Originally Posted by
fastair
I believe all batteries are required to be removed from items in checked luggage.
I can't quite see how that would work for devices (such as my razor) where batteries aren't removable.
And the DOT says the opposite for lithium batteries (and what consumer can determine the battery type anyway):
http://safetravel.dot.gov/
DOT's rule on lithium batteries in air travel, which took effect on January 1, 2008, prohibits carriage of spare lithium batteries in checked baggage, such as large suitcases you hand over to the airline for handling. If you put a portable electronic device in checked baggage, you may still do so with the batteries installed in the device.
Getting this back on topic, and related to the suggestion of installing a camera in the suitcase, maybe the airlines and the airports should hire some consultants from the casino industry to get "eye in the sky" surveillance systems installed. If workers can remove stuff from our suitcases without being noticed, who's to say they can't also add stuff after it has passed screening?