Traveling with a GoPro: Batteries, Flights and What to Pack

By Henrik Andersson, founder of Nordic Flash. Published November 12, 2026

A turquoise Nordic Flash float holding an action camera at the water's surface

Pack spare camera batteries in your carry-on, not in checked bags. The FAA says spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on baggage only, with the terminals protected. A camera with its battery installed falls under the FAA's separate rules for portable electronic devices, so keep it in your carry-on too and check your airline's rules. Then pack for where you are going: a float for water, a hand strap for land and snow, and spare adhesive pads for new mounts.

Key takeaways

Spare lithium batteries go in carry-on bags only, per the FAA.
Protect the terminals: a battery case, the retail packaging, tape or a plastic bag.
The FAA limit for a lithium-ion battery is 100 Wh. Check the rating printed on your battery and your airline's own limits.
Pack for the activity: a float for water, a hand strap for land.

GoPro travel checklist

For the flight

Spare lithium batteries in carry-on, terminals protected
The camera, with its battery installed, also in carry-on

For the trip

A float, if you will be in or on the water
A hand strap, if you will film on land or snow
Spare adhesive pads, if you will set new mounts
Door seal checked before the first water day

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A checked bag with a battery crossed out, next to a carry-on holding spare batteries.

By the numbers

The FAA says spare lithium batteries, including power banks, must be carried in carry-on baggage only (FAA PackSafe (opens in a new tab)).
The FAA allows lithium-ion batteries rated up to 100 watt hours per battery (FAA PackSafe (opens in a new tab)).
The FAA says to remove spare batteries from a carry-on bag that gets checked at the gate or plane side (FAA PackSafe (opens in a new tab)).

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Can you bring GoPro batteries on a plane?

Yes, in your carry-on. Under the FAA's rules (FAA PackSafe (opens in a new tab)):

Spare lithium batteries go in carry-on bags only.
Protect each battery from short circuits: keep it in its retail packaging or a battery case, tape over the terminals, or put each one in its own plastic bag or sleeve.
If your carry-on is checked at the gate, take the spare batteries out first and keep them with you.
Lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed. Above that, you need the airline's approval.

Airlines can set stricter rules, so check yours before you fly. If you travel outside the US, check the rules of the airline and the country too.

Three packing groups: a float for water, a hand strap for land, and spare adhesive pads.

What should you pack for each kind of trip?

Trip	Pack this	Why
Beach, boat or snorkeling	Camera float or camera float 1-pack	Action cameras sink
Surf trip	Float, board mount, spare adhesive pads	A board mount needs 24 hours to set
Dive trip	Dive housing, float for the boat and surface	Most cameras need a housing below 10 to 20 m
Ski trip	Helmet mount, hand strap, warm spare batteries	Cold drains batteries
City trip	Hand strap	Keeps the camera on your wrist in crowds

What is a good GoPro travel checklist?

Camera, with its door and lens cover checked.
Spare batteries in the carry-on, terminals protected.
Charger and cable.
Memory cards, cleared before the trip.
A float for water days.
A hand strap for land and snow.
The mounts for the trip, plus spare adhesive pads.
A soft cloth for the lens.

A camera on a float at the water, next to a short travel checklist.

How do you keep the camera from getting lost on a trip?

Keep it attached to you. On land, a hand strap keeps it on your wrist. Near water, a float keeps it at the surface if it slips. Each Nordic Flash float is made to float an item up to 7 oz (200 g), so weigh your setup first. Our guide to keeping a GoPro from sinking covers the setup.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take a GoPro on a plane?

Yes. The camera can go in your carry-on. Spare lithium batteries must go in carry-on bags only, with the terminals protected, per the FAA. Check your airline's own rules too.

Can GoPro batteries go in a checked bag?

Not spare ones. The FAA says spare lithium batteries, including camera batteries, must go in carry-on bags only. If your carry-on is checked at the gate, take the spares out first.

How do I pack spare GoPro batteries for a flight?

Protect the terminals: keep each battery in a battery case or its packaging, tape the terminals, or put each one in its own plastic bag.

What is the watt-hour limit for camera batteries on a plane?

The FAA limits lithium-ion batteries to 100 Wh each. Check the rating printed on your battery and your airline's own limits.

What should I bring for a beach trip with a GoPro?

A float, so the camera doesn't sink if you drop it, plus spare batteries and a cloth for the lens.