Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
9 December 2025 – Travellers are being reminded that spare lithium batteries must be correctly packed in carry-on only.
This aligns New Zealand with similar efforts by global aviation regulators and airlines.
Lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire. If this happens in the cabin, crew can deal with it quickly and safely.
Check with your airline or visit aviation.govt.nz/packsmart before you fly.
Airlines in New Zealand have forbidden all spare batteries from checked bags.
Lithium batteries power many everyday items like power banks, vapes, earbuds, hearing aids, and drones. They’re a growing global aviation risk because they can overheat and catch fire, especially when they’re damaged or warm.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a nationwide campaign reminding travellers that spare lithium batteries must be correctly packed in your carry-on only.
So far in 2025, the Aviation Security Service (AvSec) have removed more than 250,000 batteries from passengers’ bags at New Zealand airports. However, safety and security rely on multiple layers of protection, including you.
Warwick Burr, General Manager of New Zealand’s AvSec said, “It’s everyone’s responsibility to have a safe flight and that begins with what you put in your bag.”
“We need you to play your part by knowing how to pack your batteries safely.”
Most of the batteries removed from checked bags are spare lithium batteries, showing that many travellers are still unclear about the rules. Research also confirms that people often remain unsure or make mistakes when deciding where dangerous goods, like lithium batteries, should be packed.
“We’re tackling one of the most common and misunderstood travel mistakes in line with aviation authorities around the world,” added Burr.
All spare lithium batteries, which include power banks, wireless earbud and hearing aid charging cases, and vapes, must be correctly packed in carry-on only and follow the packing restrictions for each item. These devices cannot exceed 100 Watt Hours without specific airline approval.
Air New Zealand is backing the campaign and encourages all travellers to check the rules before they fly.
“Safety is our utmost priority, and it starts on the ground. We have comprehensive guidance on our website about what can and can’t be carried, and our airport teams are always happy to help if you’re unsure,” said Air New Zealand Chief Safety and Risk Officer Nathan McGraw.
The New Zealand Airports Association is also on board.
Billie Moore, Chief Executive of NZ Airports Association, said, “We want everyone to have a safe and seamless journey. Before you head to the airport, take a moment to check your gear and understand the rules.”
“A bit of preparation helps the whole system run more smoothly and supports the teams keeping you safe.”
If you’re not sure what’s allowed or how to pack your batteries correctly, don’t leave it to chance. Check with your airline or visit aviation.govt.nz/packsmart before you fly. Following these guidelines will help ensure that you can travel safely and will prevent delays at security screening.
Pack smart and play your part, so that together, we can fly safer.
Notes
Not sure what’s allowed or are you travelling with an item not listed above? Comprehensive information can be found on the Travelling with batteries page.
Key battery restrictions are shown below.
All batteries in carry on must be individually protected by being in retail packaging, individual bag, a protective pouch, or with tape placed over exposed terminals.
Some devices powered by lithium batteries such as laptops, phones, e-readers, or cameras, may be carried in checked bags. These devices must be completely switched off and protected from accidental activation or damage. Although, it’s recommended you always keep them with you in carry-on. Some airlines already mandate that you keep these items with you in carry-on.
Airlines allow a person to carry a total of 20 spare batteries unless they approve more batteries to be carried. Check with your airline for their specific restrictions.
Battery powered heated hair styling devices are not permitted unless the battery, heating element, or other component can be removed. An example of ‘other component’ is a flight ready tag that, when removed (and should not be re-inserted), isolates the battery from the heating element. See the full explanation of battery powered hair straightening devices.
If the lithium battery is:
- up to 100Wh, it’s fine to travel in carry-on
- between 100Wh and 160Wh your airline must approve it to be carried
- above 160Wh it’s prohibited from travelling on an aircraft.
- Each person is limited to taking two batteries that exceed 100wh with airline approval.
