Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Bans Lithium Batteries in Checked Luggage on Commercial Flights from New York, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware—A New Travel Rule Flyers Can’t Afford to Ignore, This Could Be the Biggest Story of the Year

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has just dropped a new regulation that’s sparking headlines—and it’s hitting travelers hard from New York, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, and Delaware. In what may become the biggest travel story of the year, the FAA bans lithium batteries in checked luggage on all commercial flights departing from these states and across the U.S.

The rule isn’t optional. It’s a hard ban. If you’re flying from New York, Alabama, or Alaska, or boarding a commercial flight out of Arizona, California, Connecticut, or Delaware, your lithium batteries can no longer ride in your checked bags. Not your power banks, not your vape pens, not your camera batteries. This sweeping FAA ban affects everyone—frequent flyers, vacationers, business travelers, and families headed home.

Why now? The FAA points to increasing incidents of lithium battery fires sparked by thermal runaway—a dangerous reaction that can turn a single battery into an inflight inferno. When packed in the cabin, crew members can react. But in the cargo hold? The risk is too great.

Moreover, with travel demand surging across California, New York, and beyond, the stakes are high. Flyers can’t afford to ignore this rule. The consequences could mean missed flights, confiscated devices, or worse.

As the new FAA lithium battery ban takes hold, passengers in Arizona, Alaska, Connecticut, and other key states must change how they pack—immediately. This is more than a regulation—it’s a safety line in the sky.

If you’re flying out of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming anytime soon, it’s time to double-check what’s inside your suitcase. In a bold move to prevent in-flight fires and improve aviation safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a nationwide rule banning lithium batteries in checked luggage—a change that’s already taking effect across New England airports.

This policy shift comes as part of a broader strategy to combat the increasing risk of thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction where batteries overheat, ignite, or even explode mid-flight. The FAA’s goal is clear: stop the fire risk before it ever leaves the ground.

Power Banks Banned in Checked Luggage: What Every Memorial Day Traveler Must Know Right Now

As the Memorial Day travel surge kicks off, millions of Americans are heading to airports, dreaming of beaches, barbecues, and long-overdue getaways. But this year, they’re also facing a new—and critical—change in how they pack. The TSA, in coordination with the FAA, has issued an emergency ban on power banks and all lithium batteries in checked luggage. Yes, really.

This isn’t just a suggestion. It’s a rule. And it’s already causing confusion at airports nationwide.

From now on, portable chargers, battery cases, laptop batteries, vape pens, and spare camera batteries must be in carry-on bags only. Gate-checking your luggage? You’ll have to dig those items out before handing it off—or risk losing them entirely.

The reason? Thermal runaway—a dangerous chain reaction in lithium batteries that can cause sudden fires. It’s unpredictable and nearly impossible to manage in a sealed cargo hold. In the cabin, crews can respond. In the belly of the plane, disaster looms.

Already, lines are longer, gate agents are scrambling, and travelers are being forced to abandon devices they didn’t realize were suddenly banned.

For travelers rushing to make memories this holiday weekend, it’s a frustrating new hurdle. But it’s one that puts safety first.

So before you head to the airport, check your bag one more time. That charger in your suitcase? It doesn’t belong there anymore. Carry it on—or leave it behind.

What Changed—and Why Now?

As of mid-May 2025, passengers are no longer allowed to pack lithium batteries in their checked baggage. Whether it’s a power bank, e-cigarette, camera battery, or laptop spare, the new rule mandates that all lithium-based batteries must now be carried onboard in your hand luggage.

This decision wasn’t made lightly. The FAA cites multiple close calls involving overheating battery packs stored in aircraft cargo holds. In a worst-case scenario, undetected fires in the belly of an aircraft could prove catastrophic.

But when these devices are carried in the cabin, crew and passengers are better equipped to notice early signs of overheating, such as smoke, heat, or strange odors—allowing immediate action.

What Is “Thermal Runaway” and Why Should You Care?

The core concern is something most travelers haven’t heard of: thermal runaway. It’s a rapid, uncontrollable increase in temperature and pressure inside a battery that can lead to explosions or fires—without warning.

Even fully charged, unused batteries can go into thermal runaway due to:

Manufacturing defects
Overcharging
Physical damage
Exposure to high heat
Being packed improperly

And yes, it can happen mid-air.

According to the FAA, these incidents don’t just pose a fire hazard—they can overwhelm a plane’s built-in suppression systems, especially in cargo holds with no human monitoring. That’s why they’re putting passenger action front and center.

Which Devices Are Affected?

The ban includes but is not limited to:

Power banks and portable phone chargers
Spare camera and drone batteries
E-cigarettes and vaping devices
Rechargeable toy or game batteries
Laptop battery packs not inside the device
Battery-powered tools with removable packs

If it’s powered by lithium-ion or lithium-metal technology—and it’s not built into the device—it cannot go in your checked suitcase. Period.

Moreover, the TSA is working with airlines at Boston Logan (BOS), Portland International Jetport (PWM), and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) to enforce this policy aggressively.

What Happens If You Ignore the Rule?

Ignoring this rule could cost you more than just your spare battery. TSA agents are empowered to confiscate non-compliant items, delay your baggage check, or require you to remove the item on the spot, creating last-minute boarding chaos.

If a device is found in a checked bag after screening, your bag may be pulled from the flight entirely, causing missed connections and lost luggage scenarios. In some cases, repeat offenders or failure to comply could result in fines.

New England Travelers at Higher Risk of Impact

The FAA rollout is universal, but New England passengers should pay special attention. Airports across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts serve as regional gateways with frequent connecting flights.

That means tight layovers, high volumes of tech-carrying travelers, and short-staffed security checkpoints—all factors that amplify disruption potential. Business travelers, students, and digital nomads are particularly vulnerable to delays from improper packing.

Industry and Passenger Reactions

Many passengers are praising the policy, noting that battery fires on planes are no longer hypothetical. They’ve happened. And with more devices per person than ever before, the risk is real.

However, some are frustrated by the lack of clear signage at check-in counters or confusion about what qualifies as a “spare” battery. Airlines are now tasked with stepping up education and pre-flight reminders.

Meanwhile, travel insurance providers are also updating coverage terms to reflect battery-related incidents. Expect stricter policies and higher baggage liability thresholds in the near future.

What You Can Do Right Now

Avoid surprises by taking three simple steps before your next flight:

Review your gear – Check all carry-on and checked luggage for lithium batteries.
Pack smart – Place spare batteries in carry-on bags, preferably in a battery-safe case.
Stay informed – Sign up for real-time alerts from your airline and the TSA.

It’s also smart to pack a fire-resistant battery pouch—they’re inexpensive, TSA-approved, and could prevent serious problems mid-flight.

A Safety-First Future for Air Travel

This new FAA policy is not about adding hassle—it’s about adding safety. In today’s hyper-connected world, each traveler brings more devices onboard. That means greater responsibility, both from passengers and the aviation system.

As the travel industry adapts to new threats—from cybersecurity to fire hazards—rules like these are a reminder that air travel is a shared experience. Everyone’s safety depends on everyone’s awareness.

So next time you fly out of Boston, Portland, or Manchester, take a moment to double-check your bags. That one battery left in your suitcase? It might just be the most dangerous thing onboard.

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