Precautions for carrying lithium batteries on planes and FAQs
Lithium Metal or Lithium Ion Batteries are used in our daily life like electric skateboard battery, camera, laptop, fish finder battery etc. If they are abnormally damaged or short-circuited, they can catch fire.
The world is becoming very much dependent on portable electronic devices to have information at their fingertips. Carrying these devices containing lithium batteries is a daily requirement, but carrying lithium batteries on planes can sometimes be risky.
There are specific rules and regulations to carry the appliances containing lithium batteries on a plane to avoid harm or any kind of mishap.
If you want to know how to carry lithium batteries on planes safely, let’s dive into the article.
Is lithium ion battery safe
Lithium-ion batteries have been gaining popularity since 1970, as they are light in weight and can hold a charge for an extended time. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used everywhere in the world now. Apart from their popularity, the safety of lithium batteries is another factor about which the world is concerned.
If they are manufactured and handled correctly, they are absolutely safe. But the risk increases when these batteries are mishandled. The production failure and not being aware of their specific characteristic can lead to significant mishaps.
The video above shows how lithium batteries are made.
Which lithium batteries on planes are not allowed
Carrying lithium batteries on planes is becoming common and essential nowadays. Annually millions of lithium batteries and the devices containing lithium batteries on planes. These can be any passengers’ smart devices, an aircraft defibrillator, or any aircrew equipment like Electronic Flight Bags.
But there are still some lithium-ion batteries that are not allowed to carry on a plane. Let’s get into the details of it.
The lithium-ion batteries that contain more than 160-watt hours are not allowed to carry lithium batteries on planes by any passenger. As far as spare batteries are concerned, not more than two extra batteries are permitted in carry-on baggage for each passenger.
What kind of batteries can you take on a plane
1.Lithium-ion under 100-watt hours
Lithium-ion batteries under 100-watt hours in devices and spare batteries are allowed to have in your carry-on luggage. As far as baggage is concerned, batteries within the devices are allowed to keep whereas extra batteries are strictly prohibited in baggage.
2.Lithium-ion 101-160 watt hours
As far as lithium-ion batteries having 101-watt hours to 160-watt hours are concerned, they are allowed in carry-on luggage with the airline’s approval but are strictly not allowed in baggage by any means. Need to report to the airline, apply and go through the formalities.
3.Dry alkaline batteries (aa, aaa, c, d)
Dry Alkaline Batteries are allowed to carry within devices and spare too in your carry-on luggage. As far as baggage is concerned, you can keep alkaline batteries with proper safety precautions. Lithium Metal Under 2 Grams Lithium Per Battery，Lithium metal batteries such as watch batteries are allowed to carry-on luggage within the devices and spare. Whereas in baggage, only batteries that are in the device are permitted. Extra batteries are strictly prohibited in baggage.
Apart from lithium batteries on planes, a couple of more batteries are allowed to carry on an aircraft. These batteries include:
4.Rechargeable nimh nicad (aa, aaa, c, d)
Rechargeable NiMH NiCAD batteries within devices and spare too are also allowed in carry-on luggage and baggage with proper safety precautions.
5.Non-spillable wet batteries
Non-spillable wet batteries are allowed in any case, whether spare or within devices in both carry-on luggage and baggage but with proper safety precautions.
Can i carry 12v 100ah lithium batteries on planes
Allowed to carry lithium batteries on planes within your devices and spare too with all the safety precautions. It can be expressed by a formula: 12v lithium battery rated energy (Wh) = rated voltage x rated capacity or Wh = V x Ah
12v 100ah lithium battery, its output voltage is 12v, and its rated capacity is 100Ah. The formula is: 12V×100Ah=1200Wh, so if it is greater than 100Wh, it cannot be brought on the plane.
You only can take lithium batteries under 100-watt hours on a plane without any permission from the airline but with proper safety guidelines. It is recommended not to bring large 12 volt lithium battery or electronic equipment over 160Wh, because airlines are prohibited from carrying or checking in.
What are the rules for lithium batteries on planes
Carry lithium batteries on planes with some specific rules and regulations. For your ease, we have jotted down below all the rules for carrying lithium batteries on a plane:
1.Carry-on baggage:
Spare lithium batteries on planes such as power banks and smartphone chargers must be kept in carry-on baggage only. When the bags are checked at the planeside, these batteries must be removed and kept lithium batteries on planes cabin with the passenger.
2.Size limit:
-Non-rechargeable lithium batteries are limited to only 2 grams of lithium per battery.
-Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that any average person in their devices usually uses are limited to 100-watts hours per battery.
-The limit of 101-160 watt-hours are allowed lithium batteries on planes with the proper approval from the airline.
-The lithium-metal batteries between 2-8 grams are allowed to carry lithium batteries on planes with the airline’s approval.
3.Quantity limit:
-When spare lithium-ion batteries are concerned, you can carry only two lithium batteries on planes with you.
-As far as the lithium batteries on planes within the devices are concerned, you are limited to 15 electronic devices by each passenger.
FAQs about lithium batteries on plane
Can I fly with power tool batteries
Yes, you can fly with power tools, but they are needed to be kept in your checked-in luggage and are strictly prohibited in your carry-on luggage.
Do lithium batteries explode when punctured
Yes, lithium batteries explode when punctured by reacting with oxygen. But now, most lithium-ion battery manufacturers have puncture-tested and won’t explode, like TYCORUN ENERGY’s lithium-ion phosphate battery packs.
Are lithium batteries poisonous
Yes, some lithium batteries are poisonous as they contain potentially toxic materials such as copper, nickel, lead, etc. However, the most common and popular lithium iron phosphate batteries on the market are non-toxic metals, which are safe and environmentally friendly.So if you carry this kind of lithium batteries on planes, it is more secure.
Are lithium-ion batteries radioactive
No, lithium-ion batteries are not radioactive. They simply store chemical energy, which does not provide electricity without completing the circuit. So carrying lithium batteries on planes wouldn’t pose any radiation hazard.
