I thought this, too, but apparently a small device with an installed battery can be checked. Specifically, you can check a device with an installed battery of

I thought this, too, but apparently a small device with an installed battery can be checked. Specifically, you can check a device with an installed battery of up to 100 watt hours. If the battery is loose, it has to be carried on. If is larger capacity, it might need special approval. [0]: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-device https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/... [1]: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/passenger_info/media/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/as... (PDF)