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The only time I had hassle with batteries was a flight within the 
States with United Airlines. I wanted to check them in - like always 
- and the weight of the bag exceeded 70 lbs (2 battery packs, 
backplate etc etc). Since I had to figure out some right then and 
everything I did was visible to the clerk, she saw me taking out the 
batteries and started asking questions. I had to put them into boxes 
for hazardous material (no negotiating possible) and pay some extra. 
All the many other times, checked-in batteries didn't cause me 
problems. However, now I put the batteries in the other bag.

Claudia

> On Mon, 20 Mar 2000 13:19:35 -0500, you wrote:
> 
> >I am headed to Mexico in the next few months and wonder what the current
> >thinking is on transporting light batteries.  I've been down there
> >before and once I carried them in my carry on bag and got hassled by
> >security.  After talking to a supervisor I was allowed on with the
> >batts.  Another time down I put them in my checked bag and had no
> >problems.
> >
> >I'm wondering though...  Some airplanes do NOT have pressurized cargo
> >holds.  I believe that the consequences of that on a battery would not
> >be pretty.  However, if I carry them on will I get hassled again?  Or
> >maybe this time they just won't let me on with them at all.
> >
> >What is the BEST way to transport light batteries WITHOUT problems on a
> >flight to Mexico?
> 
> You may want to talk to Connie about this since I'm sure she has found
> the best way. I went a few years ago to Mexico via Continental (I
> think) and carried my light and batter as carry on. The security
> merely asked what it was for and allowed me to pass and I didn't have
> any problems coming back either. 
> This October I had to fly Mexicana (after the hurricane canceled all
> US Air flights) and was forced to leave my battery behind. I argued
> with security for 15 minutes and even tried common sense logic. The
> batter is no different from other closed cell batteries like phone and
> laptop batteries. Arguing with the airline officials didn't work since
> they could even figure out the difference between the two either and
> said their scanners would pick up such materials in checked luggage as
> well (I didn't mention that my friend already had their baggage
> checked with his batteries). I had to leave the battery at the luggage
> storage and even they almost refused to store it. I was charged 14
> dollars to store the damn thing for a week. If they weren't nearly
> new, I would have just left it in some corner of the airport and left
> for Mexico (after removing any identifying features of course). I
> haven't heard of anyone having a problem with checked luggage
> containing batteries, but then again I had heard of any problems as
> carry-on either. I guess you will just have to roll the dice and see
> what happens since consistency is not a virtue of airlines.
> 
> 

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