New Rules on Lithium Batteries

Flying Soon? Here's What You Need to Know About Lithium Battery Rules

If you’re packing for a trip and planning to bring gadgets, power banks, or spare batteries, there's one thing you should double-check before heading to the airport: the latest rules on carrying lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries are everywhere—in our phones, laptops, cameras, electric toothbrushes, and even suitcases. But because they can pose a fire risk if damaged, short-circuited, or improperly packed, airlines and aviation authorities around the world have tightened up the rules. Here's what travellers need to know.

What’s New in 2025?

Airlines and aviation regulators—including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and various national authorities—have updated their safety policies for carrying lithium batteries in 2025. The most important points are:

1. All spare lithium batteries must be carried in your hand luggage.

You can’t pack loose (uninstalled) lithium batteries in checked baggage anymore. This includes camera batteries, power banks, and replacement batteries for drones or other devices.

2. Power banks are considered spare batteries.

That portable charger you rely on during long flights? It’s classed the same as a loose lithium battery. Keep it in your carry-on, and don’t exceed the airline’s allowed power rating (usually up to 100Wh without approval, and up to 160Wh with airline permission).

3. Each passenger can carry a limited number of batteries.

While rules vary slightly by airline, most follow IATA guidelines:

• Up to two spare batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh

• No limit for batteries under 100Wh, but they must be for personal use. Check your battery labels—most list the watt-hour (Wh) rating. If it’s not printed, you can calculate it by multiplying volts (V) by amp-hours (Ah).

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4. Terminals must be protected.

Spare batteries should be packed so their terminals are insulated—either in original packaging, a battery case, or by covering the contacts with tape. This prevents accidental short circuits during the flight.

5. Smart luggage with non-removable batteries is not allowed in the hold.

If your suitcase has a built-in battery for charging devices or GPS tracking, it must be removable. If it’s not, you won’t be able to check it in.

Why the Change?

These updates are part of a global push to improve in-flight safety. Lithium batteries can overheat or catch fire if damaged or improperly handled, and while this is rare, it’s a serious concern when you're 35,000 feet in the air. Keeping batteries in the cabin means that if there is an issue, cabin crew can respond quickly.

What Should Travellers Do?

• Check your batteries before you travel. Know the size and type you’re carrying.

• Pack smart. Keep all lithium batteries—including power banks and vapes—in your carry-on.

• Read your airline’s rules. Each carrier may interpret the international guidelines slightly differently, especially on high-wattage devices.

  
  

In short: lithium batteries are welcome on board—as long as they’re packed safely and carried the right way. A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding delays or surprises at security.

Safe travels—and don’t forget to charge your devices before you fly (just in case)!