The Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, recently updated its rules for lithium-ion batteries and checked luggage bags. Things are getting tougher for people traveling with that class of batteries on North American airlines. We provide an overview of the current status, plus a link to the FAA page below.
No Lithium-Ion Batteries in Checked Devices
The FAA approach is becoming clearer. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are potentially hazardous on airplanes, regardless of the circumstances, it seems to have decided. And that is whether they are lying loose, or in power banks, or in our favorite laptops.
We must be able to declare ‘no rechargeable lithium-ion batteries’ in any luggage we are checking in. This includes any spare batteries, any in our portable chargers, and any in any other device we are checking in. The term ‘device’ seems open-ended, and includes computers, phones, laptops and the like.
Why Keep Lithium-Ion Out of Checked Luggage
Most rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are safe. However, and here’s the catch, they can malfunction if we abuse them. There are also a number of counterfeit, low quality batteries entering our markets, with a greater chance of malfunctioning.
This is why the FAA wants to keep all rechargeable lithium-ion batteries away from checked luggage bags. It wants to see them in the passenger cabin, where passengers can keep an eye on them. And more importantly, where cabin crew can intervene if a battery shows signs of malfunctioning.
If you are traveling on a flight to or from America, you should therefore keep your rechargeable lithium-ion batteries – and any devices containing them – with you in the cabin. Please DO NOT put them in an overhead locker. Keep them with you, so you can monitor them, and call cabin staff if you notice anything unusual.
More Information
Spotting Counterfeit Lithium-Ion Batteries
Beware Substandard Lithium-Ion Batteries
