Traveling to/from Mexico with batteries

[jlillest]

Last time I flew out of Coz in March, I had my carry-on full of all my heavy & expensive items. Can light(Li battery), Computers, backup lights(all lithium batteries), explorer reels, dive lead, etc. When I saw my bag go through the X-ray machine, it looked like a large black blob. I knew what was in it and had a hard time discerning what was what. Obviously I got pulled aside for a spot check, but it was busy so there was a long line. I was worried that they'd give me a hard time with my stuff until an obnoxious couple of American tourists decided to make a scene. Suddenly the line for spot checks got a lot shorter as we got sent on our way while the obnoxious ones got some extra scrutiny.

I have no doubt that I would have had to argue to save my dive batteries, but sometimes it pays to put up with the obnoxious tourists.

-Jon

[BabyDuck]

when we came home from cun last november, they had an issue with larry's light battery. (but not mine for some reason. they were more concerned with my weights than his, though. whatev.) the only thing that saved us then was that the guy was actually nice, so it was more a 'ooh, i don't think this is allowed, sir.' 'well, checking it isn't allowed either.' 'let me get a supervisor.' and the supervisor said 'it's ok, let it go.' so basically, we didn't get someone who couldn't back down when he was shown to be incorrect. of course, this was before the stringent new rules that seem to have started up.

i dunno. maybe we'll disguise it as a sandwich or something next time. or a hat.

[jj1987]

OK, it looks like I've gotten to the root of the issue here. I would appreciate if someone can provide proper translation.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/102508939/...les-Prohibidos

Page 12 has something about batteries, if someone would translate that, I'd appreciate it.

Page 14 refers to high intensity lighting

Lamparas de alta intensidad con bombillas y pilas
esta autorizado su transporte como equipaje de bodega (documentado o facturado), en un embalaje adecuado, deberan ir separados sus componentes como: pila,bobina u sus componentes, con sus respectivas etiquetas de identification

[Aktun]

If you ever have issues returning your gear to your country, can leave it with me at cancun.

[Art Greenberg]

OK, it looks like I've gotten to the root of the issue here. I would appreciate if someone can provide proper translation.

From Google Translate:

High intensity lamps with bulbs and batteries
is authorized to transport as checked baggage (checked or checked), in a proper package components must be separated as: battery, coil or its components, their identification tags

[jj1987]

From Google Translate:

High intensity lamps with bulbs and batteries
is authorized to transport as checked baggage (checked or checked), in a proper package components must be separated as: battery, coil or its components, their identification tags

Yeah, which creates an issue-- US inbound flights can't have lithium batteries in checked baggage.

[Chantelle]

I have found that if you bring canister batteries from the Cancun airport, in your carry on, you will more than likely lose them... No matter what the "laws" say.

We bring the light batteries in our carry on, going TO Mexico, and put them in our checked bags, for the way home.


Sent from my Intergalactic iPhone

[RN]

This was my first issue in several trips to Mexico. This was also my first time flying in and out of CZM though. I've never had issues in CUN.

One thing that was also different was they came around with a laminated sheet showing items restricted from carry-on bags. Scuba weights were specifically listed on this sheet. We had some in our carry-on that we were going to just get rid of but because we had to check a bag with the canister batteries we ended up checking the weights too.

[ams511]

A hard block scuba weight at the end of a weight belt would probably make a pretty effective weapon and may be able to crack a window in a plane.

[RN]

Then why isn't is a restricted item in the US?