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Travel Advice/Travel Tips - New Rules
on Carrying Spare Batteries
The material below was issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation to
help educate the public on new rules regarding transportation of lithium
batteries, the type commonly found in cell phones, laptops, cameras
(both still and video) and other devices commonly carried by travelers.
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 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!
TIPS
- Pack spare batteries in carry-on baggage. In the passenger
compartment, flight crews can better monitor safety conditions to
prevent an incident, and can access fire extinguishers, if an
incident does happen.
- Keep spare batteries in the original retail packaging, to
prevent unintentional activation or short-circuiting.
- For loose batteries, place tape across the battery's contacts to
isolate terminals. Isolating terminals prevents short-circuiting.
- If original packaging is not available, effectively insulate
battery terminals by isolating spare batteries from contact with
other batteries and metal. Place each battery in its own protective
case, plastic bag, or package. Do not permit a loose battery to come
in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys, or jewelry.
- Only charge batteries which you are sure are rechargeable!
Non-rechargeable batteries are not designed for re-charging, and
become hazards if they are placed in a battery charger. NEVER
attempt to recharge a battery unless you know it is rechargeable.
- If you have already charged a non-rechargeable battery, do NOT
bring such a battery on board an aircraft.
- Use only chargers designed for your type of batteries. If unsure
about compatibility, contact the product manufacturer.
- Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high
degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal
short-circuit, resulting in overheating.
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GUIDE TO RULES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2008 |
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Type Of Battery/Batteries
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In Checked Baggage |
In Carry-On Baggage:
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Lithium Metal Battery, Installed in a
Device (up to 2 grams lithium) |
Permitted 1
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Recommended 1
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Spare Lithium Metal Battery (Not Installed
In a Device) (up to 2 grams lithium)
(up to 2 grams lithium) |
Forbidden |
Permitted in carry-on baggage 2
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Lithium Metal Battery, Spare or Installed
(over 2 grams lithium) |
Forbidden |
Forbidden |
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Lithium-Ion Battery Installed in a Device
(up to 8 grams lithium equivalent content)
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Permitted 1
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Recommended 1
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Spare Lithium-Ion Battery (Not Installed in
a Device)
(up to 8 grams lithium equivalent content)
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Forbidden |
Permitted in carry-on baggage 2
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“Special Case”
Up to 2 Lithium-Ion Batteries, Spare or
Installed
(between 8 and 25 grams aggregate lithium
equivalent content) |
Spare Batteries: Forbidden!
Installed in Devices: Permitted 1
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Spare Batteries: Permitted 2
Installed in Devices: Permitted 1
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1. Although you may carry some devices and
installed batteries in checked baggage, carrying them in
carry-on baggage, when practicable, is preferred. Whether in
checked or carry-on baggage, ensure that devices remain switched
off, either by built-in switch/trigger locks, by taping the
activation switch in the “off” postion, or by other appropriate
measures.
2. Be sure to take protective measures to
prevent against short-circuits. |
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