Batteries
Batteries for Electronic Devices
Batteries for electronic devices
Due to the possibility of a fire, all batteries for electronic devices must be packed in the original retail package or wrapped in insulating tape to prevent loose batteries from coming into contact with metal objects, causing a short circuit.
Please note: Lithium batteries should be packed in carry-on bags, not checked bags, to protect the battery from getting crushed or punctured during the flight.
Lithium Batteries in Devices
JetBlue will accept consumer electronic and medical devices (watches, calculators, cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers, camcorders, hearing aids, etc.) containing lithium cells or batteries when carried by customers or crewmembers in carry-on bags (with the exception of mobility devices, which can be checked in). Portable electronic devices in checked bags must be turned off and prevented from accidental activation. However, JetBlue prefers that all Lithium powered devices or at least their batteries, are transported in the cabin.
Spare lithium cells and batteries for these devices will only be accepted in carry-on bags and are prohibited in checked bags. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries must be removed from the bag and kept with the customer in the aircraft cabin.
See https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe for a complete list of acceptable batteries and how to properly pack them.
Lithium batteries power many everyday electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, smart watches, cameras, wireless headphones, and power banks.
In rare cases, a lithium battery can overheat due to damage, a defect, or other factors. This can lead to a process called thermal runaway, where the battery rapidly generates heat and may produce smoke, fire, or intense flames.
If your electronic device or lithium battery becomes unusually hot or begins to smoke during your flight, notify a JetBlue crewmember immediately. Crewmembers are trained to respond quickly and have specialized equipment and procedures to safely manage lithium battery incidents.
Battery requirements on flights
JetBlue accepts assistive devices with lithium ion, spillable, and non-spillable battery types, with restrictions.
|
Battery Type |
Description | Checked | Carry-on |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lithium-ion/polymer batteries (rechargeable) |
A rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions to store energy and create a charge. | Yes, with restrictions |
Yes. Batteries must be marked/documented as meeting UN 38.3 testing and must not be more than 100 wh. For mobility aids we will accept one battery up to 300 wh with one spare or two batteries up to 160 whand two spares. |
|
Spillable Batteries |
A spillable battery is a wet-cell battery or a battery that lacks manufacturer labeling. It is identified by caps that open to give access to the cells. |
Yes (Mobility Aids Only) |
No |
|
Non-spillable Batteries |
A non-spillable battery contains a gel type electrolyte and is identified by its cap/cover that cannot be removed, on the individual cells. | Yes. They must be marked "Non Spillable". Wheelchair must be kept in the upright position. | Yes, within carry-on size guidelines. |
|
Damaged or recalled batteries of any type |
Any battery that exhibits evidence of previous leakage or damage, or that has been recalled. | No | No |
|
Small, compressed gas cylinders |
Used for mechanical limbs | Yes | Yes, when worn in mechanical limbs. |
|
Electric mobility devices |
Electric wheelchairs or scooters | Yes, with restrictions | No |
Bring copies of any documentation for the batteries you wish to carry. This can usually be found in the user manual of the device.
- All batteries being used in medical devices must have a clear, readable manufacturer label and meet federal regulation requirements.
- Batteries may be inspected for airworthiness at the airport.
- For lithium batteries, customer must be aware of the battery chemistry (ion vs. metal) as well as the capacity and watt hours (wh).
- Mobility devices that have enclosed, installed, protected lithium-ion batteries, are allowed as checked items on JetBlue flights, but if possible, batteries should be removed and carried in the cabin where they are accessible in case of thermal events.
- For mobility devices that do not have a protective housing for the lithium-ion battery, the battery must be removed. The battery terminals must be protected from short-circuiting. JetBlue will notify the pilot of the battery location in the cabin.
- Lithium-ion battery size is limited to 300-watt hours (Wh) or 25 grams equivalent lithium content (ELC).
- Lithium-ion batteries over this Wh limit are never allowed on JetBlue flights.
- One (1) spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two (2) spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh (13.5 grams ELC) each may be carried in carry-on baggage.
- Lithium metal (non-rechargeable lithium) batteries are forbidden with these devices.
- Non-mobility devices (i.e., portable electronic devices) battery limit is 100 wh for lithium ion, or 2 grams lithium metal content.
- JetBlue requires that you travel with enough power to cover 150% of the travel time of your trip. This requirement is intended to cover your trip and any delays that may arise during your travels.
- For example, if your flight is 6 hours long, we require that you must travel with battery power to cover 9 hours of use.
- JetBlue requires that you travel with enough power to cover 150% of the travel time of your trip. This requirement is intended to cover your trip and any delays that may arise during your travels.
Power Banks
- No more than two power banks allowed per customer
- Power banks are not permitted in checked baggage or overhead compartments
- Power banks must not be charged using in seat power during flight
- Power banks should not be used to charge or power other devices during flight