Electronics in Carry-On: Batteries, Packing and Airport Screening

Pack ordinary personal electronics where you can reach them, and keep lithium spares and power banks in the cabin. Check three things separately: battery acceptance, the security checkpoint and your ticket’s bag allowance. A laptop sleeve does not automatically count as a free extra bag.

What goes where?

The FAA’s device guidance, spare-battery guidance and vaping-device guidance explain these distinctions. This does not approve every electronic device or override destination restrictions.

Capacity is not a universal permission

Read the manufacturer’s Wh rating. When calculation is needed, use Ah × the battery’s nominal voltage, not USB output voltage. Ordinary installed and spare lithium-ion batteries over 100 through 160 Wh need operator approval under the IATA passenger table, page 8; quantity conditions also apply. Power banks have their own entry: the guide gives a maximum of two, each no more than 100 Wh. Read the power-bank guide for the stricter IATA guidance and 2026 approval distinctions.

What to remove at security

The TSA standard-lane checklist calls for electronics larger than a phone to be taken out: laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld consoles. TSA PreCheck has different laptop procedures; follow the instructions in your actual lane. The European Commission’s passenger advice also says to prepare laptops and other large electrical devices for separate screening. Do not assume a fast-track ticket grants an exemption.

Keep these items accessible in a sleeve or top compartment. Take only what you need out when instructed, then check the tray before leaving.

Before a bag goes into the hold

Remove power banks, loose lithium batteries and any permitted vaping device before handing over the bag. Keep ordinary valuable electronics with you where possible. If a permitted installed device stays in checked baggage, full shutdown means not sleep or hibernation. Do not travel with damaged, swollen or safety-recalled batteries; report unusual heat or smoke to staff immediately.

Drones, tools, medical equipment and motorized luggage need their own item and itinerary checks. Battery acceptance alone does not clear a tool through security. For packing details, see installed versus spare batteries. The bag checker compares dimensions, weight and allowance; it does not authorize electronics or dangerous goods.