Originally Posted by
WillTravel4Food
The certifying authority for the operating airline also has a say in the rules. The "cracker" is a very low power explosive, but an explosive nonetheless. And as such, they are considered hazardous materials. Authorization to transport the cracker will be based on the regulations for the operating airline. The second piece is the certifying regulator for each aerodrome (airport) and associated security protocols (e.g., TSA in the USA). The regulations for what is admissible for transport through the subject airports and transported is dependent upon those rules as well. The airlines policies aren't arbitrary in regard to these issues. Lack of knowledge regarding these regulations by the subject airline personnel is worrisome. They should be much more knowledgeable.
Actually...in the USA, The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the one in charge of declaring which substances can fly and how they can be transported. It's the DOT which placed restrictions on volatile substances and the LiIon battery limits. The DOT regs are why LiIon & isopropyl alcohol generally aren't carried as air freight.
Remember, the TSA's job is to "reassure the public" (their own charter's words, not mine), NOT make air travel safer. The only thing your average TSA employee knows about Lithium is that they take it every morning as a mood stabilizer. Judging from some of the attitudes of the screeners, some of them forget to take it regularly.