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.
Baofeng radios
KJ4AQM
I remember seeing that horrific video of this guy carrying his scooter battery into an elevator and having it go off.
It looks like the article glitched here. The headings are there, but not the items.
-PJ
Exactly, a clarification addendum
Why are kids doing that? Just to be little assholes, or is there a purpose?
“ seems to me that the airlines have banned lithium batteries from checked bags for some time now”
Yes they have.
The web is full of these years old story posted as new news to get clicks .
......Flying isn’t what it used to be......
Yup!
On another thread there’s a story about 300 EV cars (300 lithium batteries) on a ship that has become an inferno. Guess they could pose a problem on a plane.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4320966/posts
School owned ChromeBooks
Probably tic-toc challenge, “Look at Me”
Anything to disrupt the classroom.
George from New England wrote: “Cruise line policy allows folks to have and use walkie talkies.”
Walkie talkies should be banned since they are ineffective and disruptive.
What about my beeper?
Uh, lithium batteries have been prohibited in checked bags for years. I am asked about them every time I check a bag at the airport, and have been for a very long time.
My worst nightmare is that I would get on a commercial airliner. 😐
Very recent. Possibly related...?
Yes, the kids are shorting out the Chrome Books because of a Tik Tok challenge someone put out there. Our schools systems have posted warnings to parents about the consequences of their kids doing this.
Just how do they do that?
The kids stick a paper clip or some other metal object into the ports to cause a short. There are numerous videos on line showing “meeting the chrome book challenge”.
So they deliberately destroy school equipment?
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