New Rules For Carrying Lithium Batteries On Airplanes

Posted: 1/3/2008

New aircraft restrictions in checked and carry-on luggage for carrying loose lithium batteries, such as for laptop and professional audio/video/camera equipment, went into effect January 1, 2008. The new rules have been implemented to help reduce the risk of battery fires.

Under the new rules:

• Passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage.
• Passengers can take two loose batteries in carry-on baggage but only if each battery is in a separate re-sealable plastic bag or in its original packaging.
• Common electronics (cameras, cell phones, laptop computers) are still allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage with their lithium batteries inside them.

Complete information can be found on the Transportation Security Administration website (http://www.tsa.gov/) under "In The News."

If you have any questions about this subject, please contact the Purchasing Office at 882-6553.