FAA issues lithium battery warning The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned US airline passengers not to pack spare lithium batteries in their checked baggage. The advisory covers "spare lithium metal and spare rechargeable lithium ion batteries for personal electronics such as cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, tablets, watches, calculators, …
I would expect it's the risk of exposed terminals getting shorted together and causing an overcurrent heating and/or a spark. Batteries in devices don't have that risk, as terminals aren't available for contact (or comment).
Having said all of that it seems the FAA (again) are behind the curve - the European authorities have mandated no batteries in hold luggage for ages - it's on all the warning signs at airport check-in (the one that says you can't take guns, knives and various other stuff in the hold that the check-in operative always points you at and asks if you've read it) and has been for ages.
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A lot of devices have done "cost savings" putting most of the protection circuitry on the device side. In addition to that, it is less likely to short circuit when inside the device (unless the device packs up).
So on the overall, a battery in the device is safer than a battery carried separately.
Metal cutlery ...?
Iberia
Air France
SAS
and several others have no problem with metal cutlery in coach... being a long haul peon don't know about up front - but suspect 1st class NEVER have plastic cutlery....
Now if they put USB power/charging on all seats ....
That's what the article's saying. They don't want lithium batteries stored in an inaccessible place, is all. If shipping air cargo, the shippers can take precautions by putting the lithium stuff on top (so it can be reached easily) and keeping extra fire equipment on hand (in case something happens).
Lithium's spontaneous combustion risk highlights it as a "Special Handling Needed."
I just had a delay on a new 'phone being shipped from China. Was told the package was not approved in airline cargo with Li battery, but the "alternative route" came via Dutch post and the speed it arrived (following the on-line tracking) suggests it must have been a flight. I am left with the feeling that some airlines are getting into a spin, while others are more relaxed.
Oh yes, the 'phone battery was included inside the phone, but with the plastic isolator film still attached - how does this qualify? Is it a spare or not?
Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit."
So yes.
On our most recent big trip, a 15+ hour flight leg over the North Pole, I literally pulled out a power bar and plugged it into the 100watt AC outlet on the seat. Me and the two kids then connected all our gadgets as required. A Flight Attendant gave it a good stare, but them smiled in comprehension with the three happy campers. No issue.
All gadgets and batteries are in the carry-on bag, of course. Don't want them stolen or lost.
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