AAA batteries Now A Security Risk On Airlines In NZ?

[Dave Homewood]

A friend of mine flew with his family from Auckland to Christchurch over the Christmas break, and he said on their attempt to leave Christchurch to fly home, everybody attempting to board the plane were held up by security who were checking through loads of bags, slowing the line down so much that most were late for the gate time. He was told they were looking for AAA batteries which were now considered a threat, if they were left inside a device. They had to be in a plastic bag separately, he was told.

He says, "This is where it's stupid, she said it was if they were in a device, but in my case the 2 batteries had fallen out of the device. I asked her what had changed to make AAA a threat, and she said she didn't know."

Has anyone else heard of this? Is this just for passengers on the A320's or is everyone getting this treatment at Christchurch now?

[Peter Lewis]

I flew A320 AKL - DUD yesterday and there was no evidence of this.

[thebrads]

I flew Queenstown-Auckland & return in first 2 weeks of Jan & saw nothing of this at all

[tbf2504]

Lithium rechargeable batteries can cause spontaneous combustion under certain circumstances, hence partly discharged one's in Army Radios weren't carried by RNZAF aircraft.
But not sure that AAA batteries would be of concern

[lindstrim]

www.aviation.govt.nz/about-us/media-releases/show/Advisory-loose-batteries

[planewriting]

Thanks Lindstrim - that raises two questions. How well has this restriction been publicised to the general public and why are not all flights being monitored as evidenced by Peter Lewis and The Brads?

[30sqnatc]

Definitely on Stuff News just before Christmas www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/123800952/flyers-warned-not-to-put-loose-batteries-in-checkedin-bags-from-january-1

[Dave Homewood]

My friend says thanks for the responses.

[lindstrim]

Jan 27, 2021 17:26:16 GMT 12 planewriting said:

Thanks Lindstrim - that raises two questions. How well has this restriction been publicised to the general public and why are not all flights being monitored as evidenced by Peter Lewis and The Brads?

I’m not sure, but it’s probably hidden in the terms and conditions, but it’s also possible when checking in on the kiosks?

[ErrolC]

Jan 27, 2021 17:26:16 GMT 12 planewriting said:

Thanks Lindstrim - that raises two questions. How well has this restriction been publicised to the general public and why are not all flights being monitored as evidenced by Peter Lewis and The Brads?

What evidence? If the checking is being done out of sight and not causing any issues, how would a passenger know?

From memory there was an email to Airpoints members. I haven't checked a bag for yonks.

[mit]

I Thought you meant anti aircraft artillery battery....
they where checking every-ones carry on for these....


"Excuse me Ma'am is that an 88mm in your handbag?"

[johnnyfalcon]

Jan 29, 2021 11:18:40 GMT 12 mit said:

I Thought you meant anti aircraft artillery battery....
they where checking every-ones carry on for these....


"Excuse me Ma'am is that an 88mm in your handbag?"

Or: "...sir, is that an 88mm in your pocket, or are you just very keen on flying"!?

[Brett]

I'm a bit confused about this. Are you talking about checked-in luggage or carry-on luggage? Batteries have been prohibited from checked-in luggage for years.

If they are prohibiting batteries from carry-on, that means you are not able to travel with batteries at all.

[Dave Homewood]

I'll ask what his experience was but I got the impression it was carry on luggage.

[Dave Homewood]

He has just confirmed, it was carry on luggage being searched.

[bazzaboeing]

A new law banning batteries from being packed in checked-in luggage will come into effect on January 1.

The new restrictions are due to changes made to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) dangerous goods regulations.

The changes apply to all loose or spare batteries, including batteries in their original retail packaging.

Travellers who need to take batteries with them on their journey are advised to put them in their carry-on baggage instead.

Passengers may take up to 20 loose or spare batteries of any type (including AAA, AA, C cell, D cell and 9-Volt) in carry-on baggage, however airlines can approve a larger number of batteries to be carried.

Loose or spare batteries in carry-on luggage must be protected by being in their original retail packaging, or an individual bag or protective pouch for each battery, or with tape placed over exposed terminals.

[classicman]

Arrived back home last night after departing from Auckland to find a note from aviation security in my suitcase telling me they had removed 4 AA batteries.

Someone made the skies safer yesterday 🙄

[Dave Homewood]

It is interesting that they can open your suitcase nowadays without you being present.

When I flew to Christchurch and back the other week no-one said a word about batteries (all my spares were however separated and in their own plastic bags in my hand luggage, as they demand now on the website). The only thing I saw was this sign in the check-in area which strangely does not mention the batteries being separated and wrapped in their own bags.

[Peter Lewis]

I generally carry my spare camera batteries in a see-thru plastic pouch.
Each battery comes with a clip-on plastic cover.
My standard practice is to take the cover off, use the battery in the camera, and when it is exhausted put it back in the pouch but leave the cover off. That way I know which batteries are charged and which batteries are flat.

Coming back from Wellington two weeks ago I was pulled up at the security check.
Apparently the Xray had picked up one battery in that pouch that did not have its cover on.
I had to take it out, put the cover on, and then replace it back into the bag.

Then they were happy.

[Dave Homewood]

They only xray bags if you're getting on a jet. So batteries must not be a problem on the turboprops?