News: New Rules On Packing Lithium Batteries

The NTSB has released a "Safety Recommendation" (A-08-1 and A-08-2) in reference to lithium batteries packed in luggage. As of January 1st, travelers can no longer pack loose batteries (i.e. those not installed in electronic devices) in checked bags, due to risk of fire. However, unlimited loose batteries are allowed in carry-on bags, though the agency "strongly recommends" separating them in individual zippered bags or compartments if they aren't in their original packaging.

One exception: Passengers carrying-on lithium batteries that have 8 to 25 grams of lithium content are limited to two uninstalled batteries in each carry-on. Most consumer electronic goods such as laptops, digital cameras and cellphones use batteries that are much less than this exception.

The PDF article (linked below) also mentions a UPS cargo plane that caught fire on February 7th, 2006 the “cause of the in-flight fire could not be determined in the UPS accident, the presence of a significant quantity of electronic equipment in the containers where the fire most likely originated.”

Source PDF: http://www.ntsb.gov/recs/letters/2008/A08_1_2.pdf

Tags: Airlines, Flying, Safety
Technorati Tags: Airlines, Flying, Safety