What this guide covers
- The difference between the device itself and spare batteries
- Conditions for e-cigarettes and smart baggage
Power banks (used to charge other devices) follow different rules. See New power bank rules.
1. Devices and spare batteries (lithium-ion)
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Devices with a battery (laptops, cameras, etc.), battery 160Wh or less | Allowed | Allowed (turn completely off and protect from switching on) |
| Removed spare batteries (100Wh or less) | Allowed (no quantity limit) | Not allowed |
| Removed spare batteries (over 100Wh up to 160Wh) | Allowed (up to 2, counted together with power banks over 100Wh up to 160Wh) | Not allowed |
| Battery over 160Wh | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Protect spare batteries from short circuits, e.g. by protecting the terminals. Devices must be turned completely off in checked baggage if the battery is over 2.7Wh.
Spare lithium metal batteries (over 2g up to 8g) for portable medical electronic devices (AED, CPAP, etc.) also count toward the "up to 2". Lithium metal batteries over 2g for non-medical use are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage.
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
2. E-cigarettes (including heated tobacco)
- Carry-on only (not checked)
- Do not charge them on board
- Protect spare batteries from short circuits
- Lithium-ion batteries must be 100Wh or less; lithium metal batteries must contain 2g or less of lithium
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
3. Smart baggage (bags with a battery)
| If the battery stays in | Rule |
|---|---|
| Battery 2.7Wh or less | Allowed in carry-on and checked baggage |
| Battery over 2.7Wh up to 160Wh | Carry-on only |
| Battery over 160Wh | Not allowed |
With the battery removed, the bag itself is allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. The removed battery follows the spare battery rules.
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
4. Hair irons follow different rules
For cordless hair irons and heat brushes, it depends on whether the heating part and the battery can be separated. See Taking a hair dryer or hair iron abroad.
Some airlines have stricter rules. On international flights, rules of other countries' authorities may also apply.
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)