Nowadays, every time we travel, we always have batteries with us. They are either in our phones, headphones, laptops, activity trackers, smart watches, and cameras and many of them use Lithium-Ion batteries. Problem with batteries is that they can sometimes explode or burst into flames if they are have defects, damaged, or mishandled. Airlines are very much concerned about these that they require that passengers carry them in their carry-ons rather in the cargo with their checked-in luggage so that flight attendants can deal with such incidents quickly. But previously the ban has not been total.
The FAA, while it says the passengers carry their batteries with them in the cabin, had this provision in its 2018 Fact Sheet:
Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, including – but not limited to – smartphones, tablets, and laptops, should be kept in carry-on baggage. If these devices are packed in checked baggage, they should be turned completely off, protected from accidental activation and packed so they are protected from damage.
But now, the ban of Lithium-Ion batteries in checked-in luggages and placed in the cargo areas is now total with this interim rule issued by the Department of Transportation and the FAA last Wednesday, February 27, 2019.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), today issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) to enhance air safety by revising the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) for lithium ion cells or batteries transported by aircraft.
“This rule will strengthen safety for the traveling public by addressing the unique challenges lithium batteries pose in transportation,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.
This IFR prohibits the transport of lithium ion cells or batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft. In addition, the IFR requires lithium ion cells and batteries to be shipped at not more than a 30 percent state of charge aboard cargo-only aircraft.
“PHMSA is enhancing passenger safety by permitting personal electronic devices onboard aircraft while ensuring cargo shipments of batteries are transported separately,” said PHMSA Administrator Howard “Skip” Elliott.
Lithium-Ion Cells (Source: Wikimedia)
So how does this concern the airsoft player? Apart from photographers and videographers, airsofters probably are some of the battery laden airline passengers as they carry batteries for their AEGs and action cameras. With Lithium-Ion batteries now growing in use for AEGs, airsoft players who use air transport to travel to events will have to ensure that all batteries, Lithium-Ion or not, are in their carry-ons.
One of the better investments when transporting batteries is the inexpensive explosion proof and fire resistance storage battery pouch that you can order online. This will allow you to safely carry the batteries with you in the passenger area of the airliner.