I had my first real run in with security on my flight out of Johannesburg. I had the LiFePO4 battery out on display in the tray. The X-ray people wanted a closer look at it (no problems there). The guy that she handed off to took a look at it and said, “You can’t take that on the plane”. Exchange went as follows:
Me: "Yes, I can, it’s a spare lithium battery"
Him: "No, batteries are not allowed."
Me: "Batteries aren’t allowed in checked luggage, this is hand luggage, as per the rules."
Him: “No, you don’t know what you are talking about”
(at this point, I’m about to give up the battery for lost)
Me: “IATA rules, and airline rules say that I must carry spare batteries in hand luggage. I am not allowed to put that in my checked luggage. It is less that 100Wh in capacity, and is allowed under Dangerous Goods regulations.”
(at this point, he starts getting confused, so he calls over his supervisor)
Her: “Hmm, I will check”.
(battery disappears with her towards the DG-qualified super-supervisor. At the same time, my father, who is also DG-qualified, comes over to lend a hand. 30 seconds later, she’s back)
Her (to him): “It’s OK. It has to be less than 8 watt-watts or something.” (exact quote)
I took the battery on to the plane, but in the excitement, left my Father’s Day-gift rugby top on the security desk, never to be seen again. Wife not happy.
But remember, as long as it’s less than 8 watt-watts, you’ll be fine!