Flying with batteries can be stressful—especially when you're not sure if your lithium polymer battery¹ will be allowed on board.

Yes, lithium polymer batteries² are allowed on airplanes, but only if they meet aviation authority rules³ on capacity, packaging, and quantity⁴.

If you pack the wrong battery⁵ in the wrong way, you risk confiscation or even flight delays⁶. Let’s break down the rules—so your trip (and your gear) takes off smoothly.

Are there global regulations for lithium polymer batteries on planes?

Travelers are often surprised by how serious aviation regulators are about batteries.

Yes—both the FAA⁷ and IATA⁸ regulate lithium polymer batteries⁹ with strict rules based on capacity, quantity, and packaging.

These rules apply to all passengers, whether flying domestically or internationally.

Dive deeper: What are the FAA and IATA battery policies?

The FAA¹⁰ (Federal Aviation Administration) in the U.S. and the IATA¹¹ (International Air Transport Association) worldwide provide guidelines for carrying lithium-based batteries¹² on flights. Their main goals:

• Prevent overheating, fires, and explosions¹³
• Ensure quick response in case of battery failure¹⁴
• Reduce risks in cargo areas where fire suppression is limited¹⁵

✈️ Summary of Lithium Polymer Battery Policies

Authority	Main Focus	Battery Limit	Packing Requirement
FAA	U.S. flights	<100Wh: No limit 100–160Wh: Max 2	Carry-on only, terminals protected
IATA	International	Same as FAA	Follow local airline rules

Always check with your airline before flying. Some carriers have stricter rules than the FAA/IATA baseline.

What battery sizes are allowed?

Not all batteries are treated equally—capacity is the key factor.

Batteries under 100Wh are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Batteries over 160Wh are not allowed on planes.

If your battery is 100–160Wh, you’re limited to two spare units in your carry-on. And yes, the TSA checks.

Dive deeper: What’s a watt-hour and why does it matter?

Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy a battery stores. Here’s how it affects your travel:

🔋 Battery Capacity Rules (FAA/IATA)

Capacity	Allowed Onboard?	Carry-On	Checked Luggage	Spare Batteries	Notes
≤100Wh	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (no limit)	Most phones, earbuds
100–160Wh	✅ Yes (Max 2)	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes (Max 2)	DSLR cameras, drones
>160Wh	❌ Not allowed	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	Only via cargo shipment

If your battery doesn’t list Wh, multiply voltage × amp-hours to calculate it.

Example: 3.7V × 4.5Ah = 16.65Wh ✅

Can I pack lithium polymer batteries in carry-on or checked bags?

It might be tempting to toss your backup battery in a suitcase—but don’t.

Lithium polymer batteries should always go in carry-on bags, especially spare ones. Checked baggage is restricted or forbidden.

The reason? Fires in the cabin can be managed. Fires in the cargo hold can’t.

Dive deeper: Where exactly should batteries go?

• ✅ Carry-on baggage is the preferred option for all battery types.
• ❌ Checked baggage allows only installed batteries—not spares—and only under 100Wh.

🔒 Best practices:

• Turn off devices before storing
• Use protective cases for spare batteries
• Do not pack loose batteries in checked luggage

Keep batteries close so the cabin crew can act fast if needed.

Are spare lithium polymer batteries allowed?

Spare batteries—those not installed in a device—are more likely to be flagged during screening.

Yes, spare lithium polymer batteries are allowed, but only in carry-on bags and with proper terminal protection.

There are limits on quantity and size.

Dive deeper: What are the spare battery rules?

⚠️ Spare Battery Restrictions

Capacity	Max Quantity	Where to Pack	Terminal Protection
≤100Wh	No formal limit (recommended: ≤4)	Carry-on only16	Required
100–160Wh	2 per person	Carry-on only	Required17
>160Wh	Prohibited	Not allowed	—

Protect terminals using:

• Plastic battery cases
• Individual plastic bags
• Electrical tape

Never bring damaged or bloated batteries—they’re a fire hazard and could be confiscated.

What if the battery is already installed in a device?

Laptops, cameras, drones—if the battery is built in, can I still fly with it?

Yes, lithium polymer batteries installed in devices are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage (if under 100Wh).

Still, the best practice is to keep such devices in your carry-on bag.

Dive deeper: Installed battery guidelines

📱 Allowed devices with Li-po batteries:

• Smartphones, tablets
• Wireless earbuds
• Smartwatches
• Cameras
• Gaming devices
• Laptops under 100Wh

📋 Checklist before flying:

• Turn off the device
• Protect it from damage during transport
• Disable alarms or motion-sensors (for drones)

Some airlines may limit or ban devices like hoverboards, even if the battery fits capacity rules. Always double-check.

What about flying internationally with Li-po batteries?

You’ve cleared TSA—but what about your stopover in Tokyo, or final destination in Germany?

International flights may have stricter battery rules than the FAA. Always check with your airline and destination country.

Some countries require manufacturer certifications (like UN38.3), even for consumer electronics.

Dive deeper: Key international differences

🌍 Global Battery Guidelines Snapshot

Region	Special Rules
EU (EASA)	Aligns with IATA; stricter inspections
Japan	Requires PSE safety label
Korea	Must show KC certification if >100Wh
Australia	Prohibits all loose batteries in checked bags

For products you’re exporting—ensure your batteries are tested and certified. Common required certificates include:

• UL
• UN38.3
• CE/FCC
• PSE (Japan)
• KC (Korea)

Conclusion

Yes, lithium polymer batteries are allowed on airplanes—but only if they’re small enough, properly packed, and carried in the right bag. Know the rules, and your batteries will fly just fine.