Traveling with Lithium Batteries? Here's What You Need to Know

Packing for a trip and need to bring along your trusty lithium batteries? Whether it's for your camera, laptop, or portable power bank, you'll want to be aware of the airline rules surrounding these powerful energy sources. Don't worry, we've got you covered with the essential info!

The Watt-Hour Rating: Your Battery's Passport Regarding lithium batteries and air travel, the watt-hour (Wh) rating is the key factor that airlines use to determine whether your battery can come aboard. Think of it as your battery's passport – the higher the rating, the stricter the regulations.

The 100 Wh Rule: Your Carry-On Companion Lithium batteries with a watt-hour rating of 100 Wh or less can be carried on the plane in your carry-on baggage, with no quantity limit (although airlines may have their own restrictions).

101 Wh - 160 Wh: For batteries in this range, you can bring up to two spare batteries in your carry-on, but you'll need to get approval from the airline first.

Over 160 Wh: Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are generally not allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage. If you absolutely must travel with one of these high-capacity batteries, you'll need to make special arrangements, typically involving shipping it as cargo.

A Real-Life Example: Suppose you're packing a 12V lithium battery with a capacity of 120 Wh (approximately 10 Ah) for your camping trip. According to the rules, this battery falls into the 101 Wh - 160 Wh Zone, meaning you can bring up to two spare batteries with airline approval. Just remember to get that green light from your carrier before boarding!

Still have questions? Our team is always happy to help you navigate the rules and ensure a smooth, stress-free journey. Safe travels!