All portable
electronic devices (PEDs) containing lithium batteries, and spare lithium
batteries carried on planes are subject to dangerous goods regulations to
ensure that they do not pose a hazard to aircraft (such as a fire in the passenger cabin or fire in the aircraft cargo compartments).
Lithium
batteries, which power everyday devices, can catch fire if damaged or if
battery terminals are short-circuited.
If lithium batteries are shipped by air, it is
classified as dangerous goods class 9.
Lithium Batteries Definition
Lithium Battery
– a family of batteries with different chemistries, comprising many types of
cathodes and electrolytes. Lithium batteries fall into two broad
classifications; lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
1- Lithium metal batteries (including lithium alloy batteries)
Non-rechargeable
batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode.
Lithium metal
batteries are generally used to power devices such as cameras, watches,
defibrillators, etc.
Also, you need
to know about the term “cell” which means a single encased electrochemical unit
(one positive and one negative electrode) that exhibits a voltage differential
across its two terminals. If more than one cell is electronically connected
called a lithium battery.
This means a
single cell battery is considered a cell and not a battery for the limitations
set out in the Dangerous goods regulations.
Another term is
used, a button cell battery - a small round cell where the overall height is
less than the diameter. Button cells are often referred to as “coin” cells.
2- Lithium-ion batteries (including lithium polymer batteries)
Li-ion
batteries are rechargeable batteries where the lithium is only present in an
ionic form in the electrolyte.
Lithium-ion
batteries are generally used to power devices such as e-bikes, laptop
computers, mobile telephones, power tools, etc.
Why lithium-ion battery is best?
Lithium-ion
battery technology is superior to traditional battery technology due to its
reliability and efficiency. For example, from the point of view of comparison,
lithium-ion batteries are characterized by the following:
1- Faster
charging
2- Longer
lasting energy
3- Higher
energy density
That's why
these features make up a long life for lithium-ion batteries in a lighter
package compared to conventional battery technology.
When you know
how lithium-ion batteries work, they can work better for you.
Flying with lithium batteries
Carriage of
portable electronic devices (PED), portable medical electronic devices (PMED),
and spare batteries by airline passengers are dependent on the Watt-hour (Wh)
rating for lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries or the lithium metal content in
grams (g) for lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries.
To understand
IATA dangerous goods table 2.3.A regarding flying with lithium batteries either
in devices or spare batteries (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries and
lithium-ion batteries. You should determine the watt-hour rating for a
particular lithium-ion battery. If watt-hour rating is not marked on the
lithium battery itself, apply this:
Ah = The capacity in ampere-hours (Ah)
V = The battery’s nominal voltage
Wh= The watt-hour rating
And, you should
know the lithium metal content in grams (g) for lithium metal
(non-rechargeable) batteries.
Now, I will
list for you what is permitted lithium battery and what is the condition for
carriage on the plane.
Watt-hour (Wh) rating or lithium metal content
A- lithium
batteries with [ ≤ 100 Wh / 2g ]
These lithium batteries
can be in the following form:
|
1- In equipment - portable electronic devices (PED) or portable
medical electronic devices (PMED). |
||
|
Carry-on baggage |
Checked baggage |
Approval of the operator (airline) |
|
Yes (Max 15 PED/PMED) |
Yes |
No |
Note :
According to IATA
dangerous goods regulations, each airline passenger is limited to a maximum of
15 portable electronic devices (PED). The airline may approve more than 15 PED.
|
2- Spare battery(ies) |
||
|
Carry-on baggage |
Checked baggage |
Approval of the operator (airline) |
|
Yes (Max 20 spare batteries) |
No |
No |
Note :
According to IATA
dangerous goods regulations, each airline passenger is limited to a maximum of
20 spare batteries of any type. The operator may approve the carriage of more than
20 batteries.
B- lithium
batteries with [ >100 to ≤160Wh ]
These lithium batteries
can be in the following form:
|
1- In equipment - portable electronic devices (PED) or portable
medical electronic devices (PMED). |
||
|
Carry-on baggage |
Checked baggage |
Approval of the operator (airline) |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2- Spare battery(ies) |
||
|
Carry-on baggage |
Checked baggage |
Approval of the operator (airline) |
|
Yes (Max 2 spare batteries) |
No |
Yes |
C- lithium
batteries with [> 2g ≤ 8g]
These lithium batteries
can be in the following form:
|
1- In equipment - portable electronic devices (PED) ONLY. |
||
|
Carry-on baggage |
Checked baggage |
Approval of the operator (airline) |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2- Spare batteries or portable medical electronic devices (PMED). |
||
|
Carry-on baggage |
Checked baggage |
Approval of the operator (airline) |
|
Yes (Max 2 spare batteries) |
No |
Yes |
D- lithium
batteries with [>160Wh]
|
Must be
prepared as dangerous goods shipment per the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. |
Safe traveling by air with lithium batteries
Devices containing lithium metal
batteries or lithium-ion batteries 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.
Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal
batteries and lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked baggage. They
must be carried with the passenger in carry-on baggage.
Damaged,
defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried in carry-on or
checked baggage.
Summary
Flying with lithium batteries may
cause a danger to flight safety. For this reason, flying with lithium batteries
must be per IATA table 2.3.A. If fire or smoke happens it can be mitigated by
the cabin crew and passengers inside the aircraft cabin.