Posted on 06/04/2025 9:33:50 AM PDT by Twotone
Flying soon? TSA just banned lithium batteries from checked bags. Here’s what’s allowed and how to pack your electronics the right way.
If you’re like me and always pack a portable charger or spare battery for your devices, you’ll want to pay close attention to a new rule that could impact your next trip. The TSA has just banned lithium batteries—including those in power banks and charging cases—from checked luggage. Here’s what you need to know before you head to the airport.
What You Need to Know
Spare lithium batteries (including power banks and charging cases) are now banned from checked luggage. All lithium batteries and battery-powered devices must be carried in your carry-on. Battery terminals must be protected from short circuit (tape, cases, or original packaging). There are size and quantity limits for larger batteries—most travelers won’t be affected. Damaged or recalled batteries and devices are not allowed on any flight.
Checked bag fees are rising, making carry-on space even more valuable.
Why the Ban?
Lithium batteries power nearly all our favorite travel gadgets, but they can pose a serious safety risk if not handled properly. All lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating and entering a process called “thermal runaway,” which can lead to fires—especially dangerous in the cargo hold where they’re harder to contain. The FAA and TSA have seen several incidents recently, including power banks catching fire mid-flight, so they’re tightening the rules to keep everyone safe.
What’s Actually Banned?
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can and can’t pack:
Banned from checked bags:
Allowed in carry-on only:
Installed batteries:
Damaged or recalled batteries/devices:
Tip: If your carry-on is checked at the gate, you must remove all lithium batteries and keep them with you in the cabin.
Flying isn’t what it used to be. I was piloting the last aircraft I flew in back in 1992. I don’t trust anybody else.
On TSA crap on cruise ship boarding.
Cruise line policy allows folks to have and use walkie talkies.
Yet March 2025, boarding in Tampa, TSA would not allow me to take radios Ive been taking for 15 years on travel.
Out of control govt
Still at large
It seems to me that the airlines have banned lithium batteries from checked bags for some time now. I guess the TSA is formalizing what the airlines have already been doing.
I actually agree with this ban.
It’s only on checked luggage.
You can still have lithium batteries in your carry on. Most battery packs aren’t very big at all.
If you are ever on a jet where a fire starts in the cargo hold, you’ll wish you weren’t. Although the smoke will probably kill you first, it’s basically just a hot enclosed griddle and you are the the steak.
I’ve not heard of any lithium batteries for personal devices ever going off, producing flames in cabin areas.
So why exactly are lithium batteries dangerous?
What happens when you are on a puddle jumper flight (regional airline) and are forced to give up your bag because of size limitations. The people at the gate have no way of knowing what is in the carry on bag...
Lemme know when they ban muslims and DEI employees then I’ll feel a smidge safer.
I haven’t heard of any incidents, either. But I know these batteries can ignite. If they went off in the cabin, wouldn’t the fire still be very hard to put out?
How about recieve only, like scanners or SW?
You just need one dumb school kid who shorts out the USB port of his ChromeBook to overload the battery and ignite it.
Kids have been doing this in school.
Absolutely.
So kids have been destroying their Chrome book for fun?
If your lithium battery catches fire but you have it in your carryon, then you can just open the door and throw it out.
If they short out, they can overheat and burst into flames. About 10 years ago a dive boat off Santa Barbara Island burned to the waterline, killing all but one or 2 that were sleeping on deck. The cause was determined to be the Lithium Ion batteries that the divers were re-charging in the main cabin while they slept. There have been numerous fires involving E-bike batteries and EV’s (cars). E-bikes are banned from high-rise apartment buildings in NYC.
Have you never met, or been, a kid before?
Don’t know
DEI staffer mumbled something about being a 4-way device
No satisfaction
Since I made a big stink, they said my confisc devices would be with ship security, on the ship.
It was wazteful of my time, but got them back 3 hours in sailing.
Tried to get anyone on ship to give me letter approving my radios but was met with no-my job atgitude.
Yes, but not a stupid kid.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.