More HazMat Carriage by Passengers and Crew Lithium Batteries


Because of the widespread usage of lithium batteries in consumer electronic devices such as laptop computers, cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs there are provisions to permit Crew Members and passengers to carry lithium battery powered equipment in checked or cabin baggage. Crewmembers and passengers are also permitted to carry spare lithium batteries for such devices, up to a defined size. Spare lithium batteries must be in cabin baggage. For the most part, lithium ion batteries in such consumer electronic devices will not exceed a capacity of 100 Watt hours (Wh). As an indication a typical laptop computer battery has a capacity of approximately 53 Wh. Most new batteries will be marked with the Wh rating.


Lithium batteries pose a unique hazard on board aircraft because they contain stored energy, which if released through a short circuit is capable of causing a fire.


Lithium batteries can be divided into two groups:


Primary (non-rechargeable) lithium metal batteries, typically used in smaller devices such as watches, calculators and cameras.


Secondary (rechargeable) lithium ion batteries, tend to be larger and are used in devices such as laptop computers.


Because of their chemistry lithium batteries also pose a chemical hazard because of the presence of metallic lithium or flammable liquid electrolyte.


(More Lithium Batteries § 175.10 Exceptions for passengers, crewmembers, and air operators.)


Weapons and Ammunition


Check with your operator first. You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Inform the FBO or Crew about firearm and/ or ammunition before boarding.


Small arms ammunition (up to 19.1 mm (.75 caliber) for rifle and pistol cartridges, any size shotgun shells) for personal use, when securely boxed and carried in checked baggage only or compartment not accessible to the passengers. (more info at TSA - Transporting Firearms & Ammunition)


Carriage of Battery Operated Mobility Devices & Medical Equipment


Wheelchairs or mobility devices powered by wet cell or gel batteries may only be carried with prior approval in the baggage compartment; they are not permitted in the cabin.


Devices powered by a lithium battery with a watt-hour (wh) rating exceeding 100wh but not exceeding 160wh may be carried as checked or carry-on baggage, subject to space


9 Dangerous Goods & Hazardous Materials


and cabin baggage limitations. No more than two spare batteries may be carried in carry-on baggage only, which must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.


Electronic Cigarettes, Vaping Devices


These devices are battery powered and have a heating element that vaporizes liquid (that may or may not contain nicotine). These devices are prohibited in checked baggage and may only be carried in the aircraft cabin (in carry-on baggage or on your person). They may not be used or charged on the aircraft. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, all electronic cigarette and vaping devices, along with any spare lithium batteries, must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin.


WARNING: Lithium batteries must be handled with extreme care. Lithium batteries must be compatible with the device. Installed batteries must not be more powerful than what the device is designed for. Homemade "modified" battery packs–whether installed in a device or carried as a spare–are forbidden on aircraft. Spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries must be placed in carry-on baggage.


Dry ice


Carbon dioxide, solid, 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) or less, when used to pack perishables


Quantity limit: 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) per package and per passenger. Airline approval is required.


Packages must NOT be air tight and must allow the release of carbon dioxide gas.


When in checked baggage, the package must be marked "Dry ice" or "Carbon dioxide, solid" and marked with the net quantity of dry ice, or an indication that it is 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) or less.


Tip: Additional non-hazardous ice packs (blue ice, gel packs, etc.) can be used to supplement the dry ice. However, for carry-on baggage, if the product contains any liquid or gel in excess of 100 ml (3.4 oz) per container, the TSA security rules require that the product be in the frozen state (i.e., solid) when the passenger goes through security screening.


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