you need to know about your spare lithium-ion battery
The rules above depend on:
- Battery capacity
- Number of items
Battery rules use the watt-hour (Wh) rating. Many batteries print it. If yours shows only mAh, the Wh rating is mAh × rated voltage ÷ 1,000, using the rated voltage printed on the battery. Do not assume a voltage: the Wh calculator gives no result without one.
Commonly confused
- Allowed in a carry-on bag does not mean allowed in a checked bag. The rules for each are listed separately above.
- Security screening (TSA) and dangerous goods rules (FAA) are different rules. An airline can also set stricter limits. Where a source has no rule for a case, we say so instead of guessing.
- Airline rules come from the airline that operates the flight, which can differ from the one you booked with.
- Being allowed on board does not mean the item is allowed into your destination. Customs rules are not covered.
Airlines with their own spare lithium-ion battery rules
- Allegiant Air · Spare lithium-ion battery on Allegiant Air
- American Airlines · Spare lithium-ion battery on American Airlines
- Breeze Airways · Spare lithium-ion battery on Breeze Airways
- Delta Air Lines · Spare lithium-ion battery on Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue Airways · Spare lithium-ion battery on JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines · Spare lithium-ion battery on Southwest Airlines
Airline pages for spare lithium-ion battery show only the airlines whose own rules differ from the TSA and FAA rules.
Official sources
- Allegiant Air: Restricted Articles
- American Airlines: Restricted items in bags (source checked on 2026-10-01)
- Breeze Airways: Travel Tips for Beginners and Frequent Fliers (source checked on 2026-10-06)
- Delta Air Lines: Battery or Fuel-Powered Items (source checked on 2026-10-01)
- FAA: Airline Passengers and Batteries (source checked on 2026-10-01)
- JetBlue Airways: Batteries
- Southwest Airlines: Traveling with Lithium Batteries, Chargers, E-Cigs & Lighters (source checked on 2026-10-01)
- TSA: What Can I Bring? (source checked on 2026-10-01)
This page lists rules as the official sources state them, for travel departing the United States. It is not a decision about your item: security officers and your airline make the final call, and rules can change after the review dates shown. Destination customs and quarantine rules are not checked. See the terms and disclaimer.