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If you’re a photographer, a recent update to flight regulations could significantly impact how you pack your gear. In a newly reinforced advisory, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made it clear that lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries are no longer allowed in checked luggage. This includes many items photographers rely on, such as spare camera batteries, power banks, battery grips, charging phone cases, drone batteries, gimbals, and LED video lights—all of which must now be packed in your carry-on bag.
What’s Changed?
The rule prohibiting lithium batteries in checked luggage has been in place for several years, but in May 2025, the TSA re-emphasized its enforcement in public advisories.
Lithium batteries can overheat or short-circuit, and in some cases, cause fires. In the cargo hold, fires are much harder to detect and suppress, making these incidents far more dangerous. The renewed enforcement of this rule reflects growing concerns after a rise in battery-related incidents on flights.
Other Restrictions
The FAA and TSA have limits for lithium-ion batteries in carry-on luggage based on the watt-hour (Wh) rating. A watt-hour (Wh) measures how much energy a battery can deliver over time. Airlines may restrict or require approval for anything over 100 Wh.
The Wh limit applies to each individual battery or device—not your total combined capacity. There’s no limit on how many you can bring under 100 Wh, as long as they’re for personal use and not for commercial shipping. For example, a photographer could carry the following:
- 4 DSLR batteries (15 Wh each),
- 2 power banks (each 99 Wh),
- 1 LED light panel battery (80 Wh),
- 1 laptop battery (60 Wh),
Though the total exceeds 100 Wh, each battery is individually compliant and all are allowed in carry-on luggage.
Be aware that TSA agents are more likely to flag your carry-on if it’s packed with loose batteries or power banks. Be sure to organize and label everything clearly, even in your carry-on bags. Use padded battery cases or plastic holders and cover terminals with tape to prevent short circuits.
Charge your power banks and small devices before your flight. While you’re allowed to bring them in your carry-on, some airlines may restrict their in-flight use, so it’s smart to start your trip fully charged.
Drone batteries are a different story. Many exceed the 100 Wh limit and pose a greater fire risk. Airlines often recommend—or even require—that high-capacity lithium batteries, especially for drones, be stored in LiPo-safe bags during the flight. For added safety, it’s also best to keep these batteries at 30–50% charge while traveling.
Smart luggage may also raise issues at check-in. Bags with built-in power ports are only permitted in checked luggage if the battery is removable; if not, the bag must be carried on—provided it meets size restrictions.
Check Battery Watt-Hours (Wh)
- Under 100Wh: Usually okay in carry-on (check with airline for quantity limits)
- 100–160Wh: May require airline approval
- Over 160Wh: Not permitted in either carry-on or checked
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a security update—it’s a mindset shift for photographers who fly. Keeping your batteries and chargers organized, accessible, and compliant is now a critical part of packing. You’ll need to be more strategic about what goes in your carry-on and more prepared to explain what’s in your bag at TSA checkpoints.
For complete and up-to-date information, visit the TSA’s official “What Can I Bring?” page, which includes rules for lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries.
Use our Photographers Checklist for Flights to identify lithium-powered devices.
