All the fuss over carrying lithium batteries (see previous blog entry) is due to the possibility of fire. The connection points must be covered, so, place the batteries in individual plastic baggies! Do not let them come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.

Concerns? See Safe Travel with Batteries and Devices at TSA’s Website

Now some good news for those traveling through British airports—
Passengers may now take a purse or laptop as well as a carry-on bag onto flights leaving Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester and some others. This new rule does NOT apply to Gatwick.

When Jay and I were connecting through London last fall, the rule concerning one carry-on was strictly enforced. JMy husband tried to get by with a newspaper and a book- no way, each was considered as one carry-on. I ended up rearranging my camera bag and purse to fit into a collapsible tote or else I would have had to place them in checked luggage. That, of course, is never a good idea. Before you travel, visit the website of the selected British airport to avoid any problems.

Happy New Year to all.

Hidden among my resolutions for 2007 was a decision to become a blogger. Obviously that didn't happen. So, I’ll get started here in 2008.

My blog, intended for family and friends, will primarily be a travel journal but I’ll also include comments on travel issues –such as this gem from everyone's favorite agency—TSA.

CNET News reports: New rules from the Transportation and Security Administration take effect on January 1 banning travelers from carrying loose lithium batteries in checked baggage.

Passengers are allowed to pack “two spare batteries in their carry-on bag, as long as they’re in clear plastic baggies.” I suppose that's not the same baggie you use for your liguids and gels.

This doesn’t apply to batteries that are already installed in gadgets, such as the one in your cell phone or laptop. So, you can still bring along an extra one to power your laptop on a long flight, or have a spare to charge your cell phone battery while using another one.

If you do plan on bringing spare batteries in your carry-on bag, be aware of some other rules: You can only bring batteries with an equivalent of up to 8 grams of lithium content.

For more information see:
New security rules for batteries on planes