Batteries Plus of Partners with U.S. Department of Transportation
Nation’s Largest Battery Retailer to Educate Public on Safety
May 2008

Going through airport security can be frustrating enough when you’re forced to take off your shoes, belt or jewelry to get through the line. But don’t let the new federal regulations for transporting batteries hold you up even more. Now, Batteries Plus, the nation’s leader in battery sales, is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation to get the word out about new federal regulations when it comes to traveling with batteries.

Batteries Plus has launched a public awareness campaign to educate travelers on these new rules. Starting in May, over 330 stores will be distributing this new information to consumers. New regulations are now in place and will become more heavily enforced in the future.

“As America’s Battery Experts®, it is our duty to ensure that every one of our customers is fully aware of the new regulations and is provided all information to make the correct decision when boarding an airline with batteries,” said Russ Reynolds, CEO of Batteries Plus. “Our employees are fully trained to answer any questions about the federal regulations.”

Some of the new rules about traveling with batteries include:
• All spare batteries must be packed in carry-on luggage and not checked
• All batteries carried onto passenger airplanes must be stored in their original packaging or a sealable plastic bag. Batteries must be stored separately from others
• All common household batteries including both rechargeable and alkaline batteries must be stored in travel cases or with tape on top and bottom contacts to prevent accidents
• New regulations prohibit the transportation of lithium-ion batteries above a certain lithium-ion content, which primarily affects high capacity lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in most portable electronic devices.

Travelers should also know that it’s safe to bring your laptop, camera, PDA or other battery-powered device on a plane. There is little risk when the battery is in the equipment – just don’t take it out. Another traveling tip is to never check luggage containing a laptop, cell phone or other electronic device. These items are best protected when carried on the plane.

The public awareness campaign will continue through September 2008. Consumers can go to their local Batteries Plus store for more information, including detailed pamphlets showing the new regulations.