TSA's unannounced move: Popular travel item confiscated at airport checkpoints
The TSA has updated regulations, banning portable chargers with lithium-ion batteries from checked luggage due to fire risks. Now, these must be stored in carry-on bags.
A change in rules from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has left many travelers questioning what's allowed in their luggage. Recently, TSA agents have recently been confiscating items at airport checkpoints, raising concerns for frequent flyers. However, what's caused this sudden enforcement?
It turns out, TSA enforced a major rule change related to travelers carrying portable charges. The newest regulations impact travelers, as TSA requires storing these devices in their carry-on bags instead. This move comes after concerns of flight safety about the risk of fires due to overheating batteries.
TSA announces portable chargers devices changes at airport checkpoints
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) notice that airline passengers must not pack portable chargers with lithium-ion batteries that are inside checked luggage.
Travellers must now carry these chargers in their carry-on luggage, based on updated rules that prohibit lithium batteries in checked luggage due to the risk of fires. The TSA indicates that lithium batteries can overheat and may ignite, even when damaged, and pose a risk to safety.
As reported by AFAR, "A fire in the cargo hold can spread rapidly and is challenging to control, presenting an increased threat to both the aircraft and passengers."
Consequently, airport staff will take away any portable chargers on checked luggage.
The TSA also considers batteries for mobile phones, laptop batteries, power banks, and external batteries as 'carry-on only' items. While rechargeable and non-chargeable, can normally be brought on board the airplane in your carry-on bags, they are prohibited in checked luggage.
While airlines typically allow two lithium-ion batteries to be brought onboard for passenger use, they cannot be for 'sale or distribution". According to the FAA, "Spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and phone charging cases, must be carried in carry-on luggage."
Some airlines, such as United, have long prohibited lithium-ion battery chargers to be in checked luggage Consequently, travelers can only install them in their carry-on bags. Also, travelers cannot use them on the airplane.
Some aerosols, specifically things like spray paint or bear spray, are banned on checked luggage too because of the risk of causing an explosion or fire when flying.
An unusual incident occurred when a Los Angeles woman startled the TSA last December when carry on luggage was found to have over 80 prohibited items, including 82 consumer grade fireworks, 3 knives, to imitation guns, and one can of pepper spray.
Recently, the TSA approved 11 items for travellers to take in any size. Additionally, new computed tomography (CT) scanners that can analyse the contents of bottles are being deployed at the busiest airports in the U.S.
Some of the new items include over the counter medications, breast milk, baby formula, ice packs.
