Lithium Batteries

29 July 2009, 04:07

Pegleg

Lithium Batteries

I've heard that lithium batteries are not permited on airliners. Doesn't anyone take their Surefire torches, and if you do what do you do about your batteries and spares? I guess that goes for lithium camera batteries, too.
What is a guy to do? Can you take them in your carry-on?

29 July 2009, 04:20

Larry Sellers

The lithium 123 batteries used in flashlights and such are no problem at all. Most all regs refer to the larger ones used in cameras, laptops, video cams etc. Most airlines want you to put these batteries in your carry on, so as to be readily accessible by aircraft personel if the need should arise. Simply check the regs of the airline you will be using and TSA for their current regs on this. I don't know of a single airline that won't accept these batteries if stored and secured properly, but check it out yourself.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

29 July 2009, 04:26

Oday450

There was an issue a year or s ago with larger Li batteries such as those in laptop computers. The issue was clarified to indicated the small flashlight type batteries are not a major problem.

The safetravel.dot.gov web site now contains the following information.

quote:
Effective January 1, 2008, you may not pack spare lithium batteries in your checked baggage.

You may pack spare lithium batteries in your carry-on baggage. Please see our Spare Battery Tips and How-To sections to find out how to pack spare batteries safely!

If you pack a device containing batteries, secure it against activation by locking the activation switch in the "off" position, placing the device in a protective case, or by other appropriate measures.

For personal use, there is generally no restriction on the number of spare batteries allowed in carry-on baggage. This is the case for cell phone batteries, "hearing aid" button cells, and AA batteries/AAA batteries available in retail stores, as well as almost all standard laptop computer batteries.

29 July 2009, 07:14

CharlesL

I think the problem is the discharge rate on lithium or lithium ion batteries is so high that a short due to improper packing can start a fire in the luggage compartment. I packed my spare battery packs for the video camera in plastic baggies inside my carry on and there was no problem. I think the small (AAA / AA) batteries in the original packaging is okay in checked luggage, but check with your airline for their rules.

29 July 2009, 07:57

mstarling

Lithium camera batteries in the camera (like a Nikon) are OK. I took spare AA rechargable lithium metal hydride batteries and SureFire batteries in plastic containers made for them so that they cannot short out. Packed them in the carry-on.

No problem.

29 July 2009, 12:57

N E 450 No2

The main thing is the batteries cannot be "loose". I always pack my Sure Fire batteries in their Spares carrriers.

If I think I need more of them that I have spares carriers I leave them in their original box[s], and put that box[s] in one of the small Pelican cases. I then put that in my carry on. I have never had a problem.

29 July 2009, 18:54

MARK H. YOUNG

Dave,

The only problem with the Lithium 123's we've had is find them in the local stores.

Mark

MARK H. YOUNG
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29 July 2009, 19:02

Pegleg

Thanks to all! I'm trying to take some batteries for my PH and would hate to have to leave them behind.

03 September 2009, 14:57

470drshooter

Surefire has a six battery secure plastic container for their lithium batteries. I took this plus their 12 battery box on my recent trip to Namibia and had no trouble with Luthansa or Air Namibia. All batteries were kept in secure packaging in carry on back pack.

04 September 2009, 03:01

Ed Scarboro

I carried several packs of the 123's for my PH in Zimbabwe and there was no problem on Delta or South African Air. I had some in my carry on back pack and some in my checked bagage.

04 September 2009, 03:43

safari-lawyer

Pegleg:

I carried a 12 pack of CR123s in the Surefire cardboard box with no problems at all.

04 September 2009, 09:01

Blank

The lady running the X-Ray in Atlanta noticed them in my carry on, and had the attendant ask me about them. Maybe they thought it was a revolver (?), the way they were in a cylindrical array. I showed they were in the SureFire case for 6 batteries and he just said "Very nice - thank you" and that was the end of it.

05 September 2009, 05:47

RVL III

Buy your PH a rechargable Surefire

05 September 2009, 07:38

N E 450 No2

A Pelican 1010 will cary 2 boxes of Sure Fire 123 batteries, 12 per box.

A Pelican 1020 will carry 2 boxes of batteries and a SF flashlight like a 6P,G2 etc.

05 September 2009, 07:41

N E 450 No2

quote:
Originally posted by RVL III:
Buy your PH a rechargable Surefire

For a PH a rechargeable Sure Fire would be good. Especially with a charger for the Cruiser.

Also take him some spare bulbs, and spare rechargeable batteries.

The 10X is a good light.