Lithium batteries - flight restrictions

[Dave Watterson]

Did you know that since 1st January 2008 you are not supposed to carry loose lithium-ion batteries in your check-in baggage on flights into the USA - and by extension to many other places too?

You can leave them in place if you have packed, say, your camcorder in your suitcase. Just make sure the camcorder is switched off.
You cannot pop spare batteries in the suitcase.
You can carry spare batteries in hand-luggage, but be careful to put tape over the terminals and/or pack them in a sealed clear plastic bag. The precautions are to stop them shorting - for example if tossed into a bag along with keys or jewellery.

The worry is about modern powerful batteries starting fires if they get accidentally shorted or damaged during a flight. If that happens in the hold it could cause a tragedy. If it happens in the cabin, the crew can use fire-extinguishers.

I happened on the story accidentally, but it may be important to lots of film makers.

You can see the American regulations on http://safetravel.dot.gov/


- Dave

[Willy]

The worry is about modern powerful batteries starting fires if they get accidentally shorted or damaged during a flight.
- Dave

Many thanks for the information, Dave. Now I am even more afraid of flying ! I intended to go to New York.

[Stephen]

yup.... be careful with those there batteries !!!!

here's a useful page for care of lithium batteries

its about failures but there are some useful tips ...


http://www.mpoweruk.com/lithium_failures.htm

[Brian Saberton]

Perhaps we should just all wrap ourselves up in cotton wool and stay indoors.