New TSA rules go into effect tomorrow folks.

[Luv_Jeeps]

If you don't want to lose your spare lithium batteries for your camera, notebook or cell phone, you might want to pack carefully for your next flight.

New rules from the Transportation and Security Administration that take effect on January 1 ban travelers from carrying loose lithium batteries in checked baggage. Passengers are allowed to pack two spare batteries in their carry-on bag, as long as they're in clear plastic baggies.
Fortunately, you don't have to worry about the batteries that are already installed in the devices you're bringing. The TSA has said it's safe to check in items like a laptop or iPhone that already have the batteries in place.

The agency said that loose lithium batteries not installed in devices pose a fire risk to passenger planes. Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board could not rule out the possibility that lithium batteries started a fire in a plane at the Philadelphia National Airport last year, according to the Associated Press.

If you do plan on bringing spare batteries in your carry-on bag, be aware of some other rules: You can only bring batteries with an equivalent of up to 8 grams of lithium content. (Most batteries for cell phones and laptops meet this requirement.) And for lithium metal batteries, whether carried as a spare or installed in a device, batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium metal.

So I show up to security with my camera case that has 2 camera bodies with a total of 3 batteries installed and 2 spares for each for a total of 7.....wonder how they'll handle that. Also, am I now supposed to weigh my camera batteries? WTF?

[ColoradoSkier]

The TSA is becoming an increasingly frustrating, idiotic drain on the Federal budget.

[Steve]

Didn't know about the new rules, but it won't affect me.

I saw a good rebuttal to the TSA bashers in the news yesterday. They should offer two flights; one where people and baggage have been screened and one where there's been no screening. Let people choose which to fly on. I wonder which flights would be full? :shrug:

In all seriousness the battery rule makes more sense than some other security rules. Any kind of loose battery in checked luggage (not sure why they're focused mainly on Li-based batteries) is a fire hazard - period. Short one out and you can easily have a fire that brings down a plane.

[oleblue]

How in the world is someone going to know how many grams of li-xx is in a battery.

I looked at my Cell phone and don't see anything, not even what type of battery it is. - Oh wait, I found 3.7v Li-ion. But that does not tell me how much is in it.

Now I do not understand this:
"Fortunately, you don't have to worry about the batteries that are already installed in the devices you're bringing. The TSA has said it's safe to check in items like a laptop or iPhone that already have the batteries in place."

then this:
"You can only bring batteries with an equivalent of up to 8 grams of lithium content. (Most batteries for cell phones and laptops meet this requirement.) And for lithium metal batteries, whether carried as a spare or installed in a device, batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium metal. "

:confused:

[Luv_Jeeps]

Didn't know about the new rules, but it won't affect me.

I saw a good rebuttal to the TSA bashers in the news yesterday. They should offer two flights; one where people and baggage have been screened and one where there's been no screening. Let people choose which to fly on. I wonder which flights would be full? :shrug:

In all seriousness the battery rule makes more sense than some other security rules. Any kind of loose battery in checked luggage (not sure why they're focused mainly on Li-based batteries) is a fire hazard - period. Short one out and you can easily have a fire that brings down a plane.

While I am not bashing the TSA (too much) it seems to me that as a semi-professional photographer who takes great care in packing his gear, in my case for carry-on should be able to open my camera case (Pelican) and show them how I have not only securely packed everything, but also that the batteries all have hard plastic covers on them that protect the contacts.
I wouldn't check or ship my gear at all. It stays with me at all times when traveling.

[Mike Boyle]

Steve I think they are focusing on the Lith batterys because they have a greater storage capasity than an alkaline battery. It would take several alk batteries to generate the same amount of heat a single lith battery can when shorted. I agree that all batteries pose a risk, but instead of banning them from luggage, why can't they come up with a suitable method of storage (ie. clear plastic case)? Guess its just easier to say no you can't than here's how you need to proceed!

[Pioneer]

Didn't know about the new rules, but it won't affect me.

I saw a good rebuttal to the TSA bashers in the news yesterday. They should offer two flights; one where people and baggage have been screened and one where there's been no screening. Let people choose which to fly on. I wonder which flights would be full? :shrug:

I'd make sure I was on whichever flight made sure that those batteries and pesky liquids were in the safe confines of the magic plastic baggy. I mean come on, what good does that stupid bag do??? Can someone enlighten me?

[Steve]

I'd make sure I was on whichever flight made sure that those batteries and pesky liquids were in the safe confines of the magic plastic baggy. I mean come on, what good does that stupid bag do??? Can someone enlighten me?

Here's what I've been told: The quart bag limits the total amount of liquids, creams, etc. that you can carry on board to a small enough quantity that it's not a concern for explosives. Dunno how valid that is, but it makes sense. I know people who would bring gallon bags or bigger stuffed full of 3 oz. containers if it was allowed, which would kinda defeat the entire purpose of the rule.

I don't like or agree with all of the TSA rules, but you either follow them or you don't fly. I've wanted to, on several occasions, tell someone at the front of the screening line to get the hell out of line while they argue about how special they are and how they alone should be allowed to break the rules.

[Ghettojeep]

Some lithium batteries burn really hot, I've heard them compared to white phosporus, and just like it cannot be extiguished by water. :eek: I know that the li-po batteries in RC applications have caused a few catastrophic fires.

I do agree that the TSA is crap. When I just travelled 3 out of the 4 things I had in my magical baggy were over the limit. They didn't even take a second look.

[Brett N Colorado]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm travelling again Monday for business and I typically carry 2 spare cell batts in my carry on, I'll just add them to the checked luggage now.

Brett