Can I take a portable battery on the plane? Aircraft banned from carrying batteries

We are dealing with the new requirements of airlines.

In February of this year, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which concern the carriage of lithium-ion batteries in the luggage compartments of civil aircraft and, on a recommendation basis, apply to 191 ICAO member countries, including Russia.

Let's put all the dots on the "and", the specialists from the Aviakassa will help us with this.

What are Lithium Ion Batteries

The most popular type of battery that has become widespread in recent years. These batteries are the source of energy in most modern electronics, and they power phones, laptops, digital cameras and even electric cars.

Your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and even Apple Watch also has a lithium-ion battery.

The principle of operation of such batteries is based on the chemical composition of their components. The elements have gained great popularity due to their high energy density, low self-discharge and unpretentious maintenance.

What airlines are afraid of

There is no smoke without fire, in the history of civil aviation there are several unfortunate examples of lithium-ion batteries leading to fires on board aircraft.

In 2013, such incidents were recorded in the United States and Japan. Fire on board passenger aircraft was caused by overheated lithium-ion batteries. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Previously, similar incidents have occurred on board cargo planes.

Overheated Li-ion battery can cause explosion and fire. The burning temperature of such batteries is over 600 degrees Celsius. This is enough to melt the aluminum from which the fuselage of the liners is made.

You shouldn't relax

Each air carrier has its own safety standards and baggage and carry-on baggage allowance. Sometimes restrictions apply to all flights, and sometimes to flights that are operated in certain countries.

It is better to study the rules of each of the carriers immediately after purchasing the tickets.

These are the requirements for the transportation of lithium-ion batteries made by the TOP-5 air carriers in Russia:

Aeroflot

What concerns: lithium-ion batteries with power density up to 100 Wh * (mobile phones, cameras, watches, laptops)

Can be carried in hand luggage inside equipment and gadgets. External batteries are allowed to take no more than 2 pieces per person. Moreover, they must be protected by something that excludes the possibility of a short circuit. Baggage can only be carried inside the equipment.

Battery type: lithium-ion batteries with a specific power of 100-160 Wh * (laptops with an extended battery, professional audio and video equipment, portable devices)

Can be carried inside the equipment with the permission of the airline representatives. Portable and removable batteries (no more than two per person) must be packed in such a way as to prevent shorting of contacts. In baggage, such batteries can only be carried inside the equipment, and you must obtain permission from the airline representative.

Battery type: lithium-ion batteries with a specific power of more than 160 Wh * (industrial equipment, some electric and hybrid vehicles, mopeds)

Are subject to registration as a "dangerous cargo" with the fulfillment of special transportation requirements.

S7 Airlines

Portable electronic devices (watches, cameras, telephones, laptop computers, etc.) containing lithium-ion batteries must be carried as carry-on baggage. If such devices are carried in checked baggage, measures must be taken to prevent inadvertent activation.

Portable medical electronic devices with similar batteries must be carried as carry-on baggage.

Spare batteries must be separately protected to prevent short circuits and must be carried in carry-on baggage only.

UTair

On the official website of the company, in the section on allowed baggage, there are no separate norms and restrictions on the carriage of lithium-ion batteries.

Representatives only mention the need to obtain permission to carry in luggage medical equipment and vehicles that run on batteries.

Ural Airlines

Consumer electronic devices with lithium-ion cells or batteries, such as watches, calculators, cameras, telephones, laptops, etc., are permitted in checked and carry-on baggage. for personal use. Spare batteries must be in separate packaging to protect the batteries from short circuits and must only be carried in carry-on baggage.

Small mobile devices with lithium batteries such as electric scooters, electric scooters, etc. are prohibited.

Keeping up with the times

Small vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries are gaining popularity today. Keep in mind that hoverboards, scooters and segways are also equipped with lithium-ion batteries.

The vast majority of airlines prohibits carriage such devices as checked baggage or carry-on baggage. An exception can only be vehicles for people with disabilities.

Some carriers offer to arrange such devices as "dangerous goods" in compliance with the proper transport rules and regulations.

Be careful that a fashionable toy from an overseas trip does not become a present for the airline representatives.

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When going on a trip, we try to think through everything to the smallest detail. Chargers are the first thing to put with you. After all, our vacation is not complete without a variety of gadgets that need to be charged.

The charger is a faithful assistant on vacation

I always adhere to the principle - I always take electronic devices, digital cameras and chargers for them in my hand luggage. The rules for the carriage of baggage support my principle and legislate. It can be said even more - it is better to transport chargers exclusively in carry-on luggage. The reason for this is the likelihood of such items catching fire.

It is extremely difficult to trace and eliminate such an incident in the luggage compartment in time, therefore it is recommended to keep them with you. It even happens that during customs control you will be asked to transfer these items from baggage to carry-on baggage. Don't be surprised, this is a common practice.

It is better if you initially pack your luggage correctly so that you don't mess things up in a hurry. I always have food prepared for rest: I charge my phone and tablet in advance. But if you did not have time to do this, then in some planes you can recharge your gadget. To do this, contact the flight attendant and he will be able to tell you in detail how to do this.

Taking chargers with you will come in handy if you are flying with transfers. At the airport, you can safely charge your equipment by taking the charger out of your bag. But you won't be able to get it out of your luggage.

There is no prohibition on the transport of a portable charger - one that charges without contact with the mains. It is very convenient and practical. The only drawback of this rule is the volume of some devices. For example, when I take all the chargers with me (especially the laptop charger), I get an impressive bag. And besides her, there are also things in hand luggage. Therefore, you need to calculate in advance in order to exclude an advantage.

The ban was introduced approximately until 2018 (when work on a new standard for packaging lithium-ion batteries will be completed).

This news caused a flurry of emotions and many rumors on many Internet resources, but, unfortunately, I could not find information that can be considered reliable on any site. They even broadcast this information on television, but again they made a mistake. More fully, but not fully disclosed this topic.

I had to figure it out myself. I tried to find out the maximum of what is at this moment. If there are any changes, I will post on this page. If any of the travelers finds any additional information - post it in the comments to this article.

What did you manage to establish?

The prohibition applies only to batteries containing lithium. This does not apply to the rest of the batteries. But there are more and more lithium sources due to their high specific capacity.

The ban applies to any air transportation. Both by regular airlines and charters.

Passengers of all airlines from April 1, 2016 may have a serious problem. (this is not an April Fool's joke). It deals with the transport of lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries and lithium batteries. These modern power supplies are used in many electronic devices. One of the largest manufacturers is SONY.

I'm sure your electronic devices have enough of them. These are phones, laptops, tablets and even watches. Therefore, this question is important for all travelers.

There is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO from the English ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization). It is a UN specialized agency that sets international standards for civil aviation and coordinates its development with a view to improving safety and efficiency. The organization includes 191 states, including Russia.

Also, there is IATA (International Air Transport Association). This is a non-governmental organization.

So, on January 1, 2016, IATA released the 54th edition of the Manual on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. In it, she focused on the transportation of the above types of power sources. This document states that these types of batteries and accumulators can be carried in the baggage of the aircraft with a charge of not more than 30%. This prohibition did not apply to power sources located inside the transported devices or located with them in the same package.

For example, if you are carrying a camera with 3 batteries, then one in the camera can be fully charged, and the rest are discharged (the charge is less than 30%). At the same time, all additional batteries must be packed so as to exclude the possibility of contact closure.

On February 22, ICAO accepts everything that was in the new edition of IATA. Your best bet is to look at it in the document itself. It is good that there is a primary source in Russian.

only in carry-on baggage

for personal use

What does all this mean?

I will translate from Russian into Russian what concerns innovations.

Note! All your gadgets can only be carried in the cabin in your carry-on baggage. Nobody talks about what will happen to your phone, flashlight or even a watch (!!!) that works on lithium-containing batteries if you check in these items. But I do not recommend experimenting.

Any devices that may generate heat if accidentally turned on may not be transported without special permission.

Additional high-power batteries may not be transported either in the cabin or in your luggage. It is difficult to say how to measure the amount of lithium (2 grams or more) if it is not indicated on the power source, but the capacity of 100 W * hours, in fact, is not that large. How it is calculated:

(Capacity W * hour) = (Capacity of A-hours) * (Output voltage, V).

If the current is specified in mA, then it should be divided by 1000. That is, 15,000 mA * hour is equal to 15 A * hour.

That is, if you have an external battery exceeding 20,000 mA * hour and a voltage of 5 volts, then, in theory, it will not be allowed on board in any form. For example, the Inter Step PB24000 battery is already 120 W * h and is not allowed for transportation.

In addition, all transported equipment containing lithium must be for personal use. If you are taking it for resale, then the airline may not let your luggage into the cabin.

Summing up all of the above, I believe that there is no reason for the panic that was spread in the media. In practice, many travelers only carried their devices in the cabin. Some restrictions have been introduced that are easy to take into account.

As the situation changes, this material will be updated.

Successful flights to you!

Head of the WelcomeWorld Free Travelers Club Yuri Fedorov

Everyone has Li-Ion batteries, because this is the battery you have in your phone, camera and laptop. We will tell you how to carry your gadgets and external batteries to them, despite the bans of airlines.

Prohibition on the transportation of the bank

There is indeed a ban on lithium batteries on board. In 2016, after a series of fires on board an aircraft, the international association IATA issued regulations that restrict the carriage of batteries based on their lithium content. This was reflected in the rules for the carriage of passenger baggage.

Is it possible to take a power bank on a plane

Airlines and airport services, when screening passengers, apply IATA rules and have the right to confiscate an unsuitable device. You should not be afraid of restrictions if you follow the rules for transporting Power Bank:

carry an external battery only in carry-on luggage - it is prohibited to check in luggage,
take batteries with a capacity of less than 100 W / h without restrictions, from 100 to 160 W / h - no more than 2 devices,
the device must have a factory power label.

According to experienced tourists, the most thorough inspection of lithium-ion devices awaits you at the airport in Beijing, Bangkok and in US cities.

Get ready to fly with a lithium battery

To avoid problems, prepare for the flight with a power bank at home, the same goes for spare batteries for your laptop, video, audio equipment and other devices.

check that the device does not fall under the ban: convert milliamps to kilowatts,
charge the battery at least 30%: he may be asked to turn on and demonstrate work,
practice opening the Power Bank to get out and show the batteries,
if there is no marking, print out the manufacturer's instructions for the device.
print the IATA flyer to have the flyer handy http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Documents/LithiumBattery_PassengerFlyer.jpg

One passenger can carry a maximum of 10 lithium batteries, count your devices before flying.

Security screening with Power Bank

Present all lithium battery devices to security at the airport security screen. The security guards act according to the instructions: if they suspect that the device does not pass, they will be required to seize it, throw it away or hand it over to the airport storage room. Your weapons are politeness, benevolence and calmness:

show the prepared IATA flyer and calculations,
open the power bank and take out the batteries,
ask to explain which specific point of the instructions is violated,
Call your supervisor and explain to him that the device meets the standards.

Liechtenstein, the Dominican Republic, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands do not adhere to the IATA bans - when flying to these countries, read the rules of the air carrier.

When the power bank is confiscated

When the device is confiscated at the airport:

if the battery is found in the luggage: the suitcase will be opened, an act of seizure will be drawn up, the battery will be taken away,
if the capacity is more than 30,000 milliamperes: the battery will be prohibited from being carried on the plane, it will be required to be thrown away or put in a storage room,
if there is no factory power marking on the case: in the absence of information about the lithium content, the security service will prohibit the carriage.

Follow the airlines' rules: during the Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone fire scandal, carriers banned the use of phones on board the aircraft and took away smartphones from passengers during the flight.

How to calculate the capacity of a Power Bank

We'll have to remember the physics course for the 8th grade: after all, the capacity on the device is indicated in ampere hours, while the watt hours are prescribed in the norms of restrictions.

Let's calculate whether it is possible to take the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 battery on the plane: the case indicates its capacity of 20,000 mAh and the voltage of 5 V.
We calculate 20 * 5 = 100 W * h
This means that you can carry such a power bank on an airplane without restrictions.
Try to calculate the capacity of your Power Bank and do it better in advance.

Transporting lithium batteries by plane: how to transport other devices

Any device containing lithium is subject to the IATA regulations for the carriage of lithium batteries in aircraft. Airlines may tighten these requirements, so check the carrier's website after purchasing your ticket.

Determine the power of the devices that you take with you:
if the lithium content is less than 2 g per battery - carry the device without problems, a capacity of more than 100 watt-hours will require an agreement with the airline, and over 160 will fly only through the airport cargo terminal, with paperwork for dangerous goods.
Check if the battery can be removed:
place spare devices and removable batteries in hand luggage, carry the battery inside the device in your luggage if the device is turned off and the battery power is less than 100Wh.
Pack the battery:
so that there is no short circuit, take precautions: turn off the device, isolate the contacts, put each battery in a separate bag or plastic container.
Prepare for the check:
the presence of lithium batteries and a large number of equipment guarantees increased attention of the airport security service, be patient and prepare the devices for inspection.
Throw away cannot be left:
at the slightest suspicion that the device exceeds the norm, it will be taken away for inspection. If you are confident in your correctness, speak English and know the IATA instructions - defend your technique with benevolent perseverance.

The ban on the carriage of batteries in aircraft luggage stirred the media and puzzled their readers. What has changed for ordinary passengers and how to fly now - "Lenta.ru" figured out.

What was banned?

On Monday February 22nd, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Banned the Carriage of Lithium Ion Batteries in luggage passenger aircraft. This decision will come into force on April 1, 2016. Thus, all countries in the world, with the exception of Dominica, Liechtenstein, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands, will be required to comply with this rule.

Previously, a similar ban was imposed on non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries used in watches and children's toys.

Where does the panic come from?

Due to misinformation in the Russian media. They sowed panic among readers, writing about "a ban on bringing on board the aircraft batteries used in cameras, smartphones and other electronics."

In fact, the original Reuters report said: The U.N. aviation agency on prohibited Monday shipments of lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft.

Carriage of batteries in hand luggage was not prohibited by ICAO. We are talking about cargo, that is, commercial cargo that aircraft carry in addition to passenger baggage.

What will happen?

Nothing. Owners of smartphones, cameras, laptops and other gadgets, as before, will be able to safely carry them in their carry-on baggage, which they take with them on board, without fear of being taken away by someone.

It is still possible to carry large quantities of lithium-ion batteries in cargo planes, provided they are no more than 30 percent charged.

Passengers will still be able to check their batteries in their baggage. At the same time, everyone can take out the battery from their laptop or camera and put it in their carry-on luggage, and vice versa.

What are lithium-ion batteries?

These are the most popular batteries of our time. They are installed in 90 percent of modern gadgets: in almost all smartphones (including iPhones), cameras, laptops, tablets, and so on. Also popular are finger-type lithium-ion batteries, which, unlike conventional batteries, can be recharged.

Lithium-ion batteries were first released in 1991. They continue to remain popular to this day due to their ease of production, relatively low cost and efficiency. Over the past 25 years, they have been modified several times, but the principle of operation has remained the same.

Are they so dangerous?

Yes, lithium-ion batteries have already led to accidents and even disasters on board aircraft. The earliest lithium-ion batteries were unstable and suddenly ignited. The decision to ban them was motivated by accidents on Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the United States and Japan in early 2013, both of which caught fire due to such batteries. True, they were installed to power one of the systems of the aircraft itself, and were not in the luggage.

In addition, the ICAO claims that since 2006, due to the fire of such batteries, three cargo planes have crashed and four pilots have died.

Why is this needed?

The ban on the transportation of batches of batteries is needed in order to minimize risks to passengers, crew and the aircraft itself.

Lithium-ion batteries can spontaneously ignite at the slightest damage, while their combustion temperature is more than 660.3 degrees Celsius - the melting temperature of aluminum from which aircraft fuselages are made. In addition, the overheating battery emits gas, the amount of which is sufficient for a small explosion that could destroy an aircraft.