This is WRONG! You should NEVER NEVER put LiPo batteries in checked bags. LiPo batteries can go bad, regardless of tape protecting the terminals. It's very rare, but they can go bad and catch fire at any time from internal shorts. If they are in the overhead carry-on compartment (where they are suppose to be), the passengers will notice the smoke right away and the fire can be put out without having to put passengers at risk. If this happens in the cargo area where check bags are kept, nobody can access the batteries, a fire will grow, passengers may smell a little smoke and hopefully the plane is near an airport to land quickly. Sensors will warn the pilot of smoke in the hold, but there may not be enough time to land, putting passengers at great risk.
Although the above LiPo scenario can happen, airlines do allow products with LiPo and Li-Ion batteries installed in the item, such as laptops & phones, but all non-installed batteries must be carried on. After seeing what Li-Po batteries can do, and how quick it happens, I think this policy should change to require all LiPo batteries to be carried on, even installed batteries in Laptops and Phones, etc. But that's just me.
