You’ve packed your gear¹, zipped your bag²—and then you remember that LiPo battery³. Can it fly with you?

Yes, you can take a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery⁴ on an airplane—but only if it meets aviation safety regulations⁵ related to capacity, packaging, and quantity⁶.

Rules vary by battery size⁷ and airline policy⁸, so don’t leave it to chance. Let’s break it all down before you head to the airport.

Are lithium polymer batteries allowed on airplanes?

There’s no global “yes” or “no”—only detailed guidelines.

Lithium polymer batteries⁹ are allowed in carry-on luggage if their capacity is under 100 watt-hours (Wh)¹⁰. Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh need airline approval¹¹. Anything over 160Wh is not allowed in passenger cabins.

Checked baggage is a different story—spare batteries are not allowed at all.

Dive deeper: What do aviation authorities say?

Here’s a quick look at the major regulators:

✈️ Key Regulatory Bodies

Authority	Policy Summary
FAA	LiPo batteries ≤100Wh12 allowed in carry-on. 100–160Wh with airline approval13
IATA	Aligns with FAA. Must be protected against short circuit14
TSA	Enforces FAA rules at U.S. airport checkpoints

What are the battery size limits for air travel?

Don’t know your battery’s size? It’s not about physical dimensions—it’s about capacity, measured in watt-hours (Wh).

Batteries under 100Wh¹⁵ can be taken freely in your carry-on. Between 100Wh and 160Wh¹⁶? You’re limited to two—and only with airline approval. Above 160Wh¹⁷? You’ll need cargo shipping.

Dive deeper: Understanding Wh ratings

🔋 Capacity Guidelines for LiPo Batteries

Battery Capacity	Carry-On	Checked Bag	Approval Needed?	Max Quantity Allowed
≤ 100Wh	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	Unlimited (reasonable)
100–160Wh	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	2 spares
> 160Wh	❌ No	❌ No	❌ Not allowed	0

To calculate Wh:
Wh = Volts × Amp-hours
Example: 3.7V × 2.0Ah = 7.4Wh ✅

Should I pack my LiPo battery in carry-on or checked luggage?

When in doubt, keep it with you.

LiPo batteries must go in carry-on luggage. Spare batteries are strictly prohibited in checked baggage.

The cabin is monitored. The cargo hold isn’t. That’s why all aviation authorities require in-cabin placement for anything lithium-based.

Dive deeper: Safe battery storage during flights

• ✅ Put batteries in fireproof bags or original packaging
• ✅ Cover terminals with tape or plastic caps
• ✅ Keep batteries separate from metal objects
• ❌ Don’t store next to lighters or liquids

Can I carry spare LiPo batteries?

Yes—but with limits.

You can carry spare lithium polymer batteries under 100Wh without a hard limit (within reason). Between 100–160Wh? Only two are allowed, and airline approval is required.

Spare = not installed in a device.

Dive deeper: Spare Battery Transport Rules

⚠️ Spare LiPo Battery Guide

Capacity	Quantity Limit	Airline Approval	Storage Notes
≤ 100Wh	Unlimited*	No	Fireproof bag or original packaging
100–160Wh	2	Yes	Must be in carry-on and protected
>160Wh	0	Not permitted	Requires cargo shipping and labeling

*“Unlimited” means practical—not 50 drone batteries.

What happens at airport security?

Don’t be that person holding up the line because you didn’t know the rules.

TSA officers may ask you to remove batteries for separate screening. You should be prepared to explain the battery’s size and use.

Devices like laptops can usually stay in your bag. But if you’re carrying spare batteries, be ready to present them.

Dive deeper: TSA Screening Tips

• Arrive early in case of extra inspection
• Know your battery’s Wh rating
• Keep batteries accessible, not buried
• If asked, declare batteries at the counter

What if a battery is damaged or swollen?

Leave it at home.

Damaged, swollen, or defective LiPo batteries are strictly prohibited from air travel—checked or carry-on.

Dive deeper: How to spot a dangerous battery

🚫 Signs of Battery Damage

• Swelling or puffing
• Leaking electrolyte
• Burn marks or melted casing
• Cracked terminals or bent shape

If your battery looks off, do not fly with it. Airlines and TSA can (and will) confiscate it on sight.

Can I take my device with a LiPo battery on board?

Yes, if the battery is built-in and under the limit.

Devices like laptops, cameras, drones, and medical equipment with built-in lithium polymer batteries under 100Wh are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.

Still—carry-on is always safer.

Dive deeper: Device-specific considerations

Device Type	Typical Battery	Air Travel Advice
Laptop	40–90Wh	✅ OK in both bags
Drone (consumer)	80–120Wh	✅ OK in carry-on (not checked)
Medical device	Varies	✅ OK with documentation if >100Wh
Power bank	20–30Wh	✅ Max 2 units; keep in carry-on

Always turn off devices before packing. And disable alarms or motion sensors on smart gear.

Conclusion

Yes, you can bring a lithium polymer battery on a plane—as long as it’s under 100Wh, stored properly, and packed in your carry-on. Understand the limits, use protective packaging, and follow airline rules to keep your gear (and your trip) safe.