Pack all electronics and spare lithium batteries in your carry-on, never in checked luggage, to meet TSA and airline safety rules. Keep devices easily accessible. Remove laptops and tablets for separate screening, but phones and smartwatches can stay in your bag. Insulate battery terminals to prevent shorts, and never bring swollen or recalled batteries. Use airplane mode during takeoff and landing. Airlines may limit power banks or ban certain devices, so check your carrier’s policy—more details on smart packing and security tips follow.
TLDR
- Keep all electronics, especially spare batteries, in your carry-on bag to prevent damage and comply with safety rules.
- Remove laptops, tablets, and large electronics from bags during security screening for clear X-ray inspection.
- Insulate spare battery terminals with tape or use protective cases to avoid short circuits and fire hazards.
- Check airline policies on power banks and smart luggage, as some restrict wattage or require removable batteries.
- Use airplane mode on phones and smartwatches during takeoff and landing; Wi-Fi may be allowed mid-flight.
Fly With Electronics Safely: TSA Rules You Must Know
While you’re preparing your electronics for a flight, it’s essential to understand the TSA’s rules to avoid delays or denied boarding.
Keep lithium batteries under 100 Wh in carry-ons; larger ones need airline approval. Spare batteries and power banks must stay in your carry-on, never in checked bags. Consider choosing power banks under 100 Wh to avoid needing airline permission.
Devices must power on if asked.
Smart luggage batteries must be removable.
Cordless tools are allowed one per person, cool and in carry-on only.
The fire risk in cargo holds is the primary reason spare lithium batteries are banned from checked luggage.
Always Pack Electronics in Carry-On, Never Checked Bag
Keep your electronics in your carry-on bag—never pack them in checked luggage.
Airlines and the FAA require this for safety, especially due to lithium-ion battery fire risks.
Spare batteries must be in carry-ons, protected from damage.
Devices in checked bags must be powered off and aren’t monitored.
Avoid theft, loss, or damage—keep gadgets with you where you’re free to protect them.
Also follow TSA and airline battery rules for specific limits and packing requirements.
Remove Laptops and Tablets at Security Screening
When you reach the security checkpoint, take your laptop out of your bag and place it in a separate bin for screening.
You’ll also need to remove your tablet and put it in its own bin, since both devices must be screened individually.
This helps TSA get a clear X-ray view and keeps the process moving smoothly.
Keep portable gaming consoles and other larger electronics in your carry-on and remove them for screening as well (see portable/handheld electronic devices).
Laptops In Separate Bin
If you’re heading through airport security with a laptop or tablet, expect to take it out of your bag for screening—TSA rules require all electronics larger than a cell phone to go in a separate bin.
Place it alone, with nothing on top or below, so the X-ray gets a clear image. You might need to power it on, so keep it charged.
Tablets Screened Individually
Since tablets can block critical details during X-ray screening, the TSA requires you to remove them from your carry-on and place them in a separate bin at security checkpoints across the U.S.
Lay them in the bin alone—no items above or below. This clear view helps officers spot threats.
Keep your device charged and accessible, and remove bulky cases if asked. PreCheck members skip this step.
Keep Phones and Smartwatches in Your Bag During Screening
Keep your phone and smartwatch right in your carry-on during security screening—you don’t need to take them out like laptops.
These small smart devices can stay powered on and with you, as long as they’re easily visible and not buried under other items.
Bluetooth headphones are generally permitted on flights when in airplane mode, but always follow your airline’s and crew’s instructions.
Smart Devices Stay In Bag
When going through airport security, you can leave your smartphone and smartwatch right in your carry-on bag—there’s no need to take them out for screening.
Keep devices powered off or in airplane mode, cushioned to prevent damage.
You’re allowed up to two smartphones for personal use.
Smartwatches stay in your bag with no quantity limits.
Spare lithium batteries must be in carry-on, not checked luggage.
No Removal For Screening
You don’t need to pull your phone or smartwatch out of your bag at TSA checkpoints—these small devices can stay right where they’re during screening.
Their compact size doesn’t block X-ray views, so no removal is required. Just follow checkpoint signs.
If advanced CT scanners are in use, even laptops may stay packed.
This streamlines screening, saving time and hassle while keeping security thorough and efficient for everyone.
Keep Wearables With You
Most of the time, you can leave your smartwatch or fitness tracker in your carry-on bag during TSA screening, just like your phone.
Keep wearables with you and make certain they’re charged.
If asked, power them on to prove they’re real devices.
TSA won’t access your data.
Some checkpoints may ask you to remove them, so be ready to comply.
Keep Spare Batteries Safe From Short Circuits
Storing spare batteries properly keeps them stable and minimizes the risk of dangerous short circuits.
Keep them in cool, dry places to prevent moisture damage and internal leaks.
Always insulate terminals with tape or protective cases.
Avoid metal contact by removing jewelry and using non-metallic tools.
Carry them in your carry-on, not checked luggage, to stay safe and compliant while keeping your power sources under your control.
Airline rules also allow lithium batteries in carry-on when they meet TSA lithium rules, so check battery capacity limits before you travel.
Know Airline Limits on Devices and Spare Batteries
While airline policies can vary, knowing the limits on electronic devices and spare batteries guarantees you travel safely and avoid delays.
Keep lithium batteries in carry-on bags, never checked. Spare batteries must be protected from short circuits. Airlines like Southwest and Delta require devices at your seat. International carriers may restrict wattage or ban power banks. Always check your airline’s rules before flying. Be sure to follow carry-on size and weight limits to ensure your packed electronics are accepted and properly protected.
Use Airplane Mode During Takeoff and Landing
After securing your spare batteries and confirming your devices meet airline limits, turn your attention to how you use those devices during flight.
Activate airplane mode before takeoff to disable cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth signals, preventing interference with aircraft systems. Keep it on through landing. You can re-enable Wi-Fi later if the plane offers connectivity.
This simple step guarantees safety, complies with FAA rules, and lets you use alarms, games, or videos freely.
Never Fly With Swollen or Recalled Batteries
If you notice your device’s battery is swollen, don’t take chances—leave it behind.
Swollen batteries can release toxic gases, catch fire, or explode due to pressure and heat buildup.
Never pack them in checked luggage or carry-ons.
Airlines ban damaged batteries, so replace them immediately.
Report issues before flying, and always store devices in cool, dry places to stay safe and keep your trip uninterrupted.
Check E-Cigarette Laws Before Flying Internationally
Don’t assume your e-cigarette is welcome everywhere—many countries are tightening restrictions, and flying with one could lead to confiscation or even legal trouble.
Mexico bans imports and seizes devices at borders.
Norway prohibits sales until July 2026.
France, Belgium, and Ireland restrict disposables.
Uzbekistan and Vietnam ban sales outright.
Always check local laws before you fly to avoid fines or penalties.
And Finally
Always keep your electronics in your carry-on, not checked luggage, to stay safe and follow TSA rules. Remove laptops and tablets for screening, but leave phones and smartwatches in your bag. Protect spare batteries by taping terminals to prevent short circuits, and never pack swollen or recalled ones. Use airplane mode during takeoff and landing. Check airline and international rules, especially for e-cigarettes, to avoid issues.
