TSA Restricts Lithium Batteries on Flights

 ..Hank Castello

There's a lot of misinformation on this new rule that took effect Jan 1, 2008. The short of it is - no loose lithium batteries in checked baggage and no more than two loose, properly packaged lithium batteries in carry-on luggage. That info is from the TSA (http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/batteries.shtm).

However, they reference another site for more info - http://safetravel.dot.gov and on that site (http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html ) we find that you can..

..bring up to two spare batteries with an aggregate equivalent lithium content of up to 25 grams..

OK, quickly now - just how many grams of lithium are in YOUR batteries???

The largest Sony batteries for our FX1, FP-970 have only 4.2 grams each (according to my best resources). But how will you prove that to airport security guards? If you're travelling with three or more cameras, you'll likely want to bring more than two extra batteries, so be forwarned and prepared.

As for the "properly packaged", it seems that sealable, clear plastic sandwich or freezer bags will do. Happy Flying!