The way I read it is that if each battery is wrapped individually in a bag ie zip lock or similar then it should be ok. Don't think or hope there is not an issue with the numbers. The whole reason for this is to prevent possible short circuit fires caused by two batteries rubbing together. I plan to bring at least three spare Nikon batteries to Yosemite but each has a plastic cap on the end to keep the exposed terminals covered and hence avoid short circuiting. I plan to keep each in a separate zip lock bag just in case as these customs people may not be that lax and may institute the letter of the ruling and look for each to be in separate bags. I also plan to carry on all my extra batteries.

Let us know James what you are able to find out because it likely will apply to most if not all the people going to Yosemite.

Bob

According to what I read that is correct, although it says if the battery is installed in a device, they are OK to pack, if the spare AA's were in your battery charger that would probably be OK.  I want more info on this to pass on to members and folk that are traveling with us to Yosemite on the photo tour in April, I have sent an email to the Transport and Safty board inquiring about the spare batteries in chargers question and will let you know.

This new regulation applies when flying to, from or within the US.

So James,

Just to make sure I'm reading this correctly, we're SOL if we carry an extra rechargeable camera battery + rechargeables for an external flash (ie more than 2 batteries)?

 Patti 

The US Department of Transportation has announced new safety rules relating to the storage of rechargeable Lithium batteries when flying to, from and within the USA. The new restrictions, effective from January 1st 2008, dictate that loose Lithium cells may not be packed in checked baggage under any circumstances -batteries installed in equipment are unaffected.

Carry-on baggage may contain up to two loose batteries but only if there is no possibility of short-circuit, containing them individually within simple plastic bags or their original packaging is sufficient to prevent this and will satisfy inspectors.

Full Article – Link to Travel Safely Website at end of this article

Passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage beginning January 1, 2008 once new federal safety rules take effect. The new regulation, designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, will continue to allow lithium batteries in checked baggage if they are installed in electronic devices, or in carry-on baggage if stored in plastic bags.

Common consumer electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones, and most laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. However, the rule limits individuals to bringing only two extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries*, such as laptop and professional audio/video/camera equipment lithium batteries in carry-on baggage.

"Doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery in its original retail packaging or a plastic zip-lock bag will prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires," said Krista Edwards, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions. Safety testing conducted by the FAA found that current aircraft cargo fire suppression system would not be capable of suppressing a fire if a shipment of non-rechargeable lithium batteries were ignited in flight.

"This rule protects the passenger," said Lynne Osmus, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)assistant administrator for security and hazardous materials. "It's one more step for safety. It's the right thing to do and the right time to do it."

In addition to the new rule, PHMSA is working with the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the battery and airline industries, airline employee organizations, testing laboratories, and the emergency response communities to increase public awareness about battery-related risks and developments. These useful safety tips are highlighted at the public website.

Click here toread Safe Travel Tips on the Transport Website