TSA puts heat on Lithium Ion batteries.

[Waterbuffalo]

If you think taking that extra Lithium battery in checked baggage, Think again! Here are the new rules you need to be aware of on the next business trip or vacation..
http://www.thestreet.com/s/dont-lose-your-batteries-to-airport-security/newsanalysis/hardware/10396317.html?puc=googlefi

[Chief]

Fire and explosion hazards with LI batteries is very, very real. These are high-energy batteries that are capable of delivering a high current if shorted, and the way people carry these spares, there are any number of ways to short them. Even plain AA batteries can be a fire hazard if you short them just right...

[Waterbuffalo]

That's if you know how to do it with the AA batteries. Though I'd say since the incident with dell and other laptops causing fires, I'd say there is always a chance that any battery could be set afire with a short.

With the cabin air pressurized, wonder if this would basically become a backdraft or flying fire once it got started?

[Chief]

They burn ver hot and can explode depending on the typr.

I saw something on TV the other day, about a guy who is building a custom electric sports car that will be powered by several hundred disposable Lithium Ion batteries. The car has pretty impressive acelleration because of the batteries it used. He's building the battery holders into the frame of the car to keep the weight down low. It's a good example of using existing technology in a creative, but expensive way. The cars will sell for $100K apiece, but the short-term performance is pretty impressive.

[Waterbuffalo]

All I can say is I don't think I am going to take any lithium or laptop batteries any time soon on a plane.

But I bet this is going to be a big dent on people who work on flights between cities or business travelers.