Batteries - lithium | aviation.govt.nz

Carry-on bag

Checked-in luggage

Can I take this item on a plane?

Yes, spare lithium batteries can go in your carry-on bag, but not checked luggage. Batteries that power any device can go in checked-in luggage if they are in the electronic device and the device is turned off.

What are the restrictions?

Spare or loose batteries must be carried in carry-on, they are prohibited from checked luggage.
You do not need approval of the airline for lithium batteries that do not exceed 100 Watt hours [Wh] or 2 grams [g] of lithium.
You can take a maximum of two spare lithium-ion batteries [or power banks], that exceed 100Wh but not 160Wh [or for lithium metal batteries 2g lithium but not 8g] but only with your airline’s approval.
Batteries that power any device can go in checked luggage if they are in the device and the device is turned off.
Each person is allowed a total of 20 spare batteries [including power banks] unless an airline has approved the carriage of more batteries. The 20 spare batteries can all be lithium batteries or a combination of lithium, dry-cell, nickel-metal hydride and non-spillable batteries.
Each spare battery, must be individually protected by being in retail package, individual bag, a protective pouch, or with tape placed over exposed terminals.

Why is this item restricted?

Batteries can overheat and catch fire.

What happens if I have a restricted item in my carry-on bag?

You will be asked to relinquish all dangerous or prohibited items found in your carry-on luggage. If you refuse:

you will not be permitted to move through the screening point, and
your airline will be advised of your refusal.

How does Aviation Security screen for restricted items?

AvSec x-ray bags going onto aircraft to ensure there is nothing dangerous in them. If something comes up on the x-ray that needs checking, the bag will be opened, searched and any dangerous good or prohibited item will be removed, with a bag search notification form left within the bag.