Flying With Electronics: Security, Batteries and Rules on the Plane
Phones, laptops, power banks and other gadgets all come with rules at airport security and on the plane. This guide covers what goes in your carry-on vs checked bag, getting through security, lithium battery limits, using devices on board, luggage trackers, and what to do if a device overheats or slips into your seat.
By Pond.com editors Updated 3 min read
Quick answer
- Keep laptops, tablets, phones, cameras and especially spare batteries and power banks in your carry-on.
- Spare lithium batteries and power banks are never allowed in checked bags.
- At standard TSA lanes you may need to take laptops out of your bag; PreCheck and newer CT scanners often let you leave them in.
- Batteries over 100 watt-hours need airline approval, and those over 160 watt-hours aren't allowed at all.
- If a device falls into your seat, don't move the seat; call a flight attendant.
Most of us fly with a phone, a laptop or tablet, chargers and a power bank. The rules for them are simple once you know them, and following them keeps your gear safe and your trip through security smooth.
This guide is general information. Rules are set by the TSA, the FAA and each airline, and they change, so check your airline's page before you fly.
Carry-on or checked bag?
| Item | Carry-on | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras | Yes (recommended) | Allowed if fully switched off, but not recommended |
| Power banks and spare lithium batteries | Yes | Never |
| E-cigarettes and vapes | Yes | Never |
| Luggage trackers with coin batteries | Yes | Yes |
| Smart luggage with a built-in battery | Battery must be removable | Only with the battery removed and carried on |
Keep valuable electronics with you. Checked bags get lost, delayed and handled roughly, and lithium batteries are safer in the cabin, where the crew can deal with overheating quickly.
Getting through security
- Laptops: at standard TSA lanes, you may need to take laptops out of your bag and put them in a bin. With TSA PreCheck, or at checkpoints with newer CT scanners, you can often leave them in. Follow the officer's instructions.
- Phones, tablets and e-readers usually stay in your bag, but officers may ask you to take out anything larger than a phone.
- Pack cables and chargers together in one pouch, so your bag is easy to scan and quick to repack.
- Charge your devices before you fly. Officers can ask you to turn a device on, and a device that won't power up may not be allowed through.
Battery size limits
Lithium battery limits are measured in watt-hours (Wh). Phones, tablets and most laptops are well under the limits.
| Size | Rule |
|---|---|
| 100 Wh or less | Allowed in carry-on without approval |
| 101–160 Wh | Airline approval needed; usually up to two spares |
| Over 160 Wh | Not allowed on passenger planes |
Many US airlines now also limit how many power banks you can bring and when you can use them. See are power banks allowed on planes?
On the plane
- Use airplane mode during the flight. You can usually turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on.
- Keep devices out of the overhead bin while they're charging, and watch for any that get hot, swell, smoke or smell strange. Tell a flight attendant straight away.
- If a phone falls into your seat, don't move the seat to get it back. Powered or reclining seats can crush a phone and start a fire. Ask a flight attendant to help.
- Bring your own power: many planes have outlets or USB ports, but not all, and some don't work.
Arriving abroad and coming home
- Plugs: your chargers may need an adapter at your destination. See travel plug adapters and voltage.
- Border checks: customs officers in the US and many other countries can inspect phones and laptops. Back up important files before an international trip.
- Lost or stolen devices: set up tracking and a passcode before you leave. See how to protect your phone from theft when traveling.
Common questions
It's allowed if the laptop is completely switched off and protected from damage, but it's not a good idea. Checked bags are handled roughly, get lost and aren't secure. The FAA also recommends keeping devices with lithium batteries in the cabin, where a fire can be dealt with quickly.
Yes. Luggage trackers like AirTags use small coin batteries that are allowed in checked bags, and many travelers use them to find delayed luggage. Trackers with larger rechargeable lithium batteries should follow your airline's rules.
Yes, during the flight, unless the crew says otherwise. You can usually turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on to use the plane's Wi-Fi and wireless earbuds. Airplane mode also saves battery, since your phone stops searching for a signal.
Yes. Customs and Border Protection officers can inspect phones and laptops at the border, including for US citizens returning home. Keep sensitive files backed up, and consider which accounts you're signed into before an international trip.