The transportation of the devices powered by lithium and lithium-ion batteries

Definitions

Lithium metal batteries are primary (non-rechargeable) batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds.

Lithium-ion batteries are a secondary (rechargeable) battery where the lithium is only present in an ionic form.

Portable electronic device (PED) is an easily carried device, with removable or non-removable battery(ies) that have the capability to store, record, and/or transmit text, images/video, or audio data. Most of the consumer commodities can be listed as PED such as mobiles, laptops, cameras, radios, audio devices, watches.

Portable medical electronic device (PMED) is an easily carried, removable or non-removable lithium battery powered equipment that used in healthcare for monitoring, operating or managing medical conditions such as cardiac, blood pressure, respiratory monitors, wearable smart devices, oxygen concentrators.

Power bank is an easily carried universal external power source, capable of providing power to multiple devices such as mobile phones, etc.

Spare Batteries are usually either single cell batteries (AAA, CR123, etc.) or multi-celled batteries but designed to be inserted into or directly affixed to a specific device.

Small vehicle is a removable or non-removable lithium battery powered equipment that used for personal transportation, including rideable suitcases.

Mobility Aid – are devices used by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg).

Smart luggage refers to bags or suitcases that incorporate built-in electronic features designed to improve convenience, security, or tracking for travellers. Smart luggage may include power banks with USB charging ports, weight sensors to prevent overpacking, electronic locking systems, GPS tracking devices with or without GSM capability or Bluetooth, RFID and Wi-Fi technology or even motorized/self-propelled functions, powered by lithium batteries.

Bag tags are devices that are replacing the paper baggage label and for the quick drop-off points at the airports; and GPS tracking devices that are attached to baggage and/or other belongings for tracking purposes with or without GSM capability, Bluetooth, RFID, or Wi-Fi technologies.

E-cigarette (vape or pipe) is a lithium battery powered device that uses heat to vaporize a liquid to simulate the act of smoking.

Airline Approval

Passengers wishing to carry large numbers of spare batteries, power banks, PEDs or devices which have larger batteries, will need to obtain the approval of the airline (see Table 1).

In order to get airline's approval, the passenger shall send the request to email support@belavia.by, specifying the following information:

• the W/h rating for lithium ion or how much the lithium content (in grams) contained for lithium metal batteries,
• number of batteries,
• if the battery is removable or non-removable.

The airline has the right to not give an approval if the information is not adequate.

How to Carry Lithium Batteries when Travelling on a Passenger Aircraft

All batteries which are being carried by passengers must be of a type that meets the requirements of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3. Additionally, passengers are advised to:

1. Pack light: Only bring the devices and batteries you really need.
2. Avoid last minute recharging: It is preferable that spare batteries and power banks to be at less than 25%. If you recharge your power bank or PED, then allow it to cool before packing it. Do not recharge it prior to boarding.
3. Separate spare batteries, power banks and PEDs: Ensure that Wireless power banks are properly switched off and not so close to you phone as to start recharging it, should it be inadvertently turned on. Keep some space between spare batteries.
4. Stay alert: If a device is hot, smoking, or damaged, tell the crew (or airport staff) immediately.
5. Keep devices with you: Always carry phones, laptops, cameras, vapes (if allowed) and other battery-powered items in your hand baggage, not in checked baggage. Do not place them in the cabin of the aircraft in the overhead lockers.
6. Protect loose batteries: Keep spare batteries and power banks in their original packaging or cover the terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.
7. Gate check reminder: If your hand baggage is taken at the gate to go in the aircraft baggage hold, remove all lithium batteries and devices first.
8. Check battery size: For larger batteries (over 100 watt-hours, such as those used in larger cameras or power tools), check with your airline as approval may be required.

Power banks

• Passengers are limited to a maximum of two lithium-ion power banks not exceeding 100 W/h.
• Power banks shall not be recharged from an in-aircraft power supply.
• Power banks shall not be stored in the overhead lockers.
• Power banks shall not be used to provide power to other devices during taxi, take-off or landing.

Airline may impose more stringent conditions on the carriage and use of power banks by passengers.

Spare lithium batteries

Spare batteries shall 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 separate plastic bag or protective pouch and carried in carry-on baggage only.

Portable electronic devices (PED) and Portable medical electronic devices (PMED) containing lithium batteries

PEDs and PMEDs containing lithium batteries for personal use, should be carried in carry-on baggage. They may be subject to specific restrictions on the size and weight of baggage permitted in the cabin.

If devices are to be carried in checked baggage:

• measures to protect the device from damage and to prevent unintentional activation;
• the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).

Baggage with installed lithium batteries – "smart luggage"

Smart luggage with integrated lithium batteries, are also considered as PED.

Bag tags and GPS tracking devices

Bag tags and GPS tracking devices are not restricted.

Small vehicle

Small vehicles, including rideable luggage, generally do not meet the same criteria as mobility aids. Small vehicles are classified as PEDs. Most small vehicles have batteries that exceed 160 W/h.

Electronic cigarettes ("e-cigarettes")

Electronic cigarettes including e-cigars, e-pipes and other personal vaporizers containing batteries for personal use must be in carry-on baggage only.

• Measures to protect the device from damage and to prevent unintentional activation.
• Recharging these devices and/or batteries on board the aircraft is not permitted.

* When devices are carried in checked baggage, shall be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode), unless

• lithium content does not exceed 0.3 g for lithium metal batteries per device, and
• W/h rating does not exceed 2.7 W/h for lithium-ion batteries per device.

** If the baggage is to be checked in, the lithium battery shall be removed and the removed battery shall be carried in the cabin.