Electronic
Portable Electronic Devices with Batteries
Portable electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets, especially those containing lithium batteries, are common items for travelers. While generally permitted on aircraft, specific rules apply to ensure safety. It is strongly recommended to carry these devices in your carry-on baggage to allow for quick response in case of battery issues. If placed in checked baggage, they must be completely powered off and protected from accidental activation or damage.
Baggage Rules
Cabin Baggage
✓ Allowed
Checked Baggage
✓ Allowed
Quantity Limit
No quantity limits for personal use, except that larger lithium ion batteries and spare nonspillable wet (gel cell, absorbed electrolyte) batteries are limited to two per person.
Packaging Requirement
Devices must be completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage. Spare batteries must be protected from damage and short circuit.
Safety Guide
1
1. Always carry devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, in your carry-on baggage when possible.
2
2. Immediately notify the flight crew if your lithium battery or device shows any signs of overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning. Flight crews are trained to handle such incidents.
3
3. If portable electronic devices powered by lithium batteries must be placed in checked baggage, ensure they are completely powered off.
4
4. Protect devices in checked baggage to prevent unintentional activation or damage during transit.
5
5. For electronic devices capable of generating extreme heat, ensure the heating elements are mitigated by removal of the heating element, battery, or other components.
6
6. Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal and lithium ion batteries are strictly prohibited in checked baggage and must always be carried in carry-on baggage.
7
7. If your carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, remember to remove any spare lithium batteries and keep them with you in the aircraft cabin.
8
8. While there are generally no quantity limits for "personal use" items, larger lithium ion batteries and spare nonspillable wet batteries are limited to two per person.
9
9. All spare batteries must be individually protected from damage and short circuit to prevent potential hazards.
10
10. Damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices that are likely to create sparks or generate dangerous heat are not permitted on an aircraft unless the battery has been removed or made safe.
11
11. Consult the airline for specific guidance on transporting individual recalled products or for further information on battery size restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, devices containing lithium batteries such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets should be carried in carry-on baggage. This allows flight crews to quickly recognize and respond to any potential battery malfunctions. It is highly recommended to keep these devices with you for your safety.
No, spare (uninstalled) lithium metal and lithium ion batteries are always prohibited in checked baggage. These batteries must always be placed in your carry-on baggage, protected from short circuit and damage. Adhering to these safety regulations is crucial for flight safety.
Yes, when portable electronic devices powered by lithium batteries are in checked baggage, they must be completely powered off and protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage. For devices capable of generating extreme heat, heating elements must be mitigated. These precautions are mandatory to ensure flight safety.
If you notice your lithium battery or device overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning, you must notify the flight crew immediately. Flight crews are specifically trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin. Do not attempt to handle the situation on your own.
This information is for guidance only. Your airline may apply different rules. Always check with your airline before travel.
Item Details
Item Name
Portable Electronic Devices with Batteries
Category
Electronic