Starting in the new year, airline passengers won't be allowed to check baggage containing lithium batteries unless they're already installed in electronic devices. The batteries may be taken onboard in passengers' carry-on luggage if they're stored in plastic bags. The FAA has found that fire-protection systems in the cargo hold of passenger planes can't put out fires sparked in lithium batteries.

To help reduce the risk of fires, air travelers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage beginning Jan. 1, the Transportation Department said Friday.
Passengers can still check baggage with lithium batteries if they are installed in electronic devices, such as cameras, cell phones and laptop computers.

If packed in plastic bags, batteries may be in carry-on baggage.

The limit is two batteries per passenger.

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