Guidelines for Batteries

Most batteries are generally safe for air travel. Infrequently, batteries can short-circuit and overheat and in some cases cause sparks or a fire. This page provides tips for travelling with batteries, including how to properly pack spare batteries.

• Keep all batteries and electronic devices containing batteries on you or packed in your carry-on baggage.
• Not all airlines allow lithium batteries carried in personal devices such as laptops or cell phones in checked baggage. Please consult your airline for more information.
• Not all airlines allow alkaline batteries (e.g. AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt, etc.) carried in checked baggage. Please consult your airline for more information. 
• Do not carry damaged or recalled batteries on the plane.

Examples of lithium batteries

• Small lithium batteries and cells (<100Wh) -  mobile phones, cameras, watches, portable music players, most original laptop computer batteries
• Medium lithium batteries and cells (100-160Wh)  -  extended life batteries for laptop computers and batteries used by audiovisual professionals
• Large lithium batteries and cells  (>160Wh) - found in some electric and hybrid vehicles, mobility devices or scooters

Packing spare batteries

• Don’t let a loose battery come into contact with metal objects (e.g. coins, keys, or jewelry).  
• Place each battery in a protective case, plastic bag, or leave it in its original packaging when possible.  You can also place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals (noted by the + and – symbols) to prevent short-circuiting.
• Prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal shortcircuit and result in overheating.

Batteries for wheelchairs, mobility aids and medical devices

• Batteries for wheelchairs and other battery-powered personal mobility aids must meet your airline’s approval and be shown to the screening officer. Please consult your airline for more information.
• Batteries used to power portable medical devices, such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, may be carried onboard but may require your airline’s approval. Please consult your airline for more information.  

Battery-powered devices in checked baggage

• If you must carry a battery-powered device in your checked baggage, such as a power tool like a nail gun or saw that isn’t permitted in carry-on, be sure to package it in a protective case to prevent it from turning on accidentally. If there is an on/off switch or a safety switch, tape it in the "off" position.

Safety Starts With You

Check out Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate's Lithium Battery by Air Awareness video to learn how to safely handle and pack personal electronic devices containing lithium batteries while flying. Share with your friends and join the conversation on social media #SafetyStartsWithYou.