If you’re traveling by air in the U.S., it’s critical to understand what you can and cannot pack in your checked baggage - or you could risk flight delays, safety violations, or even item confiscation.

New TSA Rules 2025: These Common Travel Items Are Now Banned from Checked Luggage
TSA bans these common items from checked luggage

What Are Lithium-Ion Batteries and Why Are They Dangerous?

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries used in everyday electronics such as:

  • Smartphones

  • Laptops

  • Tablets

  • Digital cameras

  • Smartwatches

  • Wireless earbuds

  • Power banks and portable chargers

While efficient and compact, these batteries pose a serious fire hazard. If damaged, exposed to extreme heat, or short-circuited, they can overheat, ignite, or even explode. These risks become especially dangerous inside a plane’s cargo hold, where detection and containment are more difficult.

Full List of Items Now Banned from Checked Baggage (As of March 1, 2025)

According to the latest FAA regulations, the following items are strictly prohibited in checked luggage but are still allowed in carry-on bags:

Prohibited Lithium-Ion Battery Items:

  • Power banks

  • Cell phone battery charging cases

  • Spare lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable and non-rechargeable)

  • External laptop batteries

  • Portable phone and device rechargers

  • Uninstalled cellphone or laptop batteries

IMPORTANT: If your carry-on is checked at the gate or planeside, you must remove all battery-powered items and carry them with you into the aircraft cabin. Terminals should be protected (e.g., with electrical tape or original packaging) to prevent short circuits.

Lithium Battery Fire Incidents Are on the Rise

The FAA reports a troubling increase in onboard lithium battery fires:

  • January 2025: A power bank exploded on a Russian flight in South Korea, igniting a fire and forcing evacuation of 179 passengers and 6 crew members.

  • November 2024: A Southwest Airlines flight from Denver evacuated after a smartphone caught fire mid-flight.

  • April 2024: Another Southwest flight heading to Miami diverted to Palm Beach due to a smoking cell phone.

According to the FAA, since 2021 there has been at least one lithium battery-related incident per week on U.S. passenger flights—a 42% increase over five years.

Lithium Fires Go Beyond Planes: A Nationwide Issue

The lithium battery safety issue extends far beyond air travel:

  • Electric vehicle fires: Burning Teslas and e-bikes have made headlines due to battery malfunctions.

  • Natural disaster aftermaths: In 2024, a Florida man died from smoke inhalation after a golf cart lithium battery exploded during flooding caused by Hurricane Milton.

  • Government warnings: Former Florida CFO and now Congressman Jimmy Patronis issued warnings about EV fires in hurricane-prone areas.

How to Travel Safely with Lithium-Ion Batteries

To comply with current TSA and FAA regulations and avoid dangerous situations, follow these guidelines:

Allowed in Carry-On Bags:

  • Power banks (must be under airline watt-hour limit)

  • Spare device batteries (properly stored and terminal-protected)

  • Charging cases (not in use during flight)

Not Allowed in Checked Bags:

  • Any loose or spare lithium-ion batteries

  • Battery-powered chargers or accessories not integrated into a device

Always check your airline’s specific battery policy before packing. Use the TSA “What Can I Bring?” tool to confirm item eligibility.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

Item Checked Luggage Carry-On Bag
Power Banks Not Allowed Allowed
Spare Phone Batteries Not Allowed Allowed
Charging Cases Not Allowed Allowed
Laptop Batteries (Uninstalled) Not Allowed Allowed
Portable Rechargers Not Allowed Allowed

Final Travel Tip

With more people flying and battery-powered gadgets everywhere, being informed is essential for a safe, smooth travel experience. Always pack smart, follow updated FAA rules, and keep all lithium batteries in your carry-on—not your checked bags.

Bookmark this guide or share it with a fellow traveler to help prevent mishaps before the next trip.

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