Bring it? or Leave it? Airport Rules for When Batteries Go Bad

LAKE FOREST, CA — Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was the tip of the lithium battery debacle iceberg, according to the FAA.

Recent recalls of the device have left the FAA to issue a new general guidance to all airlines regarding rules for carrying recalled or defective lithium devices on board aircraft as cargo or in your carry-on luggage.

Classified as hazardous materials, those specific recalled batteries and battery-powered devices must remain off at all times. Passengers won't be able to charge them, either according to these new regulations.

"U.S. hazardous material regulations prohibit air cargo shipments of recalled or defective lithium batteries and lithium battery-powered devices, and passengers may not turn on or charge the devices when they carry them on board a plane," JWA stated in a recent release. "Passengers must also protect the devices from accidental activation, including disabling any features that may turn on the device, such as alarm clocks, and must not pack them in checked luggage."

The steps for bringing certain lithium powered devices on board an aircraft are the following, according to the FAA:

• Tum off the device
• Disconnect the device from any charging equipment
• Disable all applications that could inadvertently activate the phone (e.g., alarm clock)
• Protect the power switch to prevent its unintentional activation
• Keep the device in carry-on baggage or on your person. (Do not place in checked baggage.)

Passengers and flight staff must follow the same regulations according to the FAA regarding device use on board aircraft.

The FAA issued the Safety Alert for Operators in conjunction with a Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration safety advisory according to JWA's release.

"The Safety Alert for Operators urges the airlines: to ensure that cargo and passenger processing employees, and those responsible for cabin safety, are aware of the rules; to ensure that cargo customers are aware of the rules; and to include information and guidance on their websites about damaged or recalled lithium batteries and devices," they said.

According to the statement, all airlines can proactively place their own restrictions for passengers who carry on devices that use specific lithium battery products, before an official government recall takes place.

If you have questions whether your device is allowed on an airplane, be sure and check both with the airport websites of your current travel plans, and with the airline websites prior to your departure otherwise you may be stuck leaving your device behind before you fly the friendly skies.

For more information on how to pack your device safe, visit: FAA Hazmat Safety: Pack Safe

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