batteries: December 2007 Archives

Beginning  January 1,  airline passengers will no longer be allowed to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage, under new transportation laws aimed at reducing the risk of battery fires.

Passengers are permitted to  carry up to two spare extended-life rechargeable lithium batteries in carry-on bags as long as they are in their original packaging or in a plastic zipper bag, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Checked bags can contain batteries already installed in gadgets such as cell phones, cameras or laptop computers, according to the DOT.

Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions. Safety testing conducted by the FAA found that current aircraft cargo fire suppression system would not be capable of suppressing a fire if a shipment of non-rechargeable lithium batteries were ignited in flight.