Power banks, spare lithium batteries, e-cigarettes and vapes, safety matches, cordless hair tools and (in practice) lighters can't go in checked luggage on US flights. They must ride in the cabin, where crew can put out a fire. Laptops may be checked if fully powered off, but the FAA recommends carrying them on.
Key facts
- Power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries are carry-on only: up to 100 Wh with no approval, 101–160 Wh with airline approval (max two), over 160 Wh forbidden.
- Spare lithium-metal batteries are limited to 2 g of lithium each, also carry-on only.
- A laptop in a checked bag must be completely powered off (not asleep) and protected from switching on or being damaged.
- If your carry-on is gate-checked, the FAA says spare lithium batteries must come out and stay with you in the cabin.
- On international flights, the ICAO rule in force since 27 March 2026 allows a maximum of two power banks per passenger and no recharging them on board.
Why can't some items go in checked luggage?
The concern is fire, not security. A lithium battery that short-circuits or is damaged can overheat and catch fire, and lighters and matches are ignition sources. In the cargo hold, nobody would see a fire start. In the cabin, the FAA notes, flight crews are trained to respond to lithium battery fires, which is why it wants spare batteries kept with you.
The rule is stricter for spare batteries than for batteries inside a device. A loose battery's terminals can touch keys or coins and short-circuit, so spares must stay in the cabin with their terminals protected. Devices with installed batteries may be checked, but only switched fully off and protected from turning on.
What can't go in checked luggage?
| Item | Carry-on conditions | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Power banks | Up to 100 Wh; 101–160 Wh with airline approval, max two | No |
| Spare lithium batteries, including camera and drone spares | Terminals covered or in a case; same Wh limits; lithium-metal max 2 g each | No |
| E-cigarettes and vapes, disposables included | Protected from accidental activation; no charging or use on board | No |
| Lighters | One disposable or Zippo-type lighter per person | Empty lighters only, or (per TSA) up to two fueled lighters in a DOT-approved case |
| Safety matches | One book or packet per person, instead of a lighter (federal rule: a lighter or matches, not both) | No |
| Cordless flat irons, curling irons and heated stylers | Safety cover on the heating element; butane irons limited to one per person | No |
| Smart luggage with a non-removable battery | Allowed as a carry-on | No, unless the battery is removed (or is tiny) |
Two of these have extra conditions in the cabin. You can't recharge a vape on the plane or use it during the flight. Butane refills and lighter fluid are banned from every bag, so a butane hair tool flies empty of spare cartridges.
Lighters are the one area where sources differ. TSA's item page allows fueled lighters in checked bags inside a DOT-approved case, while the FAA's current lighter page lists lighters as carry-on only. Keep one lighter in your pocket or carry-on and you're covered either way. Torch lighters are banned everywhere.
Can you put batteries in checked luggage?
It depends on the battery type and whether it's installed:
- Spare lithium batteries and power banks: never. Carry-on only. Not sure about yours? Our power bank checker converts mAh to Wh and gives the verdict.
- Lithium batteries inside a device (laptop, camera, shaver): allowed in checked bags if the device is fully off and protected, though the FAA prefers carry-on.
- Ordinary AA, AAA, C, D and 9-volt batteries (alkaline, NiMH, NiCd): allowed in either bag, protected so they can't short. Lithium AA and AAA spares follow the lithium rule and stay in the cabin.
- Luggage trackers such as AirTags: fine in checked bags, because their batteries are below the FAA's 0.3 g lithium (or 2.7 Wh) threshold.
- Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries: not allowed in any bag.
Protect every loose battery: original packaging, a battery case, tape over the terminals, or its own small plastic bag.
Can you put a laptop in checked luggage?
Yes, but the FAA recommends against it. If a laptop goes in a checked bag, it must be completely powered off, not in sleep mode, and packed so it can't switch on or be crushed. Closing the lid is not enough; shut it down.
The same applies to tablets, cameras, game consoles and other devices with installed lithium batteries. Their spare batteries and any power bank you use with them still go in your carry-on, even if the device itself is checked.
Virtually all consumer laptop batteries are under 100 Wh. A spare laptop battery from 101 to 160 Wh needs airline approval.
What should you do if your bag is gate-checked?
A bag taken at the gate or at the aircraft door goes in the hold, so it counts as checked. The FAA says spare lithium batteries must come out and stay with you. Before you hand the bag over:
- Take out power banks and spare batteries, including camera, drone and laptop spares.
- Take out vapes, e-cigarettes and their spare batteries.
- Take out your lighter and matches.
- Take out cordless hair tools.
- Switch any device left in the bag fully off, and remove a smart bag's battery if it has one.
Packing tip: keep all of these in one small pouch near the top of your bag. When the gate agent asks for your roller bag, you lift out one pouch instead of digging through clothes. If your bag is tagged before you reach the gate, tell the agent you need to remove batteries first.
Do airlines and other countries add rules?
Yes. On international flights, the ICAO rule in force since 27 March 2026 limits each passenger to two power banks and bans recharging them on board; the UK CAA applies the same limits. As of October 2026, the FAA and TSA haven't set a general power bank count for US domestic flights, but airlines may, and many restrict using power banks in flight. Check our airline power bank rules before you fly, and the lithium batteries guide for the full battery limits.
Questions people ask
Can I put a vape in my checked luggage?
No. The FAA bans e-cigarettes and vapes, including disposables, from checked bags. Carry them in the cabin and don't charge or use them on board.
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. Power banks count as spare lithium batteries and must go in your carry-on, up to 100 Wh without approval.
Can I put a laptop in checked luggage?
Yes, if it's completely powered off and protected from damage. The FAA recommends keeping it in your carry-on instead.
Can I pack AA batteries in checked luggage?
Alkaline and NiMH AA batteries are allowed in checked bags if protected from short circuits. Spare lithium AA batteries must go in your carry-on.
Can I put an AirTag in checked luggage?
Yes. The FAA allows trackers with batteries of 0.3 g lithium or less (or 2.7 Wh or less) in checked bags, which covers AirTags.
Sources
- FAA PackSafe: Lithium batteries
- FAA PackSafe: Portable electronic devices containing batteries
- FAA: Airline passengers and batteries
- FAA: Lithium batteries in baggage
- FAA PackSafe: Baggage with installed lithium batteries
- FAA PackSafe: Electronic cigarettes, vaping devices
- FAA PackSafe: Lighters
- FAA PackSafe: Matches
- FAA PackSafe: Curling irons (cordless)
- TSA: Power banks
- TSA: Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours
- TSA: Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices
- TSA: Lighters (disposable and Zippo)
- TSA: Matches (safety matches)
- TSA: Hair straightener, flat iron (cordless)
- TSA: Laptops
- TSA: Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C and D)
- ICAO: New power bank restrictions
- UK CAA: Changes to rules on lithium batteries and power banks
