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Next week: batteries banned from checked luggage
Attention gadget-packing travelers: starting January 1, 2008, you will no longer be able to pack "loose lithium batteries" in your checked luggage, says the Department of Transportation. By loose, they mean either A) not attached to an electronic device in your checked luggage, or B) not in a zipped plastic baggy in your carry-on."Common consumer electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones, and most laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage," reads the report. "However, the rule limits individuals to bringing only two extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries, such as laptop and professional audio/video/camera equipment lithium batteries in carry-on baggage." Spare is the key word there.
For once, as Chris Elliott notes, this new regulation isn't due to a terrorism threat. Instead, the ban is a safety precaution, as "lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions."
In case the light-on-details report is unclear, this means that you can still bring your digital cameras and laptops on-board in your carry-on, but loose batteries -- such as an extra one for your laptop or camera -- must be limited to two, and placed in a plastic baggy if carried on. What isn't clear is how the TSA will determine whether or not your audio, video, or camera equipment is "professional." And if it's not professional, is there still a limit on how many batteries you can bring on board?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Shawn Dec 28th 2007 10:08PM
"Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions."
"must be limited to two, and placed in a plastic baggy if carried on."
Okay... So these baggies’ are going to save the day when these batteries ignite? The Department of Transportation thinks up some stupid rules... I guess the batteries will fit nice in a baggy next to a few 3 oz bottles of unknown fluids that a terrorist is sneaking on the plane. Oh... Don't forget to take the gels out of your shoes (big threat to national security!).
Steve Dec 28th 2007 11:27PM
This is another example of the TSA jumping straight in with both feet and not assessing the situation. Yes, I am the first to agree lithium batteries can self ignite under certain situations, usually when the terminals are caused to short out. So now lets look at the solution....hmm lets place two batteries inside a small zip lock bag so the the chances of the two terminals touching is greatly increased and allow the flimsy plastic zippy to be a source of fuel!! Compare this to the old method of batteries stored seperately and usually wrapped around non metalic garments with no chance of having a short? Still the remote case of a faulty battery, but considerably less of a risk then TSA top innovative ideas. Dont you just love paying these peoples wages as a tax payer!
Tri Dec 31st 2007 12:11AM
Again, this makes as much sense as the liquid rule. "4oz can be used by terrorists, but not 3oz" ~ "3 spare batteries will ignite, but not 2".