New Rules for Portable Batteries on Airplanes (2025)

Portable batteries are an essential accessory for those with sleep apnea who travel frequently. They allow patients to take their CPAP machine with them anywhere to provide effective and efficient treatment while away from home. Portable CPAP batteries are typically made with lithium-ion, are lightweight, easy to pack, and provide hours worth of therapy, easing the CPAP user experience. 

Although lithium-ion batteries have many benefits, there are some potential downsides to using them. In rare circumstances, these batteries can heat up and cause fires or explosions and could quickly turn to an issue, especially in small, compact places like airplanes. Airlines worldwide do accept the use of lithium-ion batteries during air travel, but new policies from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are now stricter than ever before.

• Carry-On Rule: You might be able to able to travel with CPAP batteries, but it is highly recommended to reach out to the airline you are flying to confirm the specific guidelines before your trip.
• Storage Capacity: Storage capacity may vary depending on the airplane being flown on. However, the FAA regularions for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are:
  • Allowed: Up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) per battery
  • Allowed with airline approval: 101Wh - 160Wh per battery
  • Not Allowed: All lithium batteries over 160Wh
• Check batteries for damage: Inspect the battery for any unusual defects like swelling, dents, or more.
• Purchase reputable brands: Manufacturing quality significantly impacts lithium-ion battery safety. The CPAP Shop offers the best-quality portable batteries to assist sleep apnea patients with treatment while traveling.

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   Freedom CPAP Battery160 Backup Power Supply

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For more information about the batteries allowed for airline passengers, read this resource from the FAA.

Passengers are able to pack batteries and portable electronic devices, such as laptops, cell phones, vaping devices, and mobility aids, for their personal use in their carry-on baggage when following the proper safety precautions according to the airline. The regulations for the batteries include:

• Allowed: Up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) per battery
• Allowed with airline approval: 101Wh - 160Wh per battery
• Not Allowed: All lithium batteries over 160Wh

Lithium-ion batteries are required to undergo safety testing. All lithium-ion batteries are capable of overheating and experiencing a process called thermal runaway. Thermal runaway can happen at anytime without warning from varying factors, including overheating, being exposed to water, damaged, manufactured defects, and more. Flight crews and other personnel are trained to recognize and respond to lithium-ion battery fires in the cabin.

Additionally, passengers should notify the flight crew immediately if their lithium-ion battery or portable electronic device is overheating, expanding, smoking, or burning. 

A lithium-ion battery’s Wh should be marked on the battery. If you don't see it, you can figure it out manually.  if not, you will need to determine the Wh. To determine Wh, multiply the volts (V) by the amp hours (Ah). 

There is a two-spare battery limit on the large lithium-ion (101-160 Wh) and non-spillable batteries in carry-on only. Spare larger lithium-ion batteries and power banks (101-160 Wh) are not allowed in checked baggage. 

Damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices, which are likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous evolution of heat, are forbidden in an aircraft. must not be carried We recommend contacting your specific airline to see if they offer further guidance on transporting damaged or recalled batteries.

For more information or additional assistance, please call our customer care team at 866-414-9700. We would be happy to help you!