New Law Bans Spare Batteries in Checked Bags at U.S. Airports

A new law that took effect January 1 bans spare lithium batteries in checked baggage.
Under the new law, air travelers will be required to keep all spare lithium batteries in carry-on baggage, with the terminals covered.

Certain restrictions about the quantity of batteries and total amount of lithium will be in place. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) says laptops, cell phones and other electronics are safe to bring on planes.

But there have been incidents of lithium batteries sparking fires, so the DOT notes that keeping spare batteries in carry-on baggage makes it easier for flight crews to monitor them and address any incidents that occur.

Travelers who want to use battery-powered electronics during their travel also should note that some airports, including JFK, Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles, have dedicated charging stations in the terminals, so travelers can power up their devices.