Are 9 volt batteries okay?
 

I need them for video equipment that I use for work. Can I take them in my carry-on? I'll have about 10 of them, leaving from SFO in about 8 hours.

Could not find anything definitive on TSA site.

Shouldn't be a problem any more than another battery type. I carry all sorts of batteries, including 9V, in carry on and have never had a problem.

NO, 9V batteries are banned!!!

Why are people asking such ridiculous questions? This is why Americans are okay when a basic necessity such as water is banned from flight. Crazy people, you guys are.

What if your underwear is illegal?

Sheeh...

You're missing a smiley, or you have an unfortunately placed comma in this sentence. Only spillable batteries not installed in electric wheelchairs are banned.

Hi flynomore. I assume you're being tongue-in-cheek and just forgot a smiley face. After all, it would be sort of rude to say that another member's post is "ridiculous."

By the way, the batteries were fine today at SFO.

Batteries are fine, have been for as long as I've worked for the TSA. Unless of course, they are the spillable kind. Then there are certain times they are allowed.

This past Thursday at the SFO international terminal the TSA agent took me to the side to inspect my carry on computer bag. He proceeded to, one pocket at a time, pull every item out of the bag. He took special interest in a gate opener I've carried in my bag for 4 years. In fact he took such interest in it he kept one hand on it the entire time he was searching my bag.

After examining every item, including the wipe down of my computer, USB hard disk drive AND the gate opener, he ran the bag back through with the gate opener in a separate container.

When he returned he mentioned the reason my bag was searched was due to the gate opener with the 9 volt battery in it, adding that it was a regulation to search any bag with any item with a 9 volt battery in it.

I casually mentioned that over the past 3+ years I've taken 200 plus flights with the opener in my bag, and no screening agent had ever taken exception to it. His only comment was all the other agents were wrong and he was right, and if I didn't want my bag searched I should remove the opener.

And that is why the OP's question was neither ridiculous or out of line. There is no continuity from checkpoint to checkpoint and some screeners make up things as they go along. We are being subjected to arbitrary rules that we cannot challenge. :td:

I thought the idea behind the TSA was one nationwide policy? :confused: oh okay ... :rolleyes:

I believe India did (if they don't still) prohibits any "loose" (non-wired) batteries whatsoever?

That is what the issue is that TSA has to deal with all the time. If some group of screeners at TSA doesnt do the right thing and follow procedures and lets something go because they are lazy or ignorant or just plain stupid. Then another TSA group stops the bag and checks it, TSA is seen as being arbitrary. You would have never known that the first group wasnt doing its job. It is the second group that gets the accusations.

You hit the nail on the head with the PR problems the TSA faces (taking away the nonsense Kip Hawley does).

I, and many other FFers, have long said that the majority of TSAers are good. It truly is the, seemingly, the one jackass I run into in every fifth trip or so that ruins it for everyone.

I don't understand why you can get the same-tasting cup of coffee at a Starbucks anywhere in the world. It doesn't matter if it's Miami or Manila, any of those 150,000 employees (triple the TSA staffing) can produce the same product no matter where the location.

Yet with the TSA, you can't get a consistent application of the rules when it comes to a stinking 9-Volt battery.

Not only with 9-volt batteries! Isn't it always the case that TSA "want to keep the terrorists on their toes"?? - so (in my best SoupNazi voice):

No consistency for you!!
:mad:

Best, Dave

If it wasn't so pathetically obvious that Kip Hawley says that to cover his bureaucratic ..., it'd be funny.

We all know it's not true. A TSAer has even said in this forum that there is no designed inconsistency in the SOP.

Sing it! I honestly am baffled every time I hear these stories about other airports. According to our passengers LGA allows large toiletries and/or multiple baggies, allows shoes through the checkpoint, never swabs CPAP machines, allows water in sealed bottles and can carry water and coffee through the mag. So, is LGA really that loose on the rules or are these just stories? Hmmm....

Interesting post. He also said therein:I take that as encouragement to continue with customer comments and complaints.