TSA Travel Alert – Laptop batteries

Just a heads up for those of you traveling in these early months of the year. The TSA is no longer allowing laptop batteries to be in your checked baggage as of January 1st 2008.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/batteries.shtm

The TSA rules are (as usual) arbitrary and a little stupid - but they can be expensive and cause you trouble if you violate them.

So, a couple of notes and suggestions:

Your laptop should NEVER, EVER be checked unless it is in a padded case with a hard-shell cover (such as those made by Pelican) - wrapping it in a towel doesn't count. If it is damaged while checked, the airline will not take responsibility - meaning you eat the cost.
If you are carrying extra batteries, put them in your laptop bag with your laptop per the rules on the TSA link above.
If you *do* carry an extra battery, and *do* check it - make sure it adheres to their criteria (at the above link, again)
Do not taunt happyfunball

Good luck, and safe travels.

[EDIT]
A great article here for those interested in more stupid TSA tricks.