Given the kind of rules and regulations that TSA keeps implementing, it often becomes confusing even for people who travel regularly. With constant changes in what can be carried and what will be put under major scrutiny, passengers need to keep themselves up to date with the changing TSA rules.
The latest addition that travelers need to be aware of is TSA’s new rules concerning spare or uninstalled lithium ion and lithium metal batteries. As reported by The Street, “Small, lightweight portable chargers have flown under the radar for years. But lately, travelers have been reporting that TSA agents are pulling them out of their bags at security checkpoints and confiscating them.”
It should be noted that these items are not banned, but the FAA regulations mention, “Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.” This new regulation has come to being as a result of people carrying too many battery-powered devices or poorly labeled battery packs.
TSA has not mentioned that the batteries that a passenger is carrying should be within 100 watt-hours (Wh) unless there has been explicit approval from the airlines. TSA has also mentioned that it is important to clearly label powerbanks so that the Wh rating shows. The new regulations also mention that carrying multiple devices will lead to more checking and possible confiscation.
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The new rules further add that if authorities find unstable, suspicious-looking, or oversized chargers, they can confiscate them. Therefore, anyone traveling with power banks should ensure that they are lesser than 100 Wh and there are labels clearly mentioning the same.
It is also important to note that one should not place lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage as the new rule is not only for check-in. As reported by The Street, “When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power packs must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must also be protected from short circuit, per the TSA.”
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Besides rules about power banks, TSA also mentions, “E-cigarettes, vape pens, and most electronic smoking devices are banned from checked bags for the same fire risk reasons. One lighter is permitted per person, though torch lighters remain prohibited entirely. And all flammable materials are still forbidden.”
It is important to keep these rules in mind while boarding flights to make a smooth journey free of hassle.
