Cozumel Airport Security WARNING

[DandyDon]

Yep. Some faulty or poorly packed Lithium passenger batteries could feasibly start a luggage fire, but the holds have had smoke detectors since the early 80s and extinguishers that pull handle such a fire. Of course they still want to avoid those, hence the regs we have now. No damaged batteries, properly packed, taped ends or separated - like in special boxes.

Large shipments are not flown at all any more I don't think but that's not our issue.

Some airlines still don't allow lighters, so I don't tell them.

 

[WicketsMom]

I've never been diving on GC so it will be a new experience and give me a chance to compare the two. A little non-drift diving might be a welcome change for this trip and I can dodge the battery monster at the Cozumel airport..

You'll love Grand Cayman, we've made a dozen or so trips there and are hoping to get back soon. Never stayed on the East side, we always stay on Seven Mile Beach, but there are some good shore diving points all around. Some of my favorite dive sites are on the North Wall there. It's not the same since Ivan came through, but still one of my favorite dive destinations.

Don't think you'll necessarily dodge the battery monster there though. That is where we had some confiscated from our carry-ons one year. We were flying on 09/11/2002 on that trip though, so security was unbelievably tight.

 

[Prop Joe]

Yep. Some faulty or poorly packed Lithium passenger batteries could feasibly start a luggage fire, but the holds have had smoke detectors since the early 80s and extinguishers that pull handle such a fire. Of course they still want to avoid those, hence the regs we have now. No damaged batteries, properly packed, taped ends or separated - like in special boxes.

Large shipments are not flown at all any more I don't think but that's not our issue.

Some airlines still don't allow lighters, so I don't tell them.

Early 80's. Really ????
Valuejet 592.... Forever changed how EVERYTHING is shipped by air. COMAT or not. You can (and will) be held responsible.
Then there is this that was predicted a decade after those people died:
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/lithium-batteries-blamed-for-fatal-ups-plane-crash-391755.html

 

[DandyDon]

Early 80's. Really ????
Valuejet 592.... Forever changed how EVERYTHING is shipped by air. COMAT or not. You can (and will) be held responsible.
Then there is this that was predicted a decade after those people died:
Lithium batteries blamed for fatal UPS plane crash - Transport - ArabianBusiness.com

Yeah it was 1983. Fire inside jet forced emergency landing, then a flashfire killed many once the escape doors opened. This lead to many changes including smoke detectors. see Air Canada Flight 797 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yeah, I referenced the UPS cargo fire a few posts ago, and it was a large shipment, all lithium (not luggage) which the extinguishers didn't work on. See UPS Airlines Flight 6 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I remember that Valujet 592 tragedy. Cheapass airline flying an old DC9, skirted smoke detector rules with the sealed hold, except for the O2 generators making that fail.

None of the airlines carry $16 CO detectors, btw, like most hotels don't have them, even tho airliners can produce CO. If your pilot gets sleepy or ill, suggest O2. I carry a Pocket CO monitor on my lapel.

 

[1KWIK_69]

You'll love Grand Cayman, Some of my favorite dive sites are on the North Wall there.

Did you dive the wall that's accessible from the concrete pier at Tech Divers just past Hell? That is by far the best shore dive I've ever been on!

 

[samcraig]

Just flew home on Saturday and had no issues with batteries in my luggage or carry on....

 

[DandyDon]

Just flew home on Saturday and had no issues with batteries in my luggage or carry on....

Good to hear. I am sure it varies with personnel on duty. I wonder how Lee did with her expensive batteries yesterday?

 

[muzikbiz22]

Have traveled in the past year to Cozumel, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Florida.

In my carry on are 8 eneloop AA's, battery & spare for 2 cameras', 4 C cells, 2 camera's, housing, dome, strobe, regulator, dive computer, iPad and/or laptop. Airlines have included Continental, Jet Blue, Air Cayman, Air Jamaica, American. Not a single issue or event with TSA, airline or government.

Frisk me, grope me, scan me, X-Ray me, question me ! I have no problem with any of that !!!

 

[Mossman]

Have traveled in the past year to Cozumel, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Florida.

In my carry on are 8 eneloop AA's, battery & spare for 2 cameras', 4 C cells, 2 camera's, housing, dome, strobe, regulator, dive computer, iPad and/or laptop. Airlines have included Continental, Jet Blue, Air Cayman, Air Jamaica, American. Not a single issue or event with TSA, airline or government.

Frisk me, grope me, scan me, X-Ray me, question me ! I have no problem with any of that !!!

What happens when your carry-on won't fit in the overhead and they have to gate check it?

 

[DandyDon]

What happens when your carry-on won't fit in the overhead and they have to gate check it?

That's why cameras and laptops never go in roll-on. They go in personal bag. The photographers fought hard for that extra.