Batteries Carried by Airline Passengers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What kinds of batteries are allowed in carry-on baggage (in the aircraft

cabin)?

A1. Passengers can carry most consumer-type batteries and portable battery-

powered electronic devices for their own personal use.

Spare batteries must be protected from damage and short circuit. Battery-powered

devices must be protected from accidental activation and heat generation.

Batteries allowed in carry-on baggage include:

 Dry Cell Alkaline batteries; typical AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, button sized cells, etc.

 Dry Cell Rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and

Nickel Cadmium (NiCad).

 Lithium Ion batteries (a.k.a.: rechargeable lithium, lithium polymer, LIPO,

secondary lithium, AA / AAA lithium batteries). Passengers may carry all consumer-

sized lithium ion batteries [up to 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery]. This size includes

portable electronic devices (PEDs) such as: cell phone, PDA, camera, camcorder,

handled game, tablet, portable drill and standard laptop computer batteries.

Each person is limited to a maximum of 15 PED and maximum of 20 spare

batteries (100-160Wh).

The watt hours (Wh) rating is marked on newer lithium ion batteries and is explained

in Q3/A3 below. External chargers/ power banks are also considered to be a battery.

Passengers can also bring two (2) Larger Lithium Ion batteries (100-160 watt hours

per battery) in their carry-on. Engineering approval is required (send your request to:

mokedsalessupport@elal.co.il )

This size includes the largest aftermarket extended-life laptop batteries and most

lithium ion batteries for professional-grade audio/visual equipment. Most lithium ion

batteries for consumer are below this size.

 Lithium Metal batteries (a.k.a.: non-rechargeable lithium, primary lithium). These

batteries are often used with cameras and other small personal electronics.

Consumer-sized batteries (up to 2 grams of lithium per battery) may be carried as

carry- on baggage. This includes all the typical non-rechargeable batteries used in

cameras (AA, AAA, 123, CR123A, CR1,

CR2, CRV3, CR22, 2CR5, etc.) as well as the flat round lithium button cells.

Portable electronic devices (PEDs) powered by lithium battery should be carried

in the passenger cabin.

Any large PED that cannot be carried in the passenger cabin (e.g. due to its size)

and its battery cannot be removed, has to be carried in checked baggage:

Completely switched off and effectively protected from accidental activation.

Protected from the risk of accidental damage by applying suitable packaging.

Not carried in the same baggage together with flammable material (e.g.

perfumes, aerosols, etc.).

 Nonspillable wet batteries (absorbed electrolyte), limited to 12 volts and 100 watt

hours per battery. These batteries must be the absorbed electrolyte type (gel cells,

AGM, etc.) that meet the requirements of 49 CFR 173.159a (d); i.e. no electrolyte

will flow from a cracked battery case. Batteries must be in strong outer packaging or

installed in equipment. Spare batteries’ terminals must be protected (non-

conductive caps, tape, etc.) within the outer packaging. Batteries and outer

packaging must be marked “nonspillable” or “nonspillable battery.” Note: This

exception is for portable electronic devices, not for vehicle batteries. There are

separate exceptions for powered wheelchairs.

Q2. What kinds of batteries are allowed in checked baggage (in the aircraft

hold)?

A2. Except for spare (uninstalled) lithium metal and lithium ion batteries, all the

batteries allowed in carry-on baggage and also allowed in checked baggage. The

batteries must be protected from damage and short circuit or installed in adevice.

Battery-powered devices—particularly those with moving parts or those that could

heat up—must be protected from accidental activation.

Spare Lithium batteries (both Lithium Metal and Lithium Ion/Polymer) are

prohibited in checked baggage – this includes external chargers/ power bank.

Q3. How do I determine the watt hours (Wh) rating of a battery?

A3. To determine watt hours (Wh), multiply the volts (V) by the ampere hours (Ah).

Example: A 12-volt battery rated to 8

Amp hours is rated at 96 watt hours (12 x 8 = 96). For milliamp hours (mAh), multiply

by the volts and divide by 1000.

Q4. Is there a limit to the number of batteries I can carry?

A4. There is no limit on the number of most consumer-size batteries or battery-

powered devices that a passenger can

carry for personal use. The larger lithium ion batteries are limited to two (2) batteries

per passenger; see “Lithium ion

batteries” explanation above. Only two (2) spare/uninstalled nonspillable wet

(absorbed electrolyte) batteries may be

carried.

Q5. What does “protected from short circuit” mean?

A5. When metal objects such as keys, coins, tools or other batteries come in contact

with both terminals of a battery it can

create a “circuit” or path for electricity to flow through. Electrical current flowing

through this unprotected short circuit

can cause extreme heat and sparks and even start a fire. To prevent short circuits,

keep spare batteries in their original

packaging, a battery case, or a separate pouch or pocket. Make sure loose batteries

can’t move around. Placing tape

over the terminals of unpackaged batteries also helps to insulate them from short

circuit.