Has anyone replaced the battery on their laptop while on a plane?

[Sirgeorge]

So, has anyone ever taken a set of screwdrivers (sub-7 inches for TSA compliance) and spare batteries for their laptop (built-in sub 100 Wh, but replaceable, like a framework level of difficulty here) and actually bothered replacing a battery on the plane due to the built in one running out of juice? Forget any rational questions you may have about why just curious as to answers to this silly (potentially dangerous if you puncture the battery) idea.

 

EDIT:

I'm incredible disappointed with the responses I got. I'm not going to go through my technical or personal background, but yes, I have considered literally every danger point, safety concern, etc. written below and a number not. I'm not surprised by any of it. I also didn't ask to the feasibility, practicality, desirability, etc. of the matter. The question asked IF anyone HAS done it.

 

I remember actually having a genuine moment where I considered posting this question asking if this incredibly stupid ideas has been done before because I feared that the comments would be filled with lots and lots of people posting about "why would you even?" or "have you considered obvious bad thing about obvious bad idea?" or "this would obviously be bad idea due to point mentioned in the question itself".

 

In other words, negative reactions to an idea admitted in the second line to be terrible simply asking if terrible idea has ever had a practitioner willing to talk about it come out and share what they've learned with the class "Yes, fire indeed hot and hot in this particular way with this particular pain feeling" and no one actually answering the darn question. Indeed, that is what happened. There has got to be some concise way to signal that "idea is bad and I know that, now can anyone answer silly idea with silly response".

 

Side note: most technically competent people are not so good outside their chosen domain. You'd be very surprised, but doctors, especially research doctors, are stupid bad at dealing with tech beyond a certain level. They'll have cache sync issues with their own code (regardless of if they write it or not), printer issues, etc. The only people I've ever met that were still doing the two finger keyboard typing game were in a research lab. So, they're just as likely to get freaked as anyone else

[aisle9]

That sounds so incredibly stupid for God knows how many reasons.

[CallumOKane]

On top of the "HE'S GOT A BOMB" that someone may scream, there is the risk that you damage the battery - and while you are that high in the air, it would definitely not be recommended. If something gets punctured and catches fire, the fire and smoke would not be good and you can't necessarily open the plane door and throw it out

[da na]

I've disassembled my entire laptop in Honors Chemistry to reseat RAM. Bonked it, laptop turned off, I knew what was happening since it'd happened a few times before. Had screwdrivers in my bag since I was going to use them later today, so thought why not fix it now, I need it for notes anyway.

 

[Supersonicwolfe]

26 minutes ago, Sirgeorge said:

So, has anyone ever taken a set of screwdrivers (sub-7 inches for TSA compliance) and spare batteries for their laptop (built-in sub 100 Wh, but replaceable, like a framework level of difficulty here) and actually bothered replacing a battery on the plane due to the built in one running out of juice? Forget any rational questions you may have about why just curious as to answers to this silly (potentially dangerous if you puncture the battery) idea.

In the old days, replacing a removable laptop battery is quite normal... but internal one? why brother...

 

I know you are not supposed to, but you can just plug in with planes have sockets...

 

Internal battery must have their terminals tapped or installed in a device for security through TSA.

 

I am quite sure they would kick you off a plane if you started to remove screws... doesn't matter is your laptop or the smoke detector in lavatories.

[da na]

17 hours ago, Supersonicwolfe said:

I am quite sure they would kick you off a plane if you started to remove screws

How does that work? Do they bring out a buff ass flight assistant to pick you up and throw you out the airlock since you tried to service your laptop? 

[aisle9]

5 minutes ago, Mel0n. said:

How does that work? Do they bring out a buff ass flight agent to pick you up and throw you out the airlock since you tried to service your laptop? 

I'm just trying to envision a scenario in which an aircraft tray table at 30,000 feet is the right time and place to dismantle your laptop and replace the internal battery. Even assuming you don't create a Karen-pocalypse as they all shriek about you building a bomb, and assuming you don't puncture the battery somehow and actually create a bomb, where the hell are you going to put the screws? The screws holding the battery in are not captive, even if the frame screws are.

[Rarity]

5 hours ago, aisle9 said:

I'm just trying to envision a scenario in which an aircraft tray table at 30,000 feet is the right time and place to dismantle your laptop and replace the internal battery. Even assuming you don't create a Karen-pocalypse as they all shriek about you building a bomb, and assuming you don't puncture the battery somehow and actually create a bomb, where the hell are you going to put the screws? The screws holding the battery in are not captive, even if the frame screws are.

if the plane hits some turbulence , there go the screws .. 

[Imbadatnames]

Don’t think you’re allowed to take the spare battery in your hand luggage. Think all batteries taken with you need to be installed in a device 

[tikker]

Planes are uncomfortable enough as they are to even use a laptop at all. Not sure why you'd want to undertake a battery replacement in one.

  

26 minutes ago, Imbadatnames said:

Don’t think you’re allowed to take the spare battery in your hand luggage. Think all batteries taken with you need to be installed in a device 

My experience with European flights is the opposite. Batteries (lithium ones at least) and the like need to go in the carry-on luggage and not in checked luggage.

[Mihle]

51 minutes ago, tikker said:

Planes are uncomfortable enough as they are to even use a laptop at all. Not sure why you'd want to undertake a battery replacement in one.

  

My experience with European flights is the opposite. Batteries (lithium ones at least) and the like need to go in the carry-on luggage and not in checked luggage.

I don't know if it's law, but all companies here prefer you to have laptop in your hand luggage. And all insurance companies exclude electronics and high value items in checked in luggage.

[Imbadatnames]

1 hour ago, tikker said:

Planes are uncomfortable enough as they are to even use a laptop at all. Not sure why you'd want to undertake a battery replacement in one.

  

My experience with European flights is the opposite. Batteries (lithium ones at least) and the like need to go in the carry-on luggage and not in checked luggage.

Ah yeah wrong way round but spare batteries must be in the original packaging:

 

• Maximum of two spare lithium batteries per person (incl. power banks) kept in original packaging or terminals insulated/protected from short circuits.

But I can see a laptop battery being taken off you and if you tried to start taking a device to pieces the staff to asking you to stop. 

[thrasher_565]

its 95wh is max dont no if you can get by that by using a external battery thow... im gonna guess not. but i mean they probably dont check to see if its is 95wh thow...

[Mick Naughty]

I've only ever swapped them out the normal way. Only my last two laptops have internal battery. 
Last time I was on a plane with one, I had 2 spares and one being a 9 cell. Not like anyone was actually checking the wattage and size. Could pretty much take anything.

[tkitch]

in theory?  I doubt there are any rules against it, specifically.  I'll bet the iFixIt Toolkit is plane legal, for example.

 

Realistically I can't imagine it going well  for several of the reasons described above.

[Lurking]

On 12/15/2022 at 10:41 PM, Mel0n. said:

How does that work? Do they bring out a buff ass flight assistant to pick you up and throw you out the airlock since you tried to service your laptop? 

TSA agents will arrest you at the destination airport. You will get on the no-fly list. Maybe they re-route the plane to land at the nearest airport and you have to pay for the extra cost. All other passengers may sue you for whatever damage that detour cost them. Maybe they don't throw you out from 30,000 feet, but they sure will make you regret replacing a battery. 

 

Just use your phone and a battery bank to watch movies. Who is still using a laptop? Have you seen how little space you have? 

[Echothedolpin]

Aviation safety regulations are put in place for a reason, if you ever wanna get just a taste of why they do things the way they do just like at the checklist a pilot goes through on your average airliner EVERY TIME, LINE BY LINE, even the stupid stuff.

 

there’s a reason there are rules in the back of the aircraft too for all the passengers. It may seem ‘stupid’ but mostly it’s to reduce or eliminate even minuscule risks.

 

Attempting to service a lithium ion battery is increasing that risk, even if it’s slight, to every other person on that aircraft who don’t have a choice on whether they want to be exposed to that risk or not.

 

No offense, but I highly suspect you’re doing this to attempt to show off your technical skills. I apologize if I’m wrong, however you’re only going to make the ignorant nervous. Also likely there will be people on that aircraft who are engineers, doctors, electrical specialists, etc who will roll their eyes at what you’re doing.

 

And most likely of all, you’ll get the battery taken at security, or if you make it on board, you’ll get arrested and the plane diverted.

 

Source: i’ve been involved in crewmember operations in aviation, and operated in a military safety of flight compliance capacity for several years.

 

My man (or gal) do not do this, you’ll either just look stupid to the passengers  and crew or look stupid to whatever law enforcement agency picks you up on the ground. That’s not to mention what might happen if you have an air Marshall on board.

[NumLock21]

Looks like someone here is an attention seeker and wants to seek their 15 minutes of fame. 15 minutes in exchange for 15 years in prison, for look at me I know how to replace a laptop battery!

New YouTube video! I replace my laptop battery at 35,000FT, then got arrested when the plane lands. Like and Subscribe!

 

Replace your battery at home before getting on a plane.

[Sirgeorge]

6 hours ago, NumLock21 said:

Looks like someone here is an attention seeker and wants to seek their 15 minutes of fame. 15 minutes in exchange for 15 years in prison, for look at me I know how to replace a laptop battery!

New YouTube video! I replace my laptop battery at 35,000FT, then got arrested when the plane lands. Like and Subscribe!

 

Replace your battery at home before getting on a plane.

Read...the fricken...comment. How did this evolve from "hey I know this is stupid has anyone tried it" to "ya, this guy is totally an idiot for planning on trying this". Don't play Chinese telephone. You're better then that.

[Sirgeorge]

On 12/17/2022 at 9:33 AM, Echothedolpin said:

Aviation safety regulations are put in place for a reason, if you ever wanna get just a taste of why they do things the way they do just like at the checklist a pilot goes through on your average airliner EVERY TIME, LINE BY LINE, even the stupid stuff.

 

there’s a reason there are rules in the back of the aircraft too for all the passengers. It may seem ‘stupid’ but mostly it’s to reduce or eliminate even minuscule risks.

 

Attempting to service a lithium ion battery is increasing that risk, even if it’s slight, to every other person on that aircraft who don’t have a choice on whether they want to be exposed to that risk or not.

 

No offense, but I highly suspect you’re doing this to attempt to show off your technical skills. I apologize if I’m wrong, however you’re only going to make the ignorant nervous. Also likely there will be people on that aircraft who are engineers, doctors, electrical specialists, etc who will roll their eyes at what you’re doing.

 

And most likely of all, you’ll get the battery taken at security, or if you make it on board, you’ll get arrested and the plane diverted.

 

Source: i’ve been involved in crewmember operations in aviation, and operated in a military safety of flight compliance capacity for several years.

 

My man (or gal) do not do this, you’ll either just look stupid to the passengers  and crew or look stupid to whatever law enforcement agency picks you up on the ground. That’s not to mention what might happen if you have an air Marshall on board.

I...I never said I would....does...does no one actually read the comment? I don't know whether I should be insulted in the insinuation that a request for a story from someone who has is taken as a plan to do this or sad at seeing people in the same comment both talk about how they have to do pre-flight checks in a professional context and yet actively demonstrate they don't know how to read a forum post. smh.

[Sirgeorge]

On 12/15/2022 at 11:11 PM, aisle9 said:

That sounds so incredibly stupid for God knows how many reasons.

Ya...I mentioned that in the comment. Going into WW2 with a bow and arrow is also stupid but ask if anyone has ever done it and hear the answer. Sometimes, you just want to know. Hence, the post.

On 12/15/2022 at 11:13 PM, Caroline said:

You: *start opening a laptop*

 

All of the karens in the flight: (screeching) HES GOT A BOMB!!

Lol, ya.

On 12/15/2022 at 11:21 PM, CallumOKane said:

On top of the "HE'S GOT A BOMB" that someone may scream, there is the risk that you damage the battery - and while you are that high in the air, it would definitely not be recommended. If something gets punctured and catches fire, the fire and smoke would not be good and you can't necessarily open the plane door and throw it out

Yes, unless you've got one of those really extra fancy batteries, you're right. Those fires are one of the more safe ones (in a small form factor) but one of the more scary looking ones.

On 12/15/2022 at 11:38 PM, Mel0n. said:

I've disassembled my entire laptop in Honors Chemistry to reseat RAM. Bonked it, laptop turned off, I knew what was happening since it'd happened a few times before. Had screwdrivers in my bag since I was going to use them later today, so thought why not fix it now, I need it for notes anyway.

 

You're is the comment most on brand for my actual question. Congratulations. You get a cookie.

On 12/15/2022 at 11:38 PM, Supersonicwolfe said:

In the old days, replacing a removable laptop battery is quite normal... but internal one? why brother...

 

I know you are not supposed to, but you can just plug in with planes have sockets...

 

Internal battery must have their terminals tapped or installed in a device for security through TSA.

 

I am quite sure they would kick you off a plane if you started to remove screws... doesn't matter is your laptop or the smoke detector in lavatories.

"why bother", moot point. Ya it's stupid, that wasn't the question.

"remove screws" exceptions like screws on your glasses exist. No one has a problem with you adjusting your reading glasses. Not from my experience and not from anyone else I've heard from. So, mostly correct but some important exceptions do exist.

On 12/15/2022 at 11:41 PM, Mel0n. said:

How does that work? Do they bring out a buff ass flight assistant to pick you up and throw you out the airlock since you tried to service your laptop? 

Lol. Buffy the flight attendant.

On 12/15/2022 at 11:50 PM, aisle9 said:

I'm just trying to envision a scenario in which an aircraft tray table at 30,000 feet is the right time and place to dismantle your laptop and replace the internal battery. Even assuming you don't create a Karen-pocalypse as they all shriek about you building a bomb, and assuming you don't puncture the battery somehow and actually create a bomb, where the hell are you going to put the screws? The screws holding the battery in are not captive, even if the frame screws are.

Was never the point of the comment. It's IN the comment that this is silly AND that you should "avoid any questions about practicality". Also, just to answer the screw one (zip lock bags, zippered pockets, that little circle indent in your food tray, keep it in your hands, pocket in your backpack, those little zipper purposes that certain airlines like Turkish airlines gives you, etc.). Lots of easy ones off the top of my head. Again though, not the point.

On 12/16/2022 at 5:44 AM, Rarity said:

if the plane hits some turbulence , there go the screws .. 

(zip lock bags, zippered pockets, that little circle indent in your food tray, keep it in your hands, pocket in your backpack, those little zipper purposes that certain airlines like Turkish airlines gives you, etc.)

On 12/16/2022 at 5:50 AM, Imbadatnames said:

Don’t think you’re allowed to take the spare battery in your hand luggage. Think all batteries taken with you need to be installed in a device 

It's the other way around. Inside the cabin is the place for spare batteries. Also, yes I actually bothered to check and you can take spare unsheathed batteries on the plane.

On 12/16/2022 at 6:16 AM, tikker said:

Planes are uncomfortable enough as they are to even use a laptop at all. Not sure why you'd want to undertake a battery replacement in one.

  

My experience with European flights is the opposite. Batteries (lithium ones at least) and the like need to go in the carry-on luggage and not in checked luggage.

Again, "Forget any rational questions you may have about why just curious as to answers to this silly". Also, USA has the same rules.

 

On 12/16/2022 at 7:10 AM, Mihle said:

I don't know if it's law, but all companies here prefer you to have laptop in your hand luggage. And all insurance companies exclude electronics and high value items in checked in luggage.

TSA regulations.

On 12/16/2022 at 7:38 AM, Imbadatnames said:

Ah yeah wrong way round but spare batteries must be in the original packaging:

 

• Maximum of two spare lithium batteries per person (incl. power banks) kept in original packaging or terminals insulated/protected from short circuits.

But I can see a laptop battery being taken off you and if you tried to start taking a device to pieces the staff to asking you to stop. 

"Forget any rational questions you may have about why just curious as to answers to this silly"

On 12/16/2022 at 10:37 PM, thrasher_565 said:

its 95wh is max dont no if you can get by that by using a external battery thow... im gonna guess not. but i mean they probably dont check to see if its is 95wh thow...

"Forget any rational questions you may have about why just curious as to answers to this silly"

On 12/17/2022 at 12:28 AM, tkitch said:

in theory?  I doubt there are any rules against it, specifically.  I'll bet the iFixIt Toolkit is plane legal, for example.

 

Realistically I can't imagine it going well  for several of the reasons described above.

"Forget any rational questions you may have about why just curious as to answers to this silly"

[sub68]

If you can take out the battery without any screws your fine.

Like these bad boys.

[Sirgeorge]

23 minutes ago, sub68 said:

If you can take out the battery without any screws your fine.

Like these bad boys.

Yes, those do look good. I used to have a Lenovo T-series laptop. Removable battery for days. Hung off the back too so you could hold onto it in very natural ways. Again though, the question was about taking a purposefully silly idea and asking if anyone has actually tried it. You're overthinking it silly  . Though, that is a VERY sexy laptop right there. I might actually look into it for practical reasons. Thanks for the recommendation.

[sub68]

2 minutes ago, Sirgeorge said:

Again though, the question was about taking a purposefully silly idea and asking if anyone has actually tried it.

Well when I had a iphone 6s i would keep the screw out so I could pry the screen out to get to the battery. Not to swap but to do force resets.

4 minutes ago, Sirgeorge said:

You're overthinking it silly

Maybe maybe not I was thinking of something you could easily do it as taking apart a laptop is pain to do fast.

 

[aisle9]

11 hours ago, Sirgeorge said:

Ya...I mentioned that in the comment. Going into WW2 with a bow and arrow is also stupid but ask if anyone has ever done it and hear the answer. Sometimes, you just want to know. Hence, the post.

There's a reason no one's come back from WWII to talk about what it was like fighting with only a bow and arrow.

 

11 hours ago, Sirgeorge said:

Yes, unless you've got one of those really extra fancy batteries, you're right. Those fires are one of the more safe ones (in a small form factor) but one of the more scary looking ones.

 

There's no such thing as a "more safe" fire at 30,000 feet lol. Is it a better situation than someone pouring jet fuel down the aisle then throwing a punctured battery into it? Sure, but if you puncture a battery at 30,000 feet and force an airliner into an emergency landing, you're banned from flying in the US, going to prison and possibly facing terrorism charges.

 

You asked a rational question then got your panties in a bunch because people gave you rational answers. I don't see what you're mad about. You asked, people answered, if you all you're looking for it stupid answers, r/stupidquestions is there for you.