News / Security
US checked-baggage rules for loose lithium batteries
In January 2008, the US Transportation Security Administration had introduced baggage restrictions aimed at loose lithium batteries.
The distinction in the rule
The account said spare batteries could not go in checked baggage because loose cells were treated as a potential fire risk. It distinguished them from equipment such as laptops or phones whose batteries were installed in the device.
What travellers were told then
It described a carry-on allowance for two spare batteries in clear plastic bags and stated lithium-content limits. The report linked the caution to an investigation in which the National Transportation Safety Board had not excluded batteries as a possible fire source.
Do not treat this as current travel advice
These were the conditions reported for early 2008, not a current packing guide. Airline and security requirements can change, so the historical rule should not be used to decide present travel compliance.