More flying with gear news: My brother-in-law just returned from a dive trip to Mexico. He was carrying a lot of underwater photo gear and flew out of Cozumel. Like everywhere, they...

LouV Loc: Juno Beach, FL

My brother-in-law just returned from a dive trip to Mexico. He was carrying a lot of underwater photo gear and flew out of Cozumel. Like everywhere, they allowed no spare lithium batteries in checked bags. But, here's the odd part: they allowed no standard batteries in carry-ons and confiscated all of his AA alkalines! I have no idea if this is official Mexican policy or just an enterprising agent with a burgeoning used battery business but flyer beware.

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Hmmm. Travelling tomorrow to the carribean...perhaps I will put my lithium spares and AAs in checked baggage...

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

LouV wrote:

My brother-in-law just returned from a dive trip to Mexico. He was carrying a lot of underwater photo gear and flew out of Cozumel. Like everywhere, they allowed no spare lithium batteries in checked bags. But, here's the odd part: they allowed no standard batteries in carry-ons and confiscated all of his AA alkalines! I have no idea if this is official Mexican policy or just an enterprising agent with a burgeoning used battery business but flyer beware.

That same agent was probably handing out fliers to incoming passengers telling them where they can buy batteries!

LouV Loc: Juno Beach, FL

LFingar wrote:

That same agent was probably handing out fliers to incoming passengers telling them where they can buy batteries!

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

crazydaddio wrote:

Hmmm. Travelling tomorrow to the carribean...perhaps I will put my lithium spares and AAs in checked baggage...

Here are the FAA regs on batteries: http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/passenger_info/media/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf
Since you are from Canada the regs may be different, but I would just about bet that they are very similar.
Of course, every country has their own twist on things. The mexico incident may have been just that one agent. It's always a good idea to check with the airline you will be flying.

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

LFingar wrote:

That same agent was probably handing out fliers to incoming passengers telling them where they can buy batteries!

Also, what was stolen from you today can be purchased in "Thieves Market" tomorrow!

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

In Mexico small rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries may be in carry on wiht the follolwing restrictions:

"Must be transported inside equipment only. 2 Laptop batteries and 12 x AA or 9-volt batteries. Must be in their original packaging or insulated terminals or individually packaged in plastic bags"

cthahn

Don't go to Mexico. That country is corrupt from one end to the other. I would not go if I was paid.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

LouV wrote:

My brother-in-law just returned from a dive trip to Mexico. He was carrying a lot of underwater photo gear and flew out of Cozumel. Like everywhere, they allowed no spare lithium batteries in checked bags. But, here's the odd part: they allowed no standard batteries in carry-ons and confiscated all of his AA alkalines! I have no idea if this is official Mexican policy or just an enterprising agent with a burgeoning used battery business but flyer beware.

I'm so glad I travel by car.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

cthahn wrote:

Don't go to Mexico. That country is corrupt from one end to the other. I would not go if I was paid.

I wonder if the OP saw people on the street selling batteries at discount prices.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

LouV wrote:

My brother-in-law just returned from a dive trip to Mexico. He was carrying a lot of underwater photo gear and flew out of Cozumel. Like everywhere, they allowed no spare lithium batteries in checked bags. But, here's the odd part: they allowed no standard batteries in carry-ons and confiscated all of his AA alkalines! I have no idea if this is official Mexican policy or just an enterprising agent with a burgeoning used battery business but flyer beware.

Yea, those Mexican officials at the airports are also taking guns, knives, pipe bombs, and hand cuffs, the gull of those people. Will their be no end to the madness.

mainshipper Loc: Hernando, Florida

cthahn wrote:

Don't go to Mexico. That country is corrupt from one end to the other. I would not go if I was paid.

Best reply so far.

genesampson

Better check TSA as it's my understanding lithium batteries can not be in checked bags. I think I even saw notices to that effect on posters at the airport. My guess is if you do and they are found you will lose them.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

LFingar wrote:

Here are the FAA regs on batteries: http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/passenger_info/media/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf
Since you are from Canada the regs may be different, but I would just about bet that they are very similar.
Of course, every country has their own twist on things. The mexico incident may have been just that one agent. It's always a good idea to check with the airline you will be flying.

Thanks for the link. I have a better understanding of the rules now.

mlj Loc: Anderson, SC

I have been to Cancun/Mexican Riviera and spent time at an all inclusive resort. I found the people working there to be very friendly, kind, and generous. It seems to me that such a blanket statement as yours is just not fair.
There are good and bad people everywhere;even in the United States. Just be cautious as to where you plan to visit.

cthahn wrote:

Don't go to Mexico. That country is corrupt from one end to the other. I would not go if I was paid.