[First off, apologies for the long post and complex question]
I'm in the middle of a trip and unforeseen circumstances have me purchasing a cordless drill today with two Lithium Ion batteries. Each of the batteries has about 27 watt-hours capacity so they have less than 8 grams equivalent Lithium content (more on that in a bit). I'm traveling home tomorrow flying on one RJ and one mainline flight.
UA has somewhat conflicting info on their website about traveling with Lithium Ion batteries:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...dangerous.aspx
Checking the SafeTravel website shows that "Spare Lithium-Ion Battery, not installed in a device (up to 8 grams equivalent lithium content)" are forbidden in checked baggage but permitted in carry on baggage.
http://safetravel.dot.gov/quick_chart.html
However, a different location on UA's web site references checking battery powered hand tools:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...e/devices.aspx
So:
1. UA's website says no loose Lithium batteries in checked baggage but larger ones can be carried on.
2. The DoT site states that smaller Lithium Ion batteries may not be checked.
3. UA's website also states that power tool batteries may be checked but doesn't distinguish lithium ion versus nickle based batteries.
I'm fine with checking a bag for the entire trip. I'll have a rollaboard plus a backpack so with the RJ flight the rollaboard will be checked planeside regardless.
It looks like the TSA won't let me carry a drill through screening:
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...ibited-items#7
So I'll have to check the roller with the drill and bits in it at a minimum.
The TSA site is also a bit ambiguous about Lithium Ion batteries going through screening.
So should I put the batteries in the checked bag along with the drill or put the batteries in my backpack and hope they make it through TSA screening?
I could try shipping the batteries separately but that opens up a raft of other issues with timing.