TSA Bans Popular Item in Checked Luggage
- The Transportation Security Management (TSA) is increasing security measures at U.S.
- Portable chargers and external batteries, once commonly accepted travel items, are now subject to stricter regulations and may not be transported in checked luggage.
- according to the TSA, the updated list of prohibited items includes portable chargers, battery cases for cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and non-lithium rechargeable laptop batteries, as well as...
TSA Tightens Rules on Batteries in Checked Luggage
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The Transportation Security Management (TSA) is increasing security measures at U.S. airports, particularly concerning items permitted in checked baggage.
Restrictions on Portable Chargers and external Batteries
Portable chargers and external batteries, once commonly accepted travel items, are now subject to stricter regulations and may not be transported in checked luggage.
according to the TSA, the updated list of prohibited items includes portable chargers, battery cases for cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and non-lithium rechargeable laptop batteries, as well as external batteries.
FAA Concerns regarding Lithium-Ion batteries
These restrictions supplement existing rules about items passengers can carry in the cabin, aiming to minimize risks associated with these devices.
The federal aviation administration (FAA) issued a warning in late February, highlighting that lithium-ion batteries can overheat and experience thermal runaway without warning. This can be triggered by damage, overheating, water exposure, overloading, or improper packaging.
While aircraft crews are trained to handle fires caused by lithium batteries in the cabin, the FAA urges passengers to instantly notify crew members if their devices overheat, expand, smoke, or catch fire.
carry-On Requirements for lithium Batteries
Both lithium and lithium-ion batteries, including external chargers and cell phone power banks, must be transported in carry-on luggage without exception.
If carry-on luggage is checked at the gate, all lithium and spare external batteries must be removed and kept with the passenger.
Specific Items Affected
The FAA specifies that the following items are subject to these regulations:
- Replacement metal lithium batteries.
- Replacement rechargeable ion batteries for electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, watches, and calculators.
Battery Size and Quantity Limits
FAA officials have established limits on battery size:
- Lithium metal batteries must contain a maximum of 2 grams of metal per battery. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh) each.
“These limits allow the use of almost all types of lithium batteries used by the average person in their electronic devices,” according to the FAA.
With airline approval, passengers can carry up to two larger lithium-ion batteries with a capacity between 101 and 160 Wh, or lithium metal batteries containing between 2 and 8 grams of lithium.
“This size covers extended-life batteries for laptop computers and some higher-capacity batteries used in professional audio-visual equipment,” FAA officials stated.
- While there is generally no maximum quantity for most batteries, they must be for the passenger’s exclusive use and not intended for subsequent sale or distribution.
FAA officials noted a spare battery limit per person for the higher-capacity lithium-ion batteries described above.
Proper Handling and Protection
When transporting these devices, they must be protected from damage to prevent short circuits. This can be achieved by keeping them in their original packaging, covering the terminals with tape, using a protective cover, or storing them securely in a plastic bag.
The FAA advises that batteries and battery-powered devices that are damaged or recalled,and which could generate sparks or dangerous heat,should not be transported on aircraft unless the battery has been removed or or else secured.
Q: What are the recent changes in airline battery regulations?
A: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased security measures at U.S. airports, especially focusing on items permitted in checked baggage. Portable chargers and external batteries are now subject to stricter regulations and generally cannot be transported in checked luggage.
Q: What items are now prohibited from checked luggage?
A: According to the TSA, the updated list of prohibited items includes:
Portable chargers
Battery cases for cell phones
Rechargeable batteries
Non-lithium rechargeable laptop batteries
External batteries
Q: Why are there restrictions on lithium-ion batteries?
A: The Federal aviation Administration (FAA) has raised concerns about lithium-ion batteries. They can overheat and experience thermal runaway without warning, a process that can be triggered by damage, overheating, water exposure, overloading, or improper packaging.
Q: Where can I bring lithium and lithium-ion batteries?
A: Both lithium and lithium-ion batteries, including external chargers and cell phone power banks, must be transported in carry-on luggage.
Q: What happens if I try to check my carry-on luggage at the gate?
A: If your carry-on luggage is checked at the gate, you’ll need to remove all lithium and spare external batteries and keep them with you.
Q: What specific items are affected by these regulations?
A: The FAA specifies that the following items are subject to these regulations:
Replacement metal lithium batteries
Replacement rechargeable ion batteries for electronic devices such as:
Cameras
Cell phones
Laptop computers
Tablets
Watches
Calculators
Q: Are there size or quantity limitations on batteries?
A: Yes, the FAA has established limits:
Lithium metal batteries: Maximum 2 grams of metal per battery.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries: Must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh) each.
Q: What if my battery exceeds 100 Wh?
A: With airline approval, you can carry up to two larger lithium-ion batteries with a capacity between 101 and 160 Wh, or lithium metal batteries containing between 2 and 8 grams of lithium. these larger batteries are suitable for extended-life laptop batteries and some professional audio-visual equipment.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of batteries I can bring?
A: While there is generally no maximum quantity for most batteries, they must be for your exclusive use and not intended for sale or distribution. The FAA dose note a spare battery limit per person for the higher-capacity lithium-ion batteries.
Q: How should I handle and protect my batteries during travel?
A: Protect batteries from damage to prevent short circuits. Methods include:
Keeping them in their original packaging
Covering terminals with tape
Using a protective cover
Storing them securely in a plastic bag
Q: What should I do if my battery is damaged or recalled?
A: Do not* transport damaged or recalled batteries or battery-powered devices on aircraft unless the battery has been removed or is secured. These could generate perilous heat or sparks.