Travelers are flying with more lithium battery-powered devices than ever before. An IATA passenger survey found that 83% carry a phone, 60% bring a laptop, and 44% travel with a power bank. While these items are generally safe when handled properly, improper packing or damage can pose serious risks.

Seven Safety Rules

There are seven essential rules every traveler should follow when flying with lithium batteries: 

  1. Pack light: Only bring the devices and batteries you really need.
  2. Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, tell the crew immediately.
  3. Check battery size: For larger batteries (over 100 watt-hours, such as those used in cameras, drones, or power tools), check with your airline as approval may be required.
  4. Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, vapes (if allowed) and other battery-powered items in your hand baggage, not in checked baggage.
  5. Gate check reminder: If your hand baggage is taken at the gate to go in the hold, remove all lithium batteries and devices first.
  6. Protect loose batteries: Keep spare batteries and power banks in their original packaging or cover the terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.
  7. Check with your airline: Always confirm your airline’s policies, as requirements may differ in compliance with local regulations.

Want to keep these rules handy?

Download our Lithium Batteries leaflet (pdf) for a quick, shareable reference to the 7 safety rules—perfect for travelers, airlines, and aviation professionals who want to promote safer skies.

Clearing Battery Safety Misconceptions

Half of surveyed passengers incorrectly believe it’s acceptable to place small lithium-powered devices in checked baggage, 45% think power banks can go in the hold, and 33% are unsure about limits for larger batteries or spare power banks. These misconceptions highlight the need for clear and accurate guidance.

To help travelers better understand how to fly safely with their electronic devices, IATA has developed multilingual digital resources that airlines and aviation partners can easily share. These materials provide simple, practical guidance to help passengers avoid common mistakes when packing lithium battery-powered items.

Watch the Seven Safety Rules in Action

The short animations below explains the key safety rules in a clear, engaging, and easy-to-remember way, perfect for use on airline websites, mobile apps, and social media.

 

 

Spread the word and make traveling with lithium batteries safer!

Help share safety tips for traveling with electronic devices and batteries — because safer travel starts with informed travelers.

Travel Smart with Lithium Batteries: Your Questions Answered

Safety Risks & Incident Responses

Lithium batteries are safe when handled properly, but if they are damaged, short-circuited, or packed incorrectly, they can overheat or catch fire. Following IATA’s guidance helps prevent such incidents and ensures a safer journey for everyone onboard.

If a lithium battery overheats or ignites in the cargo hold, the crew cannot take immediate action to identify and extinguish it. Keeping these items in the cabin means the crew can act immediately if there’s a problem.

Switch it off if you can and tell the crew or airport staff immediately. Do not try to cool it down or move it yourself. Cabin crew are trained to handle battery incidents safely.  

Cabin crew are trained and equipped to handle such incidents safely. You should notify them immediately, move away from the device if safe to do so, and follow crew instructions.  

Do not travel with swollen, punctured, or damaged batteries. These can be unstable and dangerous. Replace them before your trip or contact your airline for guidance.  

Don’t try to move the seat yourself. Seats can crush or damage the battery, which could cause it to overheat or catch fire. Call a cabin crew member immediately—they’re trained to retrieve devices safely.  

All airlines follow IATA’s global safety recommendations but must also comply with local aviation authorities and national laws. This means rules can differ because of:

  • Local regulations (e.g., bans on vapes or drones)
  • Airline safety risk assessments 
  • Restrictions on specific routes or destinations

When in doubt, check your airline’s website or contact their customer service before flying.     

Packing Guidelines & Device Rules

Many everyday items contain lithium batteries, including:

  • Phones, tablets, laptops, and e-readers
  • Power banks and spare batteries
  • Cameras, drones, and portable speakers
  • Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wireless headphones
  • E-cigarettes or vapes (if permitted)
  • Electric toothbrushes, shavers, and hair-straighteners
  • Medical devices like hearing aids and glucose monitors
  • Small tools or gadgets such as laser pointers, fans, or screwdrivers

No. All lithium-powered devices and spare batteries must only be carried in your hand baggage. If your hand luggage is taken at the gate to be placed in the aircraft hold, remove all lithium devices and batteries first.  

Keep them in their original packaging, or cover the battery terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits, and pack them in a protective case or pouch inside your hand luggage. Never place spare batteries or power banks in checked baggage.

Yes. Up to 100 watt-hours (Wh): generally allowed in carry-on baggage.

100–160 Wh: may be allowed with airline approval (e.g., for large cameras or drones).

Over 160 Wh: usually not permitted on passenger aircraft.

Always check your battery’s watt-hour rating (printed on the device or battery label) and confirm with your airline.

NOTE: There are some exceptions for medical devices and wheelchairs. Check with your airline

It depends on your airline. Some airlines do not allow e-cigarettes or vapes at all, while others permit them only in carry-on baggage. If allowed, they must not be used or charged during the flight. Always check your airline’s and destination’s policies before you travel, as restrictions vary by country.  

Smart bags that use lithium batteries for GPS, charging, or motorized wheels are allowed only if the battery can be removed.

  • If removable: take the battery out and carry it in your hand luggage.
  • If non-removable: the bag may not be accepted as checked or cabin baggage, depending on the airline.

Always confirm with your airline before traveling.

Yes, but the same rules apply:

  • Drones and cameras with installed batteries can go in your hand luggage.
  • Spare batteries must be protected and carried in your hand baggage.

If your drone uses batteries over 100 Wh, check with your airline for approval.