Traveling to/from Mexico with batteries

[jj1987]

Here's what I have so far. I sent an email to an airport manager at CUN to hopefully get some clarity.

FAA Says-
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...1.25.5&idno=49

(18) Except as provided in §173.21 of this subchapter, portable electronic devices (for example, watches, calculating machines, cameras, cellular phones, lap-top and notebook computers, camcorders, etc.) containing cells or batteries (including lithium cells or batteries) and spare batteries and cells for these devices, when carried by passengers or crew members for personal use. Each spare battery must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (by placement in original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. , by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch) and carried in carry-on baggage only. In addition, each installed or spare battery must not exceed the following:

(i) For a lithium metal battery, a lithium content of not more than 2 grams per battery; or

(ii) For a lithium-ion battery, an aggregate equivalent lithium content of not more than 8 grams per battery, except that up to two batteries with an aggregate equivalent lithium content of more than 8 grams but not more than 25 grams may be carried.

IATA Says
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/d...-2012-V1.1.pdf

2.3.5.9 Portable electronic devices (watches, calculating machines, cameras, cellular phones, lap-top computers, camcorders, etc.) containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries when carried by passengers or crew for personal use, which should be carried in carry-on baggage. Spare batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits by placement in the original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch, and carried in carry-on baggage only. In addition, for lithium batteries, each installed or spare battery must not exceed the following quantities:
(a) for lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries, a lithium content of not more than 2 g; or
(b) for lithium ion batteries, a watt-hour rating of not more than 100 Wh.

I had the same experience as Rob flying out of Coz yesterday with American. Made me check my carrying bag. They tried to charge me $45 for it. When I became the large, loud angry First class (gotta love those miles,) passenger they dropped charges. Rechecking bags in Dallas I very politely talked to the supervisor and asked where they wanted the bag. "Carry on for all lithium batteries as they may catch fire in the unpressurized cargo hold," I was told. "Well sezs I, can't they then catch fire over Mexican air space? Or for that matter southern Texas?" "I see your point, Sir, come to the front of the line."

While you benefited from the outcome, that employee was in the wrong for allowing you to check the bag with hazardous materials.

[RN]

"well sezs i, can't they then catch fire over mexican air space? Or for that matter southern texas?"

roflmao!!!!!

[Merlin Rhoda]

... While you benefited from the outcome, that employee was in the wrong for allowing you to check the bag with hazardous materials.

This seems to go beyond a single employee; on multiple trips out of Cancun we have been told that we must check our light batteries. One security screening employee said the reason is that they could be used as weapons to hit someone over the head with.

[Jax]

This seems to go beyond a single employee; on multiple trips out of Cancun we have been told that we must check our light batteries. One security screening employee said the reason is that they could be used as weapons to hit someone over the head with.

You all seem to be talking about canister light batteries, but they [Mexico] made me dispose of my spare double and triple A batteries. . . could not be carried in the carry-on, period.

[rjack]

I had to go back and check my NiMH batteries once. The logic was a working HID could be used to start a fire. And I was forced to throw out perfectly good C-sized alkalines like Jax as well. The problem is not the gate agents, its the mexican version of TSA's reasoning skills and ability to read their own regulations.

And I definitely would not ship anything to MX. If it arrives at all (dubious), you will have to pay a tariff.

[Squirrel Girl]

India won't let you fly with AAs, either.

When I flew out of Coz in October, they won't let me return with something. I think it was lead. But Cancun did let me.

[Merlin Rhoda]

We've lost tiny custom molded lead weights at screening in cancun as well. Now everything goes in checked luggage until we get into the US.

[MichaelBaranowski]

The hand check guys in Cancun have tried to stop my canister batteries but there always seems to be someone that finally jsut says they are OK. I have never had any problem with unopened packaged batteries but if the package is open they are not allowed thru. But anymore I just leave all extra batteries with someone no matter where I am traveling. Cause it is easy for me to run to Wal-mart or Lowes and get more.

[MichaelAngelo]

Here's what I have so far. I sent an email to an airport manager at CUN to hopefully get some clarity.

FAA Says-
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...1.25.5&idno=49


IATA Says
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/d...-2012-V1.1.pdf




While you benefited from the outcome, that employee was in the wrong for allowing you to check the bag with hazardous materials.

James they didn't allow me to check the carry on bag with the cannister and my regs, they insisted on it against my wishes. Then back in the states they became carry on again.

[RN]

You all seem to be talking about canister light batteries, but they [Mexico] made me dispose of my spare double and triple A batteries. . . could not be carried in the carry-on, period.

Yeah, well, I had 4 AAs and 6 AAAs loose in another bag and that got through with no problem.

The problem is not the gate agents, its the mexican version of TSA's reasoning skills and ability to read their own regulations.

Exactly! Someone else from our group went through earlier when a different person was looking at the xray and had no issues with his canister light. I found out this particular security person has a history of being unreasonable and even stopping bags that were okayed by other agents. She definitely has a problem.