Electronics & Batteries: TSA Security Rules

TSA rules for laptops, phones, batteries, and electronics through airport security. What to remove from your bag at the checkpoint.

Key Rules

  • Laptops and large electronics must be removed from bags in standard lanes
  • TSA PreCheck members can leave electronics in their bags
  • Lithium batteries under 100Wh are allowed in carry-on and checked (when installed in devices)
  • Spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on only
  • Power banks are carry-on only

Nearly all personal electronics are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. Laptops and larger tablets come out of your bag for X-ray in standard lanes. Devices with lithium batteries under 100Wh are fine; spare batteries and power banks must travel in the cabin, never in checked luggage.

How electronics are screened at the checkpoint

  1. Charge every device before you fly — Officers can ask you to power on a laptop, tablet, or camera. A dead battery can mean additional screening or the device being refused at the gate.
  2. Pull out laptops and large tablets — In standard lanes anything roughly the size of a laptop goes flat in its own bin. Phones, e-readers, headphones, and small tablets can usually stay packed.
  3. Keep batteries in the cabin — Power banks and spare lithium cells are carry-on only. Tape the terminals or keep each cell in its own case or plastic bag so nothing can short.
  4. Use PreCheck if you carry a lot of gear — TSA PreCheck lanes let laptops and liquids stay inside your bag, which meaningfully speeds up screening for photographers and remote workers.
  5. Ask for a hand inspection when needed — High-ISO film and some older camera media can be affected by X-ray. You can request a manual inspection instead of sending it through the machine.

Electronics packing checklist

Carry-on only

  • Power banks and portable chargers of any size
  • Spare lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries
  • Vape pens, e-cigarettes, and their spare batteries
  • Drones with batteries installed or spare drone batteries
  • Smart luggage batteries that cannot be removed

Either bag

  • Laptops, tablets, e-readers, and phones
  • Cameras, lenses, tripods, and gimbals
  • Headphones, speakers, and chargers or cables
  • Gaming consoles and handheld gaming devices
  • Electric shavers and rechargeable toothbrushes

Needs airline approval or is prohibited

  • Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh — airline approval required, two per passenger
  • Batteries over 160Wh — prohibited on passenger aircraft
  • Recalled or damaged batteries and devices — not allowed at all
  • Hoverboards and most e-scooters — banned by most U.S. carriers

Common electronics mistakes

  • Packing a power bank in a checked bag — this is the single most frequent electronics violation.
  • Not knowing a battery's watt-hour rating. Multiply amp-hours by voltage, or check the label printed on the cell.
  • Leaving spare batteries loose in a pocket where keys or coins can short the terminals.
  • Arriving with a fully drained laptop and being unable to power it on when asked.
  • Forgetting to remove a laptop in a standard lane, which usually means your bag gets pulled for a rescan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take my laptop out of my bag at TSA?

In standard screening lanes, yes — laptops must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin. TSA PreCheck members can leave them in their bags.

Can I bring a power bank on a plane?

Yes, portable power banks are allowed in carry-on bags only. They are prohibited in checked luggage due to lithium battery safety rules.

Are lithium batteries allowed on planes?

Lithium batteries under 100 watt-hours are allowed in carry-on and checked bags when installed in devices. Spare batteries must be in carry-on only.

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