Lithium Battery Guidelines

Below are the types of lithium batteries acceptable for transportation on a passenger aircraft. They must be packaged in compliance with 49CFR, 173.185(c)(4) OR Section II of the IATA/ICAO lithium battery packing instructions 966,967,969, or 970 to be accepted for transport:

UN3481 .....Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer Batteries Packed with or Contained in Equipment

UN3091....Lithium Metal or Lithium Alloy Batteries Packed with or Contained in Equipment 

Please note we will not accept UN3480 or UN3090 Lithium Metal Batteries. UN3090 Lithium Metal Batteries are FORBIDDEN on passenger aircraft per IATA/ICAO USG-02 and 49CFR, 173.185(c). UN3480 Lithium Batteries are prohibited per Southwest Airlines policy. Here are two additional resources to the specific regulations and/or guidance pertaining to the transportation of lithium batteries:

49CFR 173.185 Lithium cells and batteries

IATA Lithium Battery Guidance Document

Travel Ban: Lithium batteries that are damaged, defective, or recalled for safety reasons are not allowed in checked baggage, carryon baggage, or cargo. For additional information on recalls, please visit United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.