# Power tools with rechargeable lithium batteries · FAA (air transport) — Flying with restricted items: FAA, TSA and IATA baggage and air cargo rules

For Power tools with rechargeable lithium batteries, authority is FAA (air transport); restriction type is restricted; scope is carry-on and checked baggage; conditions is Remove the battery and pack it in carry-on while checking the tool; checked devices must be completely powered off and protected from accidental activation within watt-hour limits, recorded from its source on 2026-08-10.

- **Item or substance:** Power tools with rechargeable lithium batteries
- **Authority:** FAA (air transport) _(our reading, not quoted from the source)_
- **Restriction type:** restricted _(our reading, not quoted from the source)_
- **Scope:** carry-on and checked baggage _(our reading, not quoted from the source)_
- **Conditions:** Remove the battery and pack it in carry-on while checking the tool; checked devices must be completely powered off and protected from accidental activation within watt-hour limits.

## What the source says

> The safest and most recommended way to travel with a power tool is to remove the battery and pack it in your carry-on baggage while checking the tool. The regulated part of a power tool is the Lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries are allowed based on watt-hours (Wh). Many newer lithium-ion batteries have the Wh rating marked on them. To calculate watt-hours, multiply the battery Voltage by the Amp hours (Ah). For milliamp hours (mAh), divide by 1000 (to get to Ah) and then multiply by the volts. Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. These limits allow for nearly all types of lithium batteries used by the average person in their electronic devices. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium-ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or Lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams). Lithium battery-powered devices like power tools can be checked only if they are completely powered off and protected from accidental activation (like in the manufacturer's hard case) while still meeting the watt-hour (Wh) restrictions above.

## Source

- https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/power-tools

Last verified: 2026-08-10. Review by: 2027-08-10.
Part of [Flying with restricted items: FAA, TSA and IATA baggage and air cargo rules](https://referencesource.org/air-travel-item-restrictions/).