Wes Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 The TSA instituted new rules regarding traveling with loose lithium batteries, such as those found in cameras, laptops, cellphones, etc. Here's the details of the new rules: http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html Effective January 1, 2008, the following rules apply to the spare lithium batteries you carry with you in case the battery in a device runs low: * Spare batteries are the batteries you carry separately from the devices they power. When batteries are installed in a device, they are not considered spare batteries. * You may not pack a spare lithium battery in your checked baggage * You may bring spare lithium batteries with you in carry-on baggage – see our spare battery tips and how-to sections to find out how to pack spare batteries safely! * Even though we recommend carrying your devices with you in carry-on baggage as well, if you must bring one in checked baggage, you may check it with the batteries installed. The following quantity limits apply to both your spare and installed batteries. The limits are expressed in grams of “equivalent lithium content.” 8 grams of equivalent lithium content is approximately 100 watt-hours. 25 grams is approximately 300 watt-hours: * Under the new rules, you can bring batteries with up to 8-gram equivalent lithium content. All lithium ion batteries in cell phones are below 8 gram equivalent lithium content. Nearly all laptop computers also are below this quantity threshold. * You can also bring up to two spare batteries with an aggregate equivalent lithium content of up to 25 grams, in addition to any batteries that fall below the 8-gram threshold. Examples of two types of lithium ion batteries with equivalent lithium content over 8 grams but below 25 are shown below. * For a lithium metal battery, whether installed in a device or carried as a spare, the limit on lithium content is 2 grams of lithium metal per battery. * Almost all consumer-type lithium metal batteries are below 2 grams of lithium metal. But if you are unsure, contact the manufacturer! Basically, devices such as iPods, laptops and most cell phones would not be affected, as they can be installed into the device. However, carrying extra batteries for your camera, camcorder, or other device would be restricted to two batteries in your check-in luggage. You cannot pack loose lithium ion batteries at all in your checked luggage. How does this affect everyone's travel? I know Robb and Elissa bring a ton of spare batteries and stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrenaline_Rush Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Thats so dumb! When I travel I bring way more then that, though you can still buy some batteries when you get where your going but still, these restrictions are getting stupid. I mean if your allowed to take 2 lithium batteries, how come you cant take any more than that, I mean come on! If you can take lithium batteries, you might as well take them all! There not restricted there just lowering the size. What lame brain came up with this! I see a quote in the future... "Oh were saving people space in there luggage." I would just look at the dude who said that and just go ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRapidsNerd Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Something wierd must have happened recently to prompt this, since it seemingly came out of nowhere. It wasn't even an issue last May when I went to Newport News, VA. Had a 4 pack of energizer lith-ion AA's in my carry-on, and nothing said. Well, target's gonna make a killing on lith-ion batteries thanks to this new rule. Kinda silly, but doesn't warrent a dice roll. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XII Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 I don't get how this makes traveling any safer? Luckily, I don't bring spare batteries for my camcorder as I just charge it overnight everyday. But yeah, WTF? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeemerBoy Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 Pretty soon you'll be paying for two flights. One for yourself, and one for the plane that tags along carrying everything you can't bring onboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharkTums Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 I saw this while we were in Florida and was very worried. We have TONS of spare batteries for laptops, cameras, video cameras, DS's, etc. HOWEVER, there were absolutely no signs at the airport yesterday and no one at check in or security asked us about it. That seemed very odd. So yeah, something must have happened with checked batteries causing fires, but it must not have been a giant deal since it didn't make the news and they're not going crazy over it at the airports (yet). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteornotes Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 I read an article that stated they think a recent fire on a cargo plane was caused by a lithium battery, but since the investigation didn't prove or eliminate this theory, they're just erring on the side of caution. I doubt any official word on why this came down will be forthcoming, and I doubt it will ever be revoked no matter what scientific evidence is put forth to disprove the theory, just like the liquids one. dt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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