Yes, with limits. Spare camera batteries must go in your carry-on, never in checked bags. Lithium-ion spares up to 100 Wh are fine; 101–160 Wh (e.g. large video batteries) need airline approval, max two.
Allowed in carry-on with terminals protected from short circuit (original packaging, terminal caps, battery case or separate bags). No count limit for personal-use batteries up to 100 Wh.
Spare (uninstalled) camera batteries are prohibited in checked bags. A battery installed in a camera may be checked only if the camera is fully off and protected.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Lithium-ion spares: up to 100 Wh each without approval
- 101–160 Wh (e.g. some V-mount/cinema batteries): airline approval, max two per person
- Over 160 Wh: forbidden
- Lithium-metal camera cells (e.g. CR123A): max 2 g lithium each
Packing tips
- Use the plastic terminal caps that came with the battery or a dedicated battery case.
- Pro video batteries often show Wh on the label; check before you pack because 150 Wh packs need approval from the airline in advance.
Common capacities
| Capacity | At 3.6 V | At 3.7 V | At 3.85 V | Verdict at 3.7 V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 18 Wh | 18.5 Wh | 19.2 Wh | Carry-on, no approval |
| 10,000 mAh | 36 Wh | 37 Wh | 38.5 Wh | Carry-on, no approval |
| 15,000 mAh | 54 Wh | 55.5 Wh | 57.8 Wh | Carry-on, no approval |
| 20,000 mAh | 72 Wh | 74 Wh | 77 Wh | Carry-on, no approval |
| 25,000 mAh | 90 Wh | 92.5 Wh | 96.2 Wh | Carry-on, no approval |
| 26,800 mAh | 96.5 Wh | 99.2 Wh | 103.2 Wh | Carry-on, no approval |
| 27,000 mAh | 97.2 Wh | 99.9 Wh | 104 Wh | Carry-on, no approval |
| 30,000 mAh | 108 Wh | 111 Wh | 115.5 Wh | Needs airline approval |
| 40,000 mAh | 144 Wh | 148 Wh | 154 Wh | Needs airline approval |
| 50,000 mAh | 180 Wh | 185 Wh | 192.5 Wh | Not allowed |
Questions people ask
Can I put camera batteries in checked luggage?
No. Spare lithium camera batteries must go in your carry-on. Only a battery installed in a powered-off camera may be checked.
How many camera batteries can I bring on a plane?
No FAA limit applies to personal-use batteries of 100 Wh or less, though airlines may set limits; larger 101–160 Wh batteries are limited to two with airline approval.