Lithium batteries carried by passenger or crew on an aircraft
Definition of a lithium battery:
The term “lithium battery” refers to a family of different chemistries, comprising many types of
cathodes and electrolytes. For the purposes of the IATA-DGR, they are separated into:
•
•
Lithium metal batteries are primary (non-rechargeable) batteries that have lithium metal or
lithium compounds as an anode. The most common type of lithium cell used in consumer
applications uses metallic lithium as anode and manganese dioxide as cathode, with a salt of
lithium dissolved in an organic solvent; and
Lithium-ion batteries (sometimes abbreviated Li-ion batteries), are a type of secondary
(rechargeable) battery commonly used in consumer electronics. Also included within lithiumion batteries are lithium polymer batteries.
1. Each battery must not exceed the following quantities(1):
a) For lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries (non-rechargeable), a lithium content of not
more than 2 grams; or
b) For lithium ion batteries (rechargeable), an aggregate equivalent lithium content of not
more than 8 grams (valid until Dec. 31st 2008).
c) For lithium ion batteries (rechargeable), a watt-hour rating of not more than 100 WH
(valid from Jan. 1st 2009).
2. Consumer electronic devices containing lithium or lithium ion cells or batteries, such as
watches, calculating machines, cameras, cellular phones, lap-top computers, camcorders, etc.,
when carried by passenger or crew for personal use.
Consumer electronic devices containing
lithium or lithium ion cells or batteries
Permitted in or as carry-on baggage
Permitted in or as checked baggage
Permitted on one’s person
The approval of the operator(s) is required
The pilot in command must be informed of the location
Planes
Helicopter
Yes No Yes No
X
X(2)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3. Spare lithium or lithium ion cells or batteries, no more than two, for such consumer electronic
devices. These 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 separated plastic bag or protective pouch.
Planes
Yes No
Permitted in or as carry-on baggage
X
Permitted in or as checked baggage
X
Permitted on one’s person
X
The approval of the operator(s) is required
X
The pilot in command must be informed of the location
X
Spare lithium or lithium ion cells or batteries
Helicopter
Yes
No
X(2)
X
X
X(3)
X
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4. Lithium ion batteries exceeding the quantities mention in 1.
a) Spare lithium ion batteries (rechargeable), with an aggregate equivalent lithium content
of more than 8 grams, but not more than 25 grams, no more than two spare batteries
per person may be carried if they are individually protected so as to prevent short
circuits (valid until Dec. 31st 2008).
Planes
Yes No
Permitted in or as carry-on baggage
X
Permitted in or as checked baggage
X
Permitted on one’s person
X
The approval of the operator(s) is required
X
The pilot in command must be informed of the location
X
Lithium ion batteries exceeding the quantities (2008)
Helicopter
Yes
No
X(2)
X
X
X(3)
X
b) Spare lithium ion batteries (rechargeable), exceeding a watt-hour rating of 100 WH but
not exceeding 160 WH for consumer electronic devices, no more than two spare
batteries per person may be carried if they are individually protected so as to prevent
short circuit (valid from Jan. 1st 2009).
Planes
Yes No
Permitted in or as carry-on baggage
X
Permitted in or as checked baggage
X
Permitted on one’s person
X
The approval of the operator(s) is required
X
The pilot in command must be informed of the location
X
Lithium ion batteries exceeding the quantities (2009)
Helicopter
Yes
No
X(2)
X
X
(3)
X
X
Notes:
OLF (Oljeindustrienes Landsforening) The Norwegian Oil Industry Association has together with the Norwegian
oil companies (for example StatoilHydro ASA) filed variations for carry-on baggage on a passenger helicopter
to/from offshore installations on the Norwegian continental shelf. For safety reasons carry-on baggage is not
allowed, even though this usually is allowed, according to IATA-DGR section 2.3, on a passenger aircraft
(plane/helicopter).
The term “consumer electronic devices” for “personal use” is interpreted differently from each airline, and
such devices may also cover professional users as long as they comply with sec.1 above.
(1) All lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods if tested according to the requirements in
subsection 38.3 in the UN Manual of Test and Criteria. In order for a battery to be considered “not
restricted” according to IATA-DGR, a written statement from the manufacturer for each battery type
that the batteries comply with all of the tests, must accompany the passenger.
(2) The approval for any carry-on baggage must be obtained from the oil company and the helicopter
operator prior to each flight. Only by written approval it is allowed to have carry-on baggage in the
helicopter cabin. All items must fully comply with IATA-DGR section 2.3 in order to get an approval.
(3) When a written approval for carry-on baggage is not obtained, the batteries must be shipped as
dangerous goods and packed, marked, labelled and documented according to IATA-Dangerous Goods
Regulations. Each shipment must be sent as cargo and pass a checklist in order to be accepted on the
flight. All shipments classified as dangerous goods must be delivered to the heliport cargo at least two
-2- hours prior to the flight. Shipments may be delayed as not the entire helicopter types used to the
installations is certified to carry dangerous goods.
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