What are lithium batteries?

Lithium batteries provide a lot of power from a small size. They're used for everything from small electronic devices to electric cars. Lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries are rechargeable. We rate their power in Watt hours (Wh). Lithium metal batteries can't be recharged. We rate their power by their lithium content, in grams.

Why are lithium batteries a risk on planes?

Lithium batteries can discharge their power very quickly if they short-circuit. This can happen when unprotected, spare battery and power bank terminals contact other metal items e.g. coins, keys etc. The more powerful the battery, the bigger the risk. That's why we limit the size and number of batteries you can bring when you fly with us.

What devices contain rechargeable lithium batteries?

If you can recharge your device, it almost certainly uses a lithium-ion battery. Chargers that only work when plugged in to a power socket do not contain a battery. These devices will almost always contain lithium batteries: Phones, tablets, e-Readers, laptops, cameras, video cameras, gaming consoles, power tools

Which devices contain non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries?

Most everyday lithium metal batteries look like silver coins or buttons. They're often used in watches, calculators, cameras and remote car lock fobs. If a device's batteries can't be recharged, it probably has a lithium metal battery.

Which batteries and devices are prohibited on flights?

1. See high Watt hour (Wh) rating or lithium content batteries for details; 2.Loose batteries, battery packs or power banks in your checked-in bags. You can bring them in your carry-on bags; 3. Personal battery-powered vehicles such as ebikes and some eScooters; 4. Smart bags with non-removable lithium batteries rated higher than 2.7Wh or 0.3g of lithium

Which devices and batteries are allowed on flights?

Devices in your carry-on bags: We recommend where possible, your battery powered devices are carried in your carry-on bags. You can bring up to 15 personal electronic devices on board. The batteries must not exceed 100Wh or 8g lithium. Batteries in your carry-on bags: You can pack up to 20 spare batteries and power banks. They must be in your carry-on bags. Devices in your checked-in baggage: You can pack up to 15 battery powered devices in your bags. We prefer you to pack your battery-powered devices in your carry-on bags. If that isn't possible, you can pack them in your checked-in bags.

Travelling with sealed lead-acid batteries and sealed lead-acid battery operated devices

Q: How should I pack devices containing non-spillable batteries?

Protect your device from being damaged. You must turn off your device completely. It must not be left on ‘Sleep’ or 'Standby’ mode. Make sure your device cannot turn on accidentally. Secure its power switch in the off position with tape, or apply trigger locks.

Q: Can I carry non-spillable batteries on overseas flights?

Yes you can. We apply the same rules for batteries to our domestic and international flights. However, some countries and airlines have different rules. For example, US airlines allow loose non-spillable batteries in your checked-in baggage, while we don’t. If you’ll be transferring between airlines be sure to check each one’s rules.

Q: How can I find out my non-spillable battery’s Watt hours?

Your battery should show its power rating on its case. If the battery is inside a device, check the manufacturer's website. If your battery is rated in Amp hours (Ah) instead of Watt hours it’s easy to convert. Watt hours = Voltage x Amp hours

These batteries, also known as non-spillable batteries, contain lead acid and can discharge strong surges of power. This makes them a safety risk, so you need to pack them carefully.

For everyone's safety, we have rules for bringing sealed lead-acid batteries on your flight. It is important you check whether your battery or device can be carried, and how to pack them safely.

On this page

What are spillable or non-sealed lead-acid batteries?What are non-spillable or sealed lead-acid batteries? Air New Zealand policy for packing sealed lead acid batteries Why are non-spillable lead-acid batteries a risk on planes?

Which devices might contain non-spillable lead-acid batteries?Which non-spillable batteries and devices can I carry on flights?FAQs for travelling with non-spillable batteries

What are spillable or non-sealed lead-acid batteries?

If you can top up your lead-acid battery with water, it is a spillable battery. These batteries are not permitted on board our aircraft.

Powered mobility aids

We allow personal electric mobility aids with non-spillable batteries. We can transport them with their batteries in place. Please let us know about your mobility aid before you travel. For more information, see our Special Assistance information.

What are non-spillable or sealed lead-acid batteries?

Non-spillable batteries are rechargeable batteries. They deliver a strong burst of power, or a steady flow of power over a long period. They're often used in children's toy cars, some power tools, or to power the electronics on boats and RVs.

They are usually smooth black plastic blocks, with two terminals on the top. Most are at least 5cm wide, 15cm long and 10cm tall.

There are four common types of lead-acid batteries.

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) and Valve Regulate Lead Acid (VRLA) and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
All contain a small amount of acid and are leak proof.
Gel Cell
Contain an acidic gel and is leak proof.

Air New Zealand policy for packing sealed lead-acid batteries

These tables show you if you can bring a non-spillable battery on to your flight. All you need to know is its voltage (V) and watt hours (Wh). They should be shown on your battery, or on the device that uses it. If not, please look up your device on the internet.

Make sure your batteries meet our packing requirements.

Non-spillable lead-acid batteries up to 12V and 100Watt hours (Wh)

These batteries are often used in children's ride on toys, household alarms and some power tools.

Up to 12V or 100 Wh	Checked-in	Carry-on
Installed in a device	✔ Allowed if not possible to pack in carry-on bag	✔
Spare or loose batteries	✘	✔ Two maximum

Up to 12V or 100 Wh

Checked-in

Carry-on

Installed in a device

✔

Allowed if not possible to pack in carry-on bag

✔

Spare or loose batteries

✘

✔

Two maximum

Up to 12V or 100 Wh

Installed in a device

Checked-in

✔

Allowed if not possible to pack in carry-on bag

Carry-on

✔

Up to 12V or 100 Wh

Spare or loose batteries

Checked-in

✘

Carry-on

✔

Two maximum

You can carry a maximum of two non-spillable batteries. They count toward your 20 battery maximum.

If your battery is within a device, please pack it in your carry-on bag. If that's not possible, you can put it in your checked-in bag. Please pack your device carefully to protect from damage or accidentally turning on.

You can only carry spare or loose batteries in your carry-on bag. You must:

Pack your battery to protect it from being cracked or damaged.
Ensure the battery's terminals can't contact anything metal, like coins or keys.

See more about our packing requirements.

Non-spillable lead-acid batteries over 12V and 100Watt hours (Wh)

These are often heavy batteries used in vehicles and uninterruptible power supply units (UPS).

You cannot bring these powerful batteries on board our aircraft, either as carry-on or checked-in items.

Why are non-spillable lead-acid batteries a risk on planes?

Non-spillable batteries create two risks.

Fire
Non-spillable batteries can start a fire if their exposed terminals contact keys, coins, metal zippers etc.
Chemical discharge
A damaged non-spillable battery could release flammable gas or leak acid.

The more powerful the battery, the bigger the risk. That's why we limit the size and number of batteries you can bring when you fly with us.

Which devices might contain non-spillable lead-acid batteries?

Most electronic devices now use lighter and more efficient lithium batteries. But you might find non-spillable batteries in:

Motorbikes
Petrol-powered scooters
Children's ride-on toys
Power tools
Mobility aids including mobility scooters

Which non-spillable batteries and devices can I carry on flights?

Batteries

You can pack up to two non-spillable batteries in your carry-on baggage. They must be 12V or less, and 100Watt hours or less.
Your batteries can show their power rating on their case.
You can't pack loose batteries in your checked-in baggage.
These non-spillable batteries count toward your 20 battery maximum.
Please pack your batteries carefully.

Devices

You can carry up to 15 devices powered by non-spillable batteries.
Please put your devices in your carry-on bag. If they're too big or heavy, you can check them in. Please pack them carefully to protect from damage and accidentally turning on.

If you use a powered wheelchair or mobility aid, see our special assistance section.

FAQs for travelling with non-spillable batteries

How should I pack spare non-spillable batteries?

You can carry up to two loose non-spillable batteries, of up to 12V and 100Wh.
These count toward your total allowance of 20 batteries of any type.
You must carry loose batteries in your carry-on bag. They are not allowed in your checked-in baggage.
Where possible, keep your batteries in their original packaging.
Protect each battery from being cracked, crushed or punctured.
Prevent the battery contacts from touching anything metal. This could include coins, keys, jewellery, tools or zippers. Cap or tape the battery's terminals, or put the battery in a container. The best container is the original packaging, if you still have it.

How should I pack devices containing non-spillable batteries?

Can I bring my child's battery-powered ride-on car onto the plane?

Some children's cars are powered by small, sealed lead-acid batteries. You can check your child's toy as part of your baggage, as long as its non-spillable battery is not more than 12V and 100Wh.

If you already have a bag to check in, you'll need to treat the ride-on as an extra bag. If it weighs more than 23kg, you'll also need to pay excess baggage fees. If it weighs more than 35kg we can't take it on board, sorry.

What are Watt hours?

Watts measure power. Watt hours are how much power a battery can deliver over time.

For example, a 50Wh battery can deliver one watt for 50 hours, or 5 watts for 10 hours.

Higher capacity means more risk. That's why we limit the number of devices and batteries you can carry.

Your non-spillable battery might show Amp hours (Ah) instead of Watt hours. You can use the battery's voltage to convert between the two ratings.

Watt hours = Voltage x Amp hours