My ignorance will show here......I am not sure about packing batteries. I am talking about AAA batteries for small flashlights. Can these go in carryon? I am pretty sure from tsa.gov that they cannot be checked. Thanks.
You've got to tote them.
You can check batteries especially if in a package. The battery that the TSA is concerned about is loose lithium ion batteries such as those used in computer. The fear is that the loose battery might short out and catch fire. But AAs and AAAs in a package (not loose) are not a concern. I always have at least one package, sometimes two, and no one has said anything.
Batteries are available in the same sizes in Europe (D-AAA) as in the US. I found that out the hard way on my 2008 trip. I had a USB mouse which I always forgot to shut off. No problem: it shuts off from lack of movement. Problem: I took it with me in the computer case, so movement kept it on, and the batteries kept running down. I was in Braunlage, in the Harz, and I found a "1Euro" store, like our dollar stores, and they had batteries, in US (maybe that's international) sizes.
Gillie, As the others have mentioned, you should have no problems transporting AAA Alkaline Batteries in either your carry-on or checked luggage. I'd suggest taking a few from home rather than buying in Europe, as they tend to be more expensive in Europe. You might find it helpful to have a look at This Website for more specific information. Happy travels!
E 3.89 for a 12-pack AAA Alkalines should not get you into bankruptcy, but ok, that is not an A brand. I have always travelled with AA rechargebles in my pocket, although within Europe. TSA will probably have tighter regulations, but I wouldn't know why this should be a problem.
I could/should have added that my trip is NOT to Europe, but to a much less developed part of the world, so buying batteries there might be more of a challenge. Thanks for reponses.