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There’s been a lot of confusion lately about whether U.S. airports will start confiscating all lithium-ion battery packs like Hong Kong does. The truth is more nuanced — and if you don’t follow the rules, you can still lose your expensive gear at TSA.
What’s Actually Happening in the U.S.
U.S. airports are not banning all lithium-ion battery packs. Instead, the TSA and FAA have tightened enforcement on how and where you can carry them. Since May 2025, certain lithium-powered items are completely banned from checked luggage and must go in carry-on bags.
These items include:
Power banks / external battery packs
Phone charging cases
Spare lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries
Cell phone batteries
Laptop batteries
If you try to put these in your checked luggage, TSA can and often will confiscate them.
Why These Rules Exist
Lithium-ion batteries can overheat or catch fire. If that happens in the cargo hold, it’s a major safety risk because there’s no way to quickly put it out. In the cabin, flight crews can respond immediately.
Battery Size Rules
100 Wh or less: Unlimited in carry-on.
101–160 Wh: Allowed in carry-on with airline approval.
Over 160 Wh: Banned entirely from passenger flights.
Your battery should have a watt-hour rating printed on it. If it doesn’t, TSA might take it.
Hong Kong vs. U.S.
In Hong Kong, restrictions are stricter — some airlines outright prohibit certain battery types or sizes regardless of where they’re packed. The U.S. rules are more about keeping them in carry-on and making sure they’re within safe size limits.
Real-World Confiscation Examples
A power bank without a watt-hour label was seized at JFK.
A spare laptop battery found in checked baggage was taken at LAX.
Damaged batteries are almost always confiscated on the spot.
How to Keep Your Batteries Safe When Flying
Always pack lithium-ion batteries in your carry-on bag.
Use protective cases or wrap terminals in tape to prevent short-circuits.
Make sure the battery label is clear and readable.
Check your airline’s specific rules before flying.
Bottom line: The U.S. isn’t confiscating all lithium-ion batteries, but if you pack them wrong, you could still be waving goodbye to your gear at the security checkpoint.
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