Electronic devices and batteries

Personal electronic devices and batteries are classified as dangerous goods. This is because they can generate heat and catch fire if damaged or short-circuited.

Here you can find detailed information concerning your personal electronic devices and batteries. The symbols show you whether and under what conditions you are allowed to take them with you:

Travelling with damaged, defective or from the manufacturer for safety reasons recalled lithium batteries or personal electronic devices is strictly prohibited.

The list of electronic devices and batteries is not exhaustive and can be extended at any time.

The power of lithium-ion batteries is specified in watt hours (Wh). For lithium metal batteries, the lithium content (LC) is stated.

Conversion aid for battery power:

  • watt hours (Wh) = ampere-hours (Ah) x voltage (V) or
  • watt hours (Wh) = milliampere-hours (mAh) x voltage (V) / 1 000

Power restriction: max. 100 Wh or 2 g LC per device

Item restriction: max. 15 devices with batteries per passenger

Portable electronic devices for personal use are:

  • laptops, mobile phones, tablets,
  • electric toiletries (toothbrushes, razors, etc.), 
  • electric toys, 
  • drones, watches, calculators, or 
  • other entertainment or communication device

Wherever possible, these should be transported in carry-on baggage.

Transport regulations in checked baggage: 

  • You may carry a maximum of 3 devices larger than a smartphone.
  • Do not pack your devices together with highly flammable materials (e.g. perfumes, aerosols, etc.).
  • Completely switch off the devices and protect them from unintentional activation. 
  • Ensure that apps, alarms, or preset configurations are deactivated.
  • Protect your devices using suitable packaging or a sturdy bag with sufficient padding.
  • If you are transporting several devices, stow your devices separated from each other (e.g. by clothing or the original packaging).

Power banks are regarded as replacement batteries, not as electronic devices. Information about taking power banks with you can be found in the section: "Power banks, replacement batteries, and loose batteries".

Note:

  • An airline transport approval is required for portable electronic devices with a battery power of more than 100 Wh and max. 160 Wh.
  • Please register devices and batteries requiring approval when booking flights via the Brussels Airlines Dangerous Goods Department.

Portable electronic devices with batteries for personal use that do NOT contain LITHIUM (e.g. alkali-manganese, zinc-carbon, nickel-cadmium, or nickel metal hydride) are:

  • electric toiletries (toothbrushes, razors, etc.), 
  • electric toys, 
  • drones, watches, calculators or 
  • other entertainment or communication devices.

These should be transported, whenever possible, in carry-on baggage.

Transport regulations in checked baggage: 

  • Completely switch off the devices and protect them from unintentional activation. 
  • Ensure that apps, alarms, or preset configurations are deactivated.
  • Protect your devices using suitable packaging or a sturdy bag with sufficient padding.
  • If you are transporting several devices, stow your devices separated from each other (e.g. by clothing or the original packaging).

Additional transport conditions in the case of non-spillable wet batteries: 

  • Power restriction: max. 12 V/100 Wh per battery.
  • Non-spillable wet batteries (e.g. gel batteries) must not contain free or unabsorbed liquid.

Power banks are regarded as replacement batteries, not as electronic devices. Information about taking power banks with you can be found in the section: "Power banks, replacement batteries, and loose batteries".

Power and item restriction of lithium batteries:

Power restrictions Item restriction Permitted in carry-on baggage Permitted in checked baggage Transport approval required Max. 100 Wh
max. 2 g LC
20* Yes No No
> 100 Wh up to max. 160 Wh 2 Yes No Yes > 2 g LC up to max. 8 g LC 2 ** Yes No Yes

* Item restriction includes all types of battery; this means non-spillable wet batteries, dry batteries, gel batteries, and lithium batteries.

** only for medical devices

Transport regulations:

The terminals must be individually isolated for all batteries to avoid short circuits. This is possible if the batteries are transported in the original packaging, exposed terminals are masked with adhesive tape, or each battery is packed in a separate plastic bag or protective bag.

Power and item restriction of non-spillable wet batteries: 

  • max. 12 V/100 Wh per battery
  • max. 2 spare batteries

Note:

  • The recharging of power banks is not permitted on board.
  • An airline transport approval is required for lithium battery power of more than 100 Wh and max. 160 Wh, and more than 2 g and max. 8 g.
  • Please register power banks and batteries requiring approval when booking flights via the Brussels Airlines Dangerous Goods Department.

These include the following devices:

  • hover boards
  • e-bikes
  • pedelecs/s-pedelecs
  • e-scooters
  • electric monowheels
  • electric baggage scooters (e.g. Modobags or Airwheels)
  • underwater scooters
  • segways
  • electric baby strollers or electric golf caddies

This ban applies regardless of the power and whether the batteries are permanently attached or are removable as well as to the battery-powered personal and sports transport device without integrated battery. 

The above-mentioned examples reflect only a range of possible devices.

These goods may only be transported as cargo in accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

For reasons of safety and loadability in the aircraft there are restrictions regarding:

  • battery power, 
  • total weight and 
  • dimensions of the wheelchair or mobility aid.

Note:

  • An airline transport approval is required for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  • Please send us in good time, but 48 hours before departure at the latest, the necessary details (manufacturer’s technical datasheet or manual) about your wheelchair or mobility aid and the completed form that is downloadable below to the Brussels Airlines MEDA department for checking and approval.

NB: to view the document correctly, please use Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Power restriction lithium batteries: max. 160 Wh or 8 g LC per device

Power restriction non-spillable wet batteries: max. 100 Wh and 12 V per device

Note:

  • For battery-powered portable medical devices, an airline transport approval and medical approval for use on board is required.
  • Please send us the details about your device (manufacturer’s technical datasheet or manual) for pre-registration and medical review at the latest up to 48 hours before departure to the MEDA department at meda@brusselsairlines.com.

Item restriction: only in amounts for personal use*

Power restriction lithium battery: max. 100 Wh or 2 g LC per device

Transport restrictions in carry-on baggage:

  • Use or recharging on board is forbidden.
  • The devices must remain stowed throughout the entire flight.
  • Accidental activation must not be possible.

Note: in many countries it is forbidden to carry e-cigarettes or other inhalers with you.

* An item restriction of a maximum of 15 portable electronic devices per passenger applies.

Item restriction: max. 15 devices (this includes all electronic devices) with lithium batteries per passenger

Power restrictions Permitted in carry-on baggage Permitted in checked baggage Transport approval required Max. 100 Wh
Max. 2 g LC
Yes Yes, but recommended in carry-on baggage No
> 100 Wh up to max. 160 Wh Yes No Yes

Wherever possible, transport should be in carry-on baggage.

Transport regulations in checked baggage: 

  • max. 3 devices larger than a smartphone
  • Do not pack your device together with highly flammable materials (e.g. perfumes, aerosols, etc.)
  • Completely switch off the devices and protect them from unintentional activation. 
  • Ensure that apps, alarms, or preset configurations are deactivated.
  • Protect your device using suitable packaging or a sturdy bag with sufficient padding.
  • If you are transporting several devices, stow your devices separated from each other (e.g. by clothing or the original packaging).

Power banks are regarded as replacement batteries, not as electronic devices. Information about carriage of replacement batteries can be found in the section: “Power banks, replacement batteries, and loose batteries.”

Note:

  • An airline transport approval is required for photo and video equipment with a battery power greater than 100 Wh up to max. 160 Wh.
  • Please register power banks and batteries requiring approval when booking flights via the Brussels Airlines Dangerous Goods Department.

Item restriction: max. 1 avalanche rescue backpack per passenger

Note:

  • An airline transport approval is required for avalanche rescue backpacks. 
  • Please register avalanche rescue backpacks when booking flights via the Brussels Airlines Dangerous Goods Department.

The technical structure of the trigger mechanism of avalanche rescue backpacks may contain dangerous goods that are subject to official restrictions for transport.

Restrictions of dangerous goods in the trigger mechanism: 

  • Pyrotechnic trigger mechanism: max. 200 mg net of explosive material of the Hazard Division 1.4S.
  • Lithium batteries powered trigger: max. 100 Wh or 2 g LC.
  • Trigger with capacitor: capacitors must be uncharged, protected from short circuits, and be packaged in a strong outer packaging to prevent unintentional activation. 
  • Trigger using integrated gas cartridges: the gas must comply with Hazard Division 2.2.

Other transport provisions: 

  • The backpack must be packed in such a way that it cannot be activated accidentally.
  • The air bags in the backpack must be equipped with pressure relief valves.
  • Gas cartridges of Hazard Division 2.2 will only be accepted if they are transported integrated into the avalanche rescue backpack as the trigger, as specified in the design.
  • Additional activation handles and replacement gas cartridges are not allowed.
  • Flights to/from/within the USA: avalanche rescue backpacks with pyrotechnic trigger mechanism or integrated gas cartridges are not permitted for transport, unless the avalanche rescue backpack does not have a pyrotechnic trigger and the gas cartridge is completely empty.

Item restriction: only in amounts for personal use*

* The item restriction of max. 15 portable electronic devices per passenger applies.

Note:

  • An airline transport approval is required for diving lamps, soldering irons, or other heat-generating items.
  • Please register diving lamps, soldering irons , or other heat-generating items when booking flights via the Brussels Airlines Dangerous Goods Department.

Transport restrictions in carry-on baggage:

  • The device must be switched off.
  • Batteries and heating elements must be isolated in portable electronic devices that can produce extreme heat, by removing the heating element, battery, or other components.
  • The regulations for the transportation of loose batteries or portable electronic devices with batteries inserted apply. Information about this can be found in the section: "Power banks, replacement batteries, and loose batteries" and "portable electronic devices with lithium batteries for personal use".

Item restriction (including lithium batteries*): 20 items per passenger

* The item restriction includes all types of battery; this means non-spillable wet batteries, dry batteries, gel batteries, and lithium batteries.

Examples for non-spillable wet batteries: gel-batteries or AGM batteries

Examples for dry batteries: nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium, alkali-manganese or zinc-carbon batteries

Transport conditions of non-spillable wet and dry batteries: 

  • Non-spillable wet batteries (e.g. gel batteries) must not contain free or unabsorbed liquid.
  • It must be ensured that the batteries are protected from heat and cannot generate heat themselves. 
  • The terminals must be individually isolated for all batteries to avoid short circuits. This is possible if the batteries are transported in the original packaging, exposed terminals are masked with adhesive tape, or each battery is packed in a separate plastic bag or protective bag.

Power and item restriction for non-spillable wet batteries: 

  • max. 12 V/100 Wh per battery
  • max. 2 replacement batteries

Power restriction: max. 100 Wh/2 g LC

Transport regulations:

  • The battery must be removed from the baggage.
  • The removed battery must be transported in the cabin. Further information can be found in the section "Power banks, replacement batteries, and loose batteries".
  • Without the battery, the suitcase may be transported as checked baggage.

Note:

  • For equipment with lithium batteries permanently installed in smart baggage, such as an electronic lock or electronic scales, you will find the power restrictions in the section: "Smart baggage — permanently installed lithium battery".
  • Information about baggage trackers or electronic bag tags (EBTs) can be found in the section: "Baggage trackers" and "Electronic bag tags (EBTs)". 
  • For a battery power greater than 100 Wh up to max. 160 Wh, an airline transport approval is required.
  • Please register power banks and batteries requiring approval when booking flights via the Brussels Airlines Dangerous Goods Department.

Power restriction: max. 2.7 Wh/0.3 g LC

Note: 

  • Smart baggage with permanently installed lithium batteries above 2.7 Wh or 0.3 g LC is prohibited for transport.

Power restriction: max. 2.7 Wh or 0.3 g LC per lithium battery

Transport restrictions:

  • Authorized transmission functions: low energy transmission functions such as Wi-Fi, UWB, Bluetooth, or RFID.
  • The tracker must be stowed inside the baggage to avoid damage.

Baggage with an electronic bag tag (EBT) with routing display, e.g. BAGTAG or Rimowa Smart bags, etc., which is used instead of a printed thermal bag tag, is allowed in checked baggage and in carry-on baggage.

This video by The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the authority responsible for ensuring flight safety in European aviation, tells you more about the danger and correct handling of lithium batteries.

If you wish to take an electronic device or a battery with you on your trip that is not mentioned above, please contact the Brussels Airlines Dangerous Goods Department.

 Other transport information:

  • All lithium batteries must meet the requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3.
  • Please be aware that if you transport electronic devices or batteries that are not permitted, you risk them being confiscated at the airport. Brussels Airlines do not accept any liability for confiscated goods.
  • These transport guidelines meet the national requirements as well as the current IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for safe transport of electronic devices and batteries. Brussels Airlines reserves the right to take more restrictive measures for safety reasons.
  • There may be more restrictive country regulations.

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