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Why do airports care about lithium batteries?

Such a hazard, in fact, that the FAA has issued a new warning on the dangers such batteries could pose to aircraft, and the could on board, essentially calling for their ban. Lithium batteries present a risk of both igniting and fueling fires in aircraft cargo/baggage compartments.



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Through a process called X-ray absorption, TSA agents are able to identify lithium-ion batteries and remove them for further inspection. When X-rays pass through a piece of luggage, they create an image on the other side. The TSA agent looks at this image and can tell if there are any suspicious items present.

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What can happen if I accidentally forgot some portable electronics that use lithium batteries in my check in bag? Generally nothing happens. You can carry most electronic devices with installed lithium batteries in checked luggage. You cannot carry loose batteries or ones in external chargers.

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Methods include: leaving the batteries in their retail packaging, covering battery terminals with tape, using a battery case, using a battery sleeve in a camera bag, or putting them snugly in a plastic bag or protective pouch.

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Size limits: Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery.

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Through a process called X-ray absorption, TSA agents are able to identify lithium-ion batteries and remove them for further inspection. When X-rays pass through a piece of luggage, they create an image on the other side. The TSA agent looks at this image and can tell if there are any suspicious items present.

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For example, flyers often wonder if a 20000mah power bank is allowed on flight. As 20000mah makes for less than 100 watt-hours, it can be carried in cabin luggage.

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Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited in checked baggage. They must be carried with the passenger in carry-on baggage.

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Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. For more information, see the FAA guidance on portable rechargers.

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For lithium metal batteries the lithium metal content must not exceed 2 g and for lithium ion batteries the Watt-hour rating must not exceed 100 Wh. Devices in checked baggage must be completely switched off and must be protected from damage. Each person is limited to a maximum of 15 PED.

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Pack all spare lithium batteries in carry on luggage only.
This is so that, in the unlikely event of a fire hazard caused by a short-circuit, the crew of the plane has easy access to the batteries.

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Generally nothing happens. You can carry most electronic devices with installed lithium batteries in checked luggage. You cannot carry loose batteries or ones in external chargers. Refer to the FAA FAQ on batteries .

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