The security check –an overview

For an easy passage through the security check, make sure you're properly prepared.

Electronic devices and batteries

Personal electronic devices and batteries are considered dangerous goods because they can generate heat, short-circuit and catch fire if damaged.

Below you will find detailed information about packing your electronic devices and batteries in your luggage. The list of electronic devices and batteries is not exhaustive and can be expanded at any time.

Overview
  • Portable electronic devices with lithium batteries for personal use, e.g. laptops, smartphones, tablets, electric toiletry items, toys and others
  • Portable electronic devices with batteries that do NOT contain LITHIUM for personal use, e.g. electric toiletry items or toys
  • Power banks, spare batteries and loose batteries
  • Battery-operated personal and sports transport equipment, e.g. e-bikes, e-scooters, diving scooters, e-baggage scooters, e-golf carts and others
  • Battery-operated wheelchairs and mobility aids
  • Battery-operated portable medical devices e.g. defibrillators, CPAP devices, portable oxygen concentrators (POCs)
  • E-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-cigars and other inhalers with built-in batteries
  • Photo and video equipment with lithium batteries
  • Avalanche rescue backpacks
  • Diving lamps, soldering irons and other heat-generating objects with built-in batteries
  • Wet and dry batteries
  • Smart luggage – removable lithium batteries
  • Smart luggage – permanently installed lithium batteries
  • Luggage tracker
  • Electronic bag tags (EBTS)
 

Batteries and rechargeable batteries

Batteries, rechargeable batteries and power banks are only allowed in hand baggage.

Batteries and rechargeable batteries and conversion aid

Batteries, rechargeable batteries and power banks are only permitted in hand baggage.

  • Up to 100 Wh: A maximum of 20 spare batteries with up to 100 Wh (Wh = watt hours) each may be carried. These must be protected against short circuits and both terminals must be taped.
  • 100 to 160 Wh: A maximum of 2 batteries are permitted. Authorisation from the airline is required.
  • Over 160 Wh: Batteries, rechargeable batteries and power banks over 160 Wh are generally prohibited.

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) / 1000

Good to know

  • If you still transport electronic devices or batteries that are not approved for transport, you risk having the items taken from you at the airport. We assume no liability for confiscated items.
  • These transport guidelines comply with international regulations as well as the current IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for the safe transport of electronic devices and batteries. Zurich Airport reserves the right to take more restrictive measures for security reasons.
  • Individual countries, airports or airlines may have more restrictive regulations. Please also consult the information provided by your airline and/or the airports for transfer or return flights.
  • Personal electronic devices or batteries that are defective, damaged or have been recalled by the manufacturer, are not permitted for security reasons.
     

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