Lithium Ion Batteries in Your Carry-On and Check-In (2019 Update)

Lithium Ion Batteries in Your Carry-On and Check-In (2019 Update)

We have talked on this blog before about the rules and regulations for charting the airways with photographic equipment and the lithium-ion batteries which power the multiple devices that make up your kit and equip your portable studio. The rules have been amended since that article, so if you plan on traveling while carrying lithium-ion batteries, it’s essential you become aware of the changes, so you know that your equipment is safe.

 

Photographers rely a great deal on the lithium-ion batteries which power the equipment essential for running a set, but they can make air travel problematic, so here’s the skinny on what you can and can’t carry with you. Lithium-ion batteries with no more than 2g lithium content and capacity less than 100Wh can be transported in carry-on baggage or checked in at the terminal, provided the batteries are stored in the equipment.

 

Photographers can carry on a maximum of 15 portable electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries stored in the equipment up to a maximum capacity of 100Wh, while spare batteries (a maximum of 20) of this capacity are relegated to checked-in baggage only.

 

Traveling overseas means you need to be especially cautious about the capacity of the batteries you take with you. Fortunately, lithium-ion batteries are contained in hard-plastic shells which makes them less of a challenge when traveling overseas – provided they fall within the guidelines. All operators will allow capacities of less than 100Wh batteries to be stored in carry-on baggage provided they are stored in the equipment or checked in if they are spare batteries.

 

Spare lithium batteries should be protected against short-circuits by being transported in the original retail packaging, or by placing tape over the terminals. Batteries may also be carried in separate plastic bags or protective pouches.

 

The TSA allows batteries between 100 and 160Wh to be transported in checked-in baggage, with up to 2 spare batteries falling within this capacity permitted in carry-on luggage. Photographers who travel the world will want to ensure they are up to speed with the regulations of the carrier they are flying with to ensure they won’t have to leave any equipment behind.

 

If you’re traveling with a device which requires large amounts of power, such as the 180W Pro Bi-Color LED Panel from D & O Lighting, then you will need large capacity batteries. If you know you’re shooting at a location without mains power, then traveling with batteries of 160Wh and beyond is essential. These capacities will be subjected to IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations so checking with your carrier before showing up at the terminal will be your best option.  

 


Wh rating or lithium metal content



Configuration



Carry-on baggage



Checked Baggage



Operator
Approval


≤ 100 Wh / 2g

In equipment (PED or PMED)

Yes (max 15 PED/PMED1)

Yes

No1

Spare Battery (ies)

Yes (max 20 spare batteries2)

No

No2

 

>100 to ≤160Wh

 

In Equipment (PED or PMED)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Spare battery (ies)

Yes (Max 2 spare batteries)

No

Yes


>160Wh


Carry according to IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations


> 2g ≤ 8g

In equipment (PMED only)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Spare batteries for PMED

Yes (Max 2 spare batteries)

No

Yes


* 15 PED (portable electronic devices).

*2 Each passenger is allowed a maximum of 20 spare batteries of any type. The operator may approve a greater number of batteries.

 

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Comments

Danny LaMere - November 25, 2019

My son bought me a li-ion battery operated ratchet for my birthday. It has a 12volt 2.0Ah rating on the battery pack. Can I bring this home with me on a plane?

Paul Bourke - November 18, 2019

Can I take makita 6Ah lithium iron battery in my carry on luggage

MIchele Woolcock - November 18, 2019

I have a Sony lithium battery typ. 6.1wh min 5.9 wh (Sony mod.no.NP-FH50) does this go in my carry on or check in luggage. As I am packing my case for a flight on Friday. Thanks for your help.

Lanka - November 18, 2019

Thanks for this article, but it’s quite confusing – in the text you say “while spare batteries (a maximum of 20) of this capacity are relegated to checked-in baggage only” – it seems these can be brought carry-on baggage only based on your chart!

Cdermers - November 18, 2019

This was immensely helpful because of one key word…. capacity. Every site I looked at talked about Wh but when you look at your description of your lithium battery it capacity and size. Both showed wh ( lithium watts hours).
The airlines are concerned with capacity watts hours.
Thank you so much. It made a difference for my family trying to determine if we could bring a portable charger. The size is 197 wh but capacity is 74 wh. Now we know it’s ok to bring

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