Li ion batteries on flights

[Garfish]

Sorry to be an anorak but.

Many items used on boats are classified as Dangerous for Transport even by road. Items including liferafts, life jackets that self inflate and all equipment containing lithium batteries as well as other battery chemistries.

The main problem with lithium batteries is there quality. In order to be legally transported as freight lithium batteries have to be subjected to tests contained in the UN manual of tests and criteria. The need for testing depends on wether or not the batteries conform with the relevant special provisions in the modal regulations. Factors include their chemistry (and there are many types) and the lithium equivalent weight and number of cells.

Small batteries and many lithium ion types do not attract the full force of the regulations but all must be tested. There are many cheap batteries now available. These are cheap for a reason and may not have been tested.

While freight is strictly controlled or at least attempted personal luggage is harder to control. There is a very real risk that your cheap replacement laptop battery could burst into flames. They are most dangerous when discharged.

These battery types have caused incidents and fires on all modes of transport and caused warehouses to be burn down here in the UK.

We may all view restrictions as a nuisance but the threat is real and should be treated seriously. A bit of google research could be quite enlightening.

 

[Seven Spades]

They are a bit funny about liquid mercury as well.

 

[nigelmercier]

Can you stop talking about this please, I'm flying to the USA on an Airbus A380 next year

 

[snooks]

Don't worry, everyone follows the rules... You just have to see the way no one switches on their iPhones and blackberries only when they are allowed to, to see that.....Ah.....Be afraid

 

[DaveS]

Don't worry, everyone follows the rules... You just have to see the way no one switches on their iPhones and blackberries only when they are allowed to, to see that.....Ah.....Be afraid

The rules on this seem to have changed. There used to be an announcement about leaving everything switched off until the engines were shut down. On my last few BA flights there has been an announcement while taxiing in that phones could now be used.

 

[Whiskey Bravo]

The rules on this seem to have changed. There used to be an announcement about leaving everything switched off until the engines were shut down. On my last few BA flights there has been an announcement while taxiing in that phones could now be used.

Always amazes me that people can't wait to turn on their phones at the earliest opportunity. However did they/we manage 20 years ago? It's not like you haven't got time whilst waiting for the baggage handlers to wake up!

 

[lustyd]

Always amazes me that people can't wait to turn on their phones at the earliest opportunity. However did they/we manage 20 years ago? It's not like you haven't got time whilst waiting for the baggage handlers to wake up!

Depends how much you missed on your flight. For all you know I may need those extra minutes to catch up with very important things. I don't, but I do know people who are considerably busier than myself and if it's a choice between using the dead time on a plane and working at home then they would choose the plane. Turning it on before the flight crew say so is pretty irresponsible though..

 

[BlueChip]

Recently when checking in for an Easyjet flight from Palma I was asked if my check in luggage had any Lithium Ion batteries in it. I asked why and was told that they can explode in the hold and cause a fire.

I didnt fess up to the PLB or radio (which i assume have such batteries) just in case they were not allowed on the flight.

I have not come across this before and was not asked on the flight out.

Anyone know anymore about this? It obviously has implications for ones ability to take safety kit on a flight (oh the fun with lifejacket CO2 cartridges).?

It's due to a new IATA rule introduced in Jan 2013 - explained here - http://www.dhl.co.uk/en/express/shipping/shipping_advice/lithium_batteries.html

 

[Halcytwo]

Wont be too soon before they are fitted as standard to a range of cars, hybrids and electric power cars too.
Ever wondered why first responders wont go near electric vehicles untill they have discharged after an accident ???
Would certainly put people off buying one if they knew the truth. !!

 

[quimby]

All interesting, special the CO2 question.... how to board a flight with your buildin MUSTO lifejacked . QUOTE]

I have a letter from Qantas and British Airways authorising me to carry a self inflating lifejacket plus 2 spare CO2 cartridges. valid 2 years at a time

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Getting Lifejackets out of UK in Hand Luggage not a problem, getting them out of Spain was till recently. Ryanair allow 1 lifejacket and 2 CO2 spares

After a dispute with Gardia Civil at Malaga, they confiscated 1 CO2 cartridge but let me board with a LifeJacket with CO2 Cartridge disabled in the Lifejacket Bladder!

After a few emails of protest, I received the email below.

View attachment 37869

 

[Buck Turgidson]

The rules on this seem to have changed. There used to be an announcement about leaving everything switched off until the engines were shut down. On my last few BA flights there has been an announcement while taxiing in that phones could now be used.

You will soon be able to use them in flight mode the whole time and transmit once clear of the active. FAA and EASA just changed the rules and airlines will adopt in the coming months. ;-)

 

[DaveS]

You will soon be able to use them in flight mode the whole time and transmit once clear of the active. FAA and EASA just changed the rules and airlines will adopt in the coming months. ;-)

You may be able to answer a question. What is "flight mode" and what can the phone do and not do while in it?

 

[duncan99210]

You may be able to answer a question. What is "flight mode" and what can the phone do and not do while in it?

Flight mode turns off all the wireless functions of the phone: 3/4G, wifi and Bluetooth. It will still allow you to watch saved videos, listen to saved music and use any apps that do not require an Internet connection.

 

[mjcoon]

Flight mode turns off all the wireless functions of the phone: 3/4G, wifi and Bluetooth. It will still allow you to watch saved videos, listen to saved music and use any apps that do not require an Internet connection.

And will probably be able to use GPS if the phone has that and you are in a window seat! (That way you'll know if the pilot has gone to sleep and overshot...)

Mike.

 

[Plomong]

Flight mode turns off all the wireless functions of the phone: 3/4G, wifi and Bluetooth. It will still allow you to watch saved videos, listen to saved music and use any apps that do not require an Internet connection.

The reason why turning off a phone whilst in flight is a good idea is to save battery. If you don't, the phone will spend all the flight trying to contact base (a radio tower) at max power, and failing, running down the battery quickly.