What Is Alaska Airlines Lithium Battery Policy?

Alaska Airlines aligns with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and 2025 UN transport guidelines for lithium batteries. Passengers may carry portable devices with ≤100 Wh batteries in carry-ons (≤20 spare batteries). For larger 101–160 Wh batteries (e.g., professional cameras), prior airline approval is required. All batteries must remain at ≤30% state of charge (SoC) during transport. Prohibited items include damaged/swollen cells and loose batteries in checked luggage. For electric mobility devices, UN-certified packaging and 3-meter stacking certification apply to cargo shipments.

How to Safely Ship a 100Ah Lithium-Ion Battery

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What lithium battery types does Alaska Airlines permit?

Permitted types include consumer-grade Li-ion (≤160 Wh) and Li-metal (≤2g lithium). Medical devices follow separate protocols requiring advance notification. All cells must pass UN38.3 safety testing with documentation accessible throughout transit.

Portable electronic devices like laptops and cameras fall under standard carry-on allowances. However, spare batteries exceeding 100 Wh require protective casing to prevent short circuits. Practically speaking, a photographer carrying three 150 Wh camera batteries would need both airline approval and fireproof storage containers. Pro Tip: Print battery specifications from manufacturer websites—Alaska staff may request proof of compliance during security screening.

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⚠️ Critical: Never pack loose lithium batteries in checked baggage. Thermal runaway risks increase in unpressurized cargo holds.

How does the 30% SoC rule apply?

The 2025 mandate requires partial discharge before transport. Devices must show ≤25% displayed charge or ≤30% rated capacity. This applies universally—even power banks declared as “empty” require voltage verification.

For example, a 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V (74 Wh) must demonstrate ≤22.2 Wh remaining. Airlines use specialized meters to validate SoC compliance. Transitioning to this standard, Alaska now trains staff to reject improperly discharged batteries. Pro Tip: Use manufacturer calibration modes to achieve precise discharge levels—generic battery indicators often show inaccurate percentages.

Battery Type	Carry-On Limit	Documentation
Li-ion ≤100 Wh	Unlimited	None
Li-ion 101–160 Wh	2 spares	Approval Letter
Li-metal ≤2g	All in carry-on	Safety Data Sheet

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Battery Expert Insight

Alaska’s policy balances FAA mandates with operational safety. Their 2025 implementation of 3-meter stacking tests for cargo batteries prevents in-flight compression failures. For passengers, the 30% SoC rule significantly reduces thermal event risks—a critical advancement given lithium battery incidents increased 42% industry-wide last year.

FAQs

Can I bring an e-bike battery on Alaska Airlines?

Only as cargo with UN38.3 certification and ≤30% SoC. Passenger flights prohibit batteries exceeding 160 Wh in cabins.

Are damaged batteries ever allowed?

Absolutely prohibited. Alaska requires professional hazmat disposal for swollen/dented lithium cells—contact airport staff immediately if issues arise pre-flight.