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Dangerous goods can only be transported by air if they are prepared by qualified personnel, unless if they are excepted. However, some dangerous goods may be carried in baggage by passengers and crew if the specified requirements can be met.
Items that can be carried in checked or carry-on baggage (Table 2.3.A)
See which dangerous goods can be transported in an aircraft in this extract of the Dangerous Goods Regulations which sets the standards for the transport of dangerous goods by air.
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Batteries
Lithium and sodium ion batteries can be carried by air depending on configuration and Watt-hour rating (for rechargeable) or lithium content (for non-rechargeable). In addition, spare batteries are not allowed in checked baggage. Learn and share all you need to know about how to safely travel with lithium battery-powered devices.
Small lithium battery-powered vehicles
Balance wheel, air wheel, solo wheel, mini balance board and hoverboard, are considered small lithium battery powered vehicles. IATA has issued guidance on the classification of small lithium battery-powered vehicles and the provisions that apply. Although the small vehicle might sound like or serve as a mobility aid for personal transportation, it is considered as PED as per the Regulations.
Smart luggage regulation
Baggage installed with non-removable batteries exceeding 0.3 g lithium metal or 2.7 Wh is forbidden for carriage. When the baggage is to be checked in, the lithium battery must be removed and carried in the cabin as a carry-on item.
Familiarize yourself with the provisions for passengers traveling with batteries and battery-powered devices including small battery-powered vehicles at Passenger Travelling with Lithium Batteries Guidance Document including Small Vehicles (pdf).
Carriage of battery-powered mobility aids
To support operators (airlines) to safely and efficiently accept and transport battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids required by passengers with reduced mobility. IATA with our member airlines prepared the Battery-Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Aid Guidance Document (pdf).
Download the guidance document above to see the updated requirements that apply to battery-powered mobility aids in accordance with the 66th (2025) edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The guidance document includes information that passengers should provide to the airline to ensure that on arrival at the airport, their battery-powered mobility aid can be accepted and loaded on the aircraft without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel with toiletry items such as my aftershave/hairspray/gas cartridge for a curling iron?
Can I travel with items powered by lithium batteries, such as a mobile (cell)phone, tablet, laptop, drone or GPS?
I am a sailor/pilot/skier. Can I travel by air with my life vest/parachute/avalanche rescue backpack?
Can I carry a small can of aerosol self-defense spray (such as mace, pepper spray, etc)?
No, disabling devices of any kind are forbidden in both carry-on and check-in baggage.
I am a sporting shooter and need to travel to a competition with my weapon and ammunition. Is there anything I have to observe?
Sporting weapons and an amount of ammunition up to 5kg (11lb) may be in passenger checked baggage only. The weapon must be unloaded and be in its designated transport box. Please check with the airline you intend to travel with to make necessary arrangements.
Can I travel by air with my battery-powered wheelchair?
I have to transport urgent patient specimens but they have to be kept refrigerated. What do I need to do when I want to carry such specimen as a passenger?
Only specimens that have a minimal likelihood of containing pathogens may be carried in passenger baggage. If there is any doubt then the specimens must be treated as infectious substances, Category B, packaged according to Packing Instruction 650 and consigned as cargo. Infectious substances may be packed with Dry Ice (Carbon Dioxide, solid) or in a so-called Dry Shipper if they need to be kept refrigerated.
More information on infectious substances classification and packaging can be found in the DG Documentation page.