Can You Bring Dry Batteries on a Plane? Latest Rules for Carry-On and Checked Baggage

Can You Bring Dry Batteries on a Plane?

When traveling or going on a business trip, you might wonder, "Can I bring dry batteries on a plane?" The short answer is yes, dry batteries are allowed on planes. However, the rules differ slightly between carry-on and checked luggage, so you need to be careful. In this article, we’ll clearly explain the rules for bringing dry batteries on board.

Dry batteries (such as AA or AAA alkaline or manganese batteries) are permitted under the following conditions:

Rules may vary slightly depending on the airline or country, so it’s a good idea to check in advance for peace of mind.

Caution: Lithium Batteries Have Different Rules

However, lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable batteries, such as power banks) are subject to stricter regulations. They generally cannot be placed in checked luggage (baggage), so please take note. For carry-on luggage, lithium batteries with a watt-hour rating of 100Wh or less, or a lithium-ion content of 2g or less, are permitted.

Lithium-Ion Battery Regulations Stem from Accidents

While dry batteries are allowed in checked luggage, lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked baggage.

“Why is that?”

Many people might wonder about this, but the reason traces back to an accident in 2010 involving a UPS Airlines flight. A fire caused by lithium-ion batteries being transported as cargo led to the tragic loss of both the pilot and co-pilot. Following this, in 2011, an Asiana Airlines cargo plane carrying lithium-ion batteries also caught fire and crashed. Due to these and other subsequent fire incidents caused by lithium-ion batteries, regulations on their handling during air travel were significantly tightened starting in 2016.

As a result, items containing lithium-ion batteries are generally not allowed in checked suitcases, so please take caution.

Caution with Button Batteries

Button batteries, often used in precision devices, also contain lithium-ion and require caution when bringing them on a plane. For example, the commonly used CR2032 button battery has a lithium content of approximately 0.07g per battery. A small number of these is generally fine, but if you have 29 or more, the total lithium-ion content exceeds 2g, making them prohibited on flights. Please be careful.

Precautions When Bringing Dry Batteries

When bringing dry batteries on a plane, follow these key points:

Enjoy Your Plane Trip with Peace of Mind

Dry batteries can be brought on a plane without issues if properly prepared. Checking the latest information on the airline or airport’s official website before your trip will give you even greater peace of mind. Have a safe and comfortable flight!