Can Take Lithium Ion Batteries On A Plane,Why

2025-05-27

With the popularity of smart devices, more and more people carry various batteries on board when traveling. In order to ensure flight safety, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China have made clear regulations on the batteries that passengers can carry. Bonada will explain the latest regulations on battery carrying on board in detail to help you prepare for your trip in advance and avoid affecting your trip due to battery problems.

1. Guidelines for carrying lithium batteries

Lithium batteries under 100Wh

· Carry-on rules: For lithium batteries that power most devices (cell phones, cameras, laptops, etc...) and whose capacity is usually under 100Wh, you may take them directly, on-board without notifying the airline.

Lithium batteries under 100WhLithium batteries from 100Wh to 160Wh

· Application required: For lithium batteries that power professional cameras, large drones, etc... with capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh, you are required to apply to the airline in advance hearing to suitability to carry aboard and only after must they receive approval from the airline.

· uantity limit: Each person can carry a maximum of 2 pieces, may only be carried by hand, no in-check luggage permitted.

Lithium batteries under 100WhLithium batteries over 160Wh

· Prohibited from travelling: Large capacity batteries with capacity over 160Wh that power large power tools, energy storage power supplies, etc... may not be carried aboard.

2. Precautions to take when transporting spare batteries

· Insulated Packaging: Regardless of capacity, spare batteries must be insulated, to avoid the risk of a short circuit and spontaneous combustion. Insulated packaging is most applicable, recognizable use for packaging protection is the original package, insulating tape to seal electrodes, or packed separately with plastic bags/protective boxes.

3. Regulations for transporting power banks

Capacity Restrictions
· Can carry directly: Power banks that have capacity under 100Wh (approx. 27000mAh), can carry these directly on-board.
· Application required to carry: Power banks that have a capacity between 100Wh - 160Wh must gain approval from the airline to take them aboard, and are limited to 2 pieces.

Usage and packing

· Usage prohibitions: During the entire trip, the power bank must be turned off, no charging or starting is allowed.
· ‌Packing requirements: Power banks cannot be checked in, and should be packed in hand luggage, labelled appropriately.

4. Regulations for carrying other kinds of batteries

Dry batteries
‌· Carry-on conditions: Dry batteries e.g. No. 5/No. 7 alkaline batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries can be carried on board the aircraft with no strict restrictions on quantity, but it is advisable to just carry what you need for personal use.

Button batteries
· ‌Unchargeable button batteries: Unchargeable button batteries (e.g. watch batteries) can be carried on board unrestricted.
‌· Chargeable button batteries: They are classified as lithium batteries; all regulations regarding carrying lithium batteries must be followed.

5. Prohibited battery types

· ‌Damaged/bulging batteries: Security inspectors will intercept them directly and they cannot be taken on the plane.
· ‌Electric balance bike/scooter: All models are totally prohibited due to the very high risk posed by lithium batteries.
· ‌Unbranded batteries with unspecified capacity: Products without three certifications will be classified as dangerous goods and will be disposed of immediately.

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