Department of Transportation spokesperson Patricia Kliger told Undercurrent that the checked-baggage ban on loose lithium batteries of all sizes was primarily put in place for industrial-size batteries, like those used in heavy-duty audio/video equipment, because they can pose a significant fire hazard. The new restrictions do not have much of an effect on consumer electronics, however, you may not pack ANY spare lithium batteries in your checked bags. It is okay to check your gear as long as batteries are installed in them. Other rules for traveling with spare lithium batteries :

* You can bring batteries with up to an 8-gram equivalent lithium content in your carryon bags. All lithium ion batteries in cell phones are below the 8-gram equivalent lithium content. Nearly all laptop computer batteries and those used by photographers and dive computers also are below this quantity threshold.

* You can also bring up to two spare batteries with an aggregate equivalent lithium content of up to 25 grams, in addition to any number of batteries that fall below the 8-gram threshold.

* For a lithium metal battery, whether installed in a device or carried as a spare, the limit on lithium content is 2 grams of lithium metal per battery.

* Almost all consumer-type lithium metal batteries are below 2 grams of lithium metal. But if you are unsure, contact the manufacturer!

Remember all spare batteries you carry with you should be in the original case, in individual plastic bags, or have tape over their contacts.

For the detailed information and to track changes, go to http://safetravel.dot.gov