News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

December 31, 2007

hardware

No C4: check; no bottled water: check; …no batteries?

Posted Dec. 31, ’07, 1:20 PM PT by Dan Pourhadi
Category | Hardware

mbpbattery1.jpgExplosives, firearms, knives, and liquids are no longer the most annoying no-nos when it comes to air travel. Effective January 1st, carrying extra Lithium-based batteries — ie, those used in laptops — in checked luggage will not be permitted on US flights.

“Why, oh why?” you ask? Our buds at the Mothership give the low-down:

In February 2006 a United Parcel Service flight landed at Philidelphia International Airport after the crew detected a fire in its cargo. The National Transportation Safety Board said later that it found several burned out laptop batteries on the plane, and could not rule them out as a possible cause of the fire.

You’ll still be allowed to travel with batteries that are installed in devices (laptops, cameras, etc.), as well as extra batteries as long as they’re in plastic bags and carried on as hand luggage. You can get more details on the new ban at Macworld, or at SafeTravel.dot.gov.

Travel rules are getting crazier and crazier. All I want to know is when the DOT will start banning passengers who haven’t showered or used deodorant in weeks. Now that’s a travel health hazard.


5 Comments

Walt Author Profile Page said:

Next, we'll be taking the batteries out of our watches. And for you fellow geeks out there... I know I know.. it's not a battery... it's a cell.

December 31, 2007 3:01 PM
Mastodon said:

It's just a matter of time before they institute a strip- and cavity-search policy at all checkpoints between the curb and the gate, and then it'll be easier to fly without any possessions and any clothes. UPS and FedEx will have counters nearby where you can ship your clothes and possessions overnight to meet you at your destination, and the airlines will charge you $100 for a set of disposable pyjamas and slippers to wear on board. Everyone wins, because we'll have beaten the terrorists.

December 31, 2007 9:40 PM
Cygnus X-1 said:

Who checks their expensive electronics anyways?? Just carry the batteries with you and it is fine.

They just want to have easy access in case the battery decides to pull a Dell and burst into flames.

January 1, 2008 3:30 PM
Kal said:

@Mastodon: What?! I thought mission was accomplished years ago?

January 1, 2008 6:23 PM
PeterY said:

Let's see - You can take up to 3 oz of nitroglycerine on the flight as long as it's in a plastic bag. But a gallon of the stuff has to be checked in with your bags.

Now, the spare batteries must be brought on the plane (they can't be checked in) as long as they are in a plastic bag. Now the terrorist can use them to detonate the primitive device constructed on board from parts contained in his eyeglasses, toothpaste, leftover plastics from the meals given him by the airline, all surrounded by the flamable material of his shirt, made in China, thereby containing toxic chemicals. Oh yes, he can also use the nitro that he brought aboard.

As a frequent flyer, I can attest that these guys aren't smarter than a fifth grader!

January 2, 2008 4:57 AM

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