From New Year's Day 2021, no loose or spare batteries will be allowed in passengers' checked-in baggage.

The restrictions are due to changes to the International Air Transport Association – IATA - Dangerous Goods Regulations.

The changes from January 1 2021 apply to all loose or spare batteries including batteries in their original retail packaging.

Passengers may take up to 20 loose or spare batteries of any type including AAA, AA, C cell, D cell and 9-Volt in carry-on baggage, unless their airline has approved the carriage of more batteries.

Loose or spare batteries in carry-on luggage must be protected by being in their original retail packaging, or an individual bag or protective pouch for each battery, or with tape placed over exposed terminals.

Bags going on planes are x-rayed to make sure there is nothing dangerous in them. If something comes up on the x-ray that needs checking, the bag will be opened, searched and any dangerous or prohibited item will be removed.

Batteries are restricted items because they can overheat and catch fire.

Batteries that power any device – mobile phone, laptop, medical device - can go in checked-in baggage, but only if they are in the device, and the device is turned off.

Spare dry-cells and nickel-metal hydride batteries will now be managed the same as all other types of spare batteries, for example lithium, that are already prohibited from checked-in baggage. This means no spare batteries, of any type, will be allowed in checked-in baggage.

Passengers who are not sure what they can take on the plane or pack in their baggage, can check the NZ Aviation Security Service website or check with their airline.

Remember to check batteries for damage, corrosion and replace them as necessary.

Fly safely and securely this summer and don't get caught out with loose batteries in your checked-in baggage.