U.S. Bans Spare Lithium Batteries From Checked Bags

Useful information for anyone heading to Macworld Expo:

New rules will go into effect on Jan. 1 that prohibit air passengers in the U.S. from carrying spare lithium batteries in their checked baggage.

The new rules, announced Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation, are designed to reduce the risk of fires in aircraft. Lithium batteries have been identified as a possible cause of several aircraft fires.

You can still pack extra batteries in your carry-on bags, however. Update: Here are the actual TSA guidelines.

★ Tuesday, 1 January 2008