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FAA prohibits lithium batteries in checked-in bags

To minimize the risk of fires, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has disallowed air passengers to carry spare lithium batteries in checked luggages beginning January 1.

Passengers, however, can still bring lithium batteries only if they are installed in electronic devices like laptop computers, cameras and mobile phones.

They can also pack up to two spare batteries, with a total lithium content of 25 grams, in a plastic bag kept in a carry-on baggage.

According to the US Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, keeping a spare battery in its original retail packaging or a plastic zip-lock bag prevents short-circuiting and fires.

It added that lithium batteries are prone to overheat and ignite in certain conditions. Safety testing conducted by the FAA showed that current aircraft cargo fire suspension system is not capable of supressing fire when lithium batteries were ignited in flight.

“This rule protects the passenger,” said Lynne Osmus, FAA assistant administrator for security and hazardous materials, in a statement.

“It’s one more step for safety. It’s the right thing to do and the right time to do it.”