Kimberly Pierceall
Lithium Batteries on a Plane ... Worse than Snakes?
(Example of a lithium battery not allowed in checked luggage or carry-on baggage starting Jan. 1)
(Example of a lithium ion battery you CAN bring in carry-on luggage)
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration -- didn't know there was such a thing eh? -- will bar travelers from bringing spare lithium batteries usually used to power digital cameras, laptops and audio equipment in their checked luggage starting Jan. 1.
Oddly, the decree isn't coming from the Transportation Security Administration which usually decides what is and isn't allowed in baggage like that dreaded 12 oz. bottle of lotion.
Nico Melendez, TSA's Western Regional Public Affairs Officer, said Monday that agents have been advised to keep an eye out for the batteries and would alert the airline if they find them in baggage.
The new rule only allows travelers to keep two spare rechargeable lithium batteries in carry-on baggage only.
Apparently the non-rechargeable kind are prone to overheating and igniting -- two not-so-pleasant happenings on an airplane.
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