Power Banks and Lithium Batteries in Bags

FAA guidance says spare lithium batteries and power banks travel in carry-on baggage, not checked baggage. Protect terminals and check the battery’s watt-hour rating.

Why the answer can change

If your carry-on is gate-checked, remove spare batteries and power banks and keep them in the cabin. Smart bags and mobility batteries can have additional rules.

Check your own trip

1. Start with the airline flying each leg, the fare you bought, and the dates on your ticket.
2. Count bags for each traveler. Measure the packed outside of every bag, then find both the standard limit and the largest bag the airline will accept.
3. Look up the bag fee, extra-piece fee, and any weight or size charge separately. If one amount is missing, you don’t have a complete total yet.
4. Check the final price in the airline’s booking or check-in flow, and save the receipt.

Before you pay

Use the size and fee tools to put your bag details in one place. If we can’t confirm the full cost, they’ll tell you what still needs an airline quote.

Where this gets tricky

FAA guidance places spare lithium batteries and power banks in carry-on baggage. A gate check changes the bag’s location, so the spare batteries must be removed.

Here’s what to check: Protect terminals and check watt-hours. Smart bags with built-in batteries can follow separate removal rules.

Before you rely on a price