Camera Battery
Spare camera batteries are lithium-ion and must be packed in carry-on, never in checked bags.
Carry-on
Allowed with conditions
Checked
Not allowed
Carry-on details
Allowed. Spare camera batteries are lithium-ion and must travel in carry-on. Nearly all DSLR and mirrorless camera batteries (roughly 10–30 Wh) are far under the 100 Wh threshold that would require airline approval, so a spare battery for your camera is generally no trouble at all.
Checked-bag details
Not allowed as a spare. A loose spare camera battery can't go in checked baggage — lithium batteries traveling unattended are a recognized fire risk. A battery installed inside the camera body itself can travel in a checked bag with the camera (powered off, protected from damage), though carry-on is still recommended for valuable gear.
Quantity limit
100 wh (per item)
Special instructions
Cover battery terminals with tape or keep spares in a battery case or their original packaging, so they can't short-circuit against keys or coins in your bag.
Related rules
FAQ
- Can I pack a spare camera battery in my checked luggage?
- No. Spare (uninstalled) camera batteries are lithium-ion and must stay in your carry-on. Only a battery installed inside the camera can travel in a checked bag.
- Do I need airline approval to bring my camera batteries?
- Almost never — typical DSLR and mirrorless batteries are 10-30 Wh, well under the 100 Wh limit that triggers a need for approval. Very large professional cinema camera batteries can exceed that and may need airline sign-off.
Related items
Sources: FAA — PackSafe (Hazardous Materials), TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-31
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.