In a recent update, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced a fresh ban on seven types of items in all checked baggage on U.S. flights. All these are lithium battery powered items and the ban is in effect immediately. All these devices must now be packed in your carry-on luggage.
The policy is introduced to reduce the risk of in-flight fires linked to battery malfunctions.
The 7 items banned from checked luggage
Power banks
Cellphone battery charging cases
Spare lithium-ion batteries
Spare lithium-metal batteries
Cellphone batteries
Laptop batteries
External battery packs and portable rechargers
All these contain lithium batteries, which have potential to cause fire. If overheated, these chargers can cause fires in a plane’s cargo hold. These batteries are hazardous and hence have been banned by the security.
Why Lithium batteries are dangerous
The lithium batteries can enter a hazardous state called “thermal runaway,” where they overheat and cause fires. This can happen because of several reasons:
Physical damage
Overcharging
Exposure to heat or water
Poor packing or manufacturing defects
Unchecked fires in the cargo hold can quickly become a big deal, causing major damage. If these devices stay in the cabin, plane crews can respond quickly in case of any emergency.
Learning from past incidents
In the past, there have been several battery-related emergencies. Some major incidents include:
January 2025: Seven passengers were injured after a power bank caught fire on Air Busan Flight 391.
November 2024: Back in 2024, a Southwest Airlines flight was evacuated after a cellphone ignited mid-flight.
Tips on how to store such batteries
Always store batteries in carry-on bags
Protect terminals with tape, retail packaging, or battery cases
Avoid travelling with damaged or leaking batteries
Limit to two spare batteries rated between 101–160 Wh (typical for high-capacity laptops)
Larger batteries require airline approval
Stay Updated: Visit tsa.gov and faa.gov for the latest rules
With all these updates and bans, make sure you travel safely and comply with these new TSA rules to avoid delays and accidents.
Reminder: Real ID Takes Effect May 7, 2025
All domestic flyers must present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or a federally approved ID (like a passport) starting May 7, 2025.
The policy is introduced to reduce the risk of in-flight fires linked to battery malfunctions.
The 7 items banned from checked luggage
Power banks
Cellphone battery charging cases
Spare lithium-ion batteries
Spare lithium-metal batteries
Cellphone batteries
Laptop batteries
External battery packs and portable rechargers
All these contain lithium batteries, which have potential to cause fire. If overheated, these chargers can cause fires in a plane’s cargo hold. These batteries are hazardous and hence have been banned by the security.
Why Lithium batteries are dangerous
The lithium batteries can enter a hazardous state called “thermal runaway,” where they overheat and cause fires. This can happen because of several reasons:
Physical damage
Overcharging
Exposure to heat or water
Poor packing or manufacturing defects
Unchecked fires in the cargo hold can quickly become a big deal, causing major damage. If these devices stay in the cabin, plane crews can respond quickly in case of any emergency.
Learning from past incidents
In the past, there have been several battery-related emergencies. Some major incidents include:
January 2025: Seven passengers were injured after a power bank caught fire on Air Busan Flight 391.
November 2024: Back in 2024, a Southwest Airlines flight was evacuated after a cellphone ignited mid-flight.
Tips on how to store such batteries
Always store batteries in carry-on bags
Protect terminals with tape, retail packaging, or battery cases
Avoid travelling with damaged or leaking batteries
Limit to two spare batteries rated between 101–160 Wh (typical for high-capacity laptops)
Larger batteries require airline approval
Stay Updated: Visit tsa.gov and faa.gov for the latest rules
With all these updates and bans, make sure you travel safely and comply with these new TSA rules to avoid delays and accidents.
Reminder: Real ID Takes Effect May 7, 2025
All domestic flyers must present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or a federally approved ID (like a passport) starting May 7, 2025.
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