All gas, battery, petrol and plug-in power tools are restricted from carry-on, but they can be checked-in if approved by your airline.
Power tools include nail/bolt guns, drills, skill saws, chain saws, reciprocating saws, and any other power tool designed to cut, slice or drill.
Flex-volt batteries with travel caps, that have combined Watt-hours that exceed 160Wh, will not be permitted to travel on passengers’ aircraft from 20 March 2026.
AvSec previously considered the flex-volt batteries, including DeWalt Flex-volt, as three separate batteries contained in a single case separated by a plastic [transport] safety cap. Advice from AvSec’s Dangerous Goods Regulator confirmed flex-volt batteries are not three separate batteries but are instead a single battery that exceeds the allowable Watt-hour limits. This advice has been informed by international practice where the majority of National Aviation Authorities and airlines treat flex-volt batteries as a single battery.
Power tools can only be carried in checked-in luggage if approved by your airline.
You must take steps to prevent the power tool accidentally turning on. Use trigger locks or secure the on/off switch in the off position with tape.
Spare batteries, including those in moulded cases, must go in your carry-on bag. They are prohibited from checked luggage.
Power tools can be used as a weapon and cause harm to passengers and crew.
You will be asked to relinquish all dangerous or prohibited items found in your carry-on luggage. If you refuse:
AvSec X-ray bags going onto aircraft to ensure there is nothing dangerous in them.
If you want to retrieve an item that has been removed, please contact your airline as soon as possible. The airline will dispose of items within three to seven days, so the sooner you make contact, the better your chance of having the items returned to you. For more information, see:
