Lithium Ion batteries on International Flights

[Peter Abraham]

I've got 12 batteries, all LiIon. Haven't flown internationally for a very long time. I may be doing so.

 

They're in a case with chargers and cables and such. How do Americans handle flying to Europe and back with such a case? Are there issues with having too many batteries in one case? Do I need to spread them out? Is that case handled in a different manner?

 

Best,

 

Peter Abraham, S.O.C.

[John Stout]

My experience has been that as long as they are under the output rating (which steadicube is) and are attached to a piece of equipment, charger, camera, etc. It is not a challenge. We also don't call attention to and just say media cases. We spread them out when we can so that if a case misses we don't miss all the batteries, but we don't deviate much from our normal pack.

 

In all of the flying that I do, I have only had cases not make it once. The one time it happened, none of the gear made it. We figured they didn't check the oversize line or the skycap was slow. They all arrived the next flight in only a couple hours later. We didn't need everything until the next day.

 

We are fortunate that we don't take last flight, plan time if we can in case something doesn't make it, etc.

 

For international we always plan an extra day if possible. It can sometimes take a minute to get through "the process", delays, etc. on the other end. I am also sure you are flying with a Carne like we do so it should be simple.

 

If production is working a broker for everyone, it should be very simple.

 

Anytime you need a second, let me know I will come schlep cases to be able to learn from you!

 

John

[Zachary Shannon]

Hi Peter,

 

The 2013 IATA regulations state that you cannot check in any spare li-ion batteries, you have to carry them on; the only exception is if the battery is less than 100Wh and is installed in a device (laptop, cell phone, camera, etc.).

For carry-on luggage, you can have an unlimited number of spare batteries that are less than 100Wh. For batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh, you can carry on up to two batteries per person.

You can have as many batteries in one case as long as they are less than 100Wh and the case size doesn't exceed the airline's carry on luggage specs.

It's good to double check with the airline to see if they have their own rules.

Here is a link to our website that explains li-ion transportation: http://www.idxtek.com/lithium-ion-transportation

 

I'm sure some people have gotten away with checking in their batteries but i don't think its worth the risk. it's up to the airline to determine the penalty but I hear the maximum fine is in the 6 figure range.

 

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Zack Shannon

IDX

[Eric Fletcher S.O.C.]

Fedex and done

[Ken Nguyen]

My last resort is flying batteries with me.

I never have any problem at the airport before. Just check them in.

 

Here are my choices.

1 - I alway ask production to rent battery at the filming country including light stand and sand bag.

2 - Fedex.

3 - Fly.

 

Cheers,

 

Ken Nguyen.

[John Stout]

Zach,

 

Thanks for the update.

 

I will follow your statements and double check with the airline from now on.

 

 

John

[Rob Vuona SOC]

Hey Peter,

As Ken said. Tell production to rent them over there, there's always AB around the world. The difference is minimal because baggage fees will be about the same if you fed ex it's for sure less expensive to rent them than ship them

 

But if you have to fly them then check half with your gear and make sure they are in their own little slots and carry on 2 or 3, again in their own little slots.

 

When I do the Amazing Race I am on an international flight every other day for three weeks. I take 5 dionic 90s and 3 Hyton 140s

The 3 Hytrons and 2 dionics fly in rig case, one of the dionics runs the audio rig so it goes on the plane attached to the mixer in carry on, one of the dionics is attached to the camera that I carry on and the last one goes in our tech case with the chargers.

 

We have never had an issue with our batteries in the 11 seasons I have been on the show.

 

Can't say the same for our 30amp Li Batteries we use for our lights Japan nearly evacuated the flight over those Lol.

 

Where are you headed Peter?

[Peter Abraham]

Zach, thank you for the info. I will likely rent a set of batteries if I get the gig, which may be in Italy. I use V Mount, which I am sure I can find. Also own AB/ V adapter plates so no worries there.

 

Oh, a Carnet is in the works. Last time I got one, it was good for 5 years I think and could be applied to travel anywhere ( except a few countries ). Every time I get a Carnet, I up my insurance value !

 

Rob, having dividers in my case is something I'd not considered. Right now they're padded from one another with foam, but real dividers are quite easy to put in there. Good idea, thank you !

[Adam Tyler]

I work with a company that always has tape over the leads, I think i read somewhere this is required by the FAA to keep other objects like keys or coins from making sparks and welding happen in your bag.

I have also seen the batterys that the entire crew is carrying on get checked for tape. so you might want to "gaff the gold" for a little extra insurance.

[Zachary Shannon]

Adam brought up a good point. Protecting the battery terminals is always recommended and is technically required (not always enforced). Gaffers tape works great but anything to cover the terminals will work.

[Peter Abraham]

In a case with partitions between each battery, with terminals " face down " against the foam rubber bottom should satisfy this need.