flying lithium ion batteries

[Brad Hruboska]

Now funny enough in a local rental house here in T.O., we got to talkig about the supposed ban on Lithium Ion batteries in checked luggage and the discussion seemed to suggest that the ban is aimed at consumer products, not pro gear as we have safer levels of manufacture. this may be a break or an omission oin part of the Airline safety authorities, but is it accepted practice. Can anyone fill in any details on your expereinces or is everyone just saying shhhh... and not raising a rucus on this issue?

Brad.

:huh:

[Philip J. Martinez SOC]

I took 7 li ion (4 power cubes and 3 endura's) under the plane and had 6 Dionic 90 (1 on each camera and 2 in each camera bag) as a carry on. It was an international flight and no one seemed to care. This was in Feb. this year

[brooksrobinson]

I just flew to Hawaii today for a commercial. I didn't want to chance it at the curb and had my two small Pelican cases of Dionics shipped Fed Ex. I also threw in my Preston FM-50 batteries just to be safe. They arrived at production safe and sound. I don't know what would have happened with TSA. Anyone fly out of LAX with Dionics?

 

Brooks Robinson

[pauldudeck]

Anton/Bauer asked the PRBA (Portable Rechargeable Battery Association) their take on the situation. There was a customer who had posted somewhere a while back about the TSA not enforcing the lithium ion battery provision. This is the response we received:

 

 

"It's important to know the differences between TSA and DOT. TSA is not part of DOT and thus it may be correct to say that they will not enforce the DOT's new carry-on provisions. However, I can assure you that the FAA (which is part of DOT) will enforce these new carry-on provisions.

 

It appears that the person who wrote the email below checked a pelican of spare li ion batteries. This is clearly a violation of the US DOT regulations. Had there been an incident involving these batteries they would be facing a significant civil penalty from FAA."

[nealnorton]

My experience since Jan 1st has been with Delta airlines.

 

4 trips in and out of LAX.

 

9 dionics 90's and 8 lithium preston batteries in my carry-on.

 

I carry a print out of the new regulations in the bag. So far no problem at all. The TSA has done a hand inspection 3 out of 4 times but they don't seem to care about the litium issue.

 

It seems to me a good idea to keep the litium batteries out of the cargo hold.

 

regards,

 

Neal

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

"9 dionics 90's and 8 lithium preston batteries in my carry-on."

 

I haven't flow with my gear since the new regulations went in effect, but I carry this exact set-up (along with two duel chargers) in a porta-brace cargo 2 bag

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6557...Case_Blue_.html

 

All 9 Dionics fit well in main compartment with 2 duel chargers sitting on-top. Preston batteries in end pocket. Room for four Performers in wide outer front pocket (and a 5th in other end pocket) when needed. Should fit carry on specs too. Also fits comfortably on the top shelf of my magliner in a sideways position so that it does not hog too much space.

[nealnorton]

Hi Alec:

 

The Porta brace is a very good product.

 

I found the Tamrac "strongbox" series of cases and have really fallen in love with them.

 

I use the model 646 for the batteries to carry-on. here is a link:

 

http://www.tamrac.com/646.htm

 

I use the 648 for my aks and preston, and the large rolling cases for the sled, and vest/arm. They really travel well.

 

These are the best cases I've owned. superior product.

 

Neal

[Mike Marriage]

I'm flying from UK to British Virgin Islands next week so I phoned my Airline - Virgin.

 

Even once through to their cargo department, them seemed unclear of the rules. They were also unsure of where these rules applied. Is it a worldwide enforcement?

 

I suggested that I could "install" my batteries on the charger and check them. They said that would be fine but I don't know whether to trust them. Any thoughts?

 

I have a load of 60Wh, a few 70Wh and two 190Wh Li-ion batteries which I'd like to take. I'm guessing the 190s may surpass the checked in limit even if "installed" on the charger though.

 

I want to carry my camera (DSR450) as hand luggage, which as you can imagine, leaves me struggling to carry many batteries with me onboard.

 

My obscure island destination makes couriers VERY pricey and slow.

[Chris Allen]

Now funny enough in a local rental house here in T.O., we got to talkig about the supposed ban on Lithium Ion batteries in checked luggage and the discussion seemed to suggest that the ban is aimed at consumer products, not pro gear as we have safer levels of manufacture. this may be a break or an omission oin part of the Airline safety authorities, but is it accepted practice. Can anyone fill in any details on your expereinces or is everyone just saying shhhh... and not raising a rucus on this issue?

Brad.

:huh:

 

 

Traveling domestically, I've been able to have two Dionic 90's in my camera case (one on the camera and one in the padding.) This case is checked in. For the Dionic 160's, I take one as a carry on. I am told by my ENG guys that I can't pack this thing in checked gear like my rig case.

 

The 160 MUST be in the ORIGINAL packaging and it will help you if you have the battery manual in case TSA has any specific questions.

 

Do NOT try to sneak these Lith Ion batteries on.....you could get seriously fined if the TSA feels so......as has happened to our company in a similar situation where paper work was not filled out properly...though not with these type of batteries.....This all has something to do with possible leakage from batteries that can react with the aluminum on all planes.

 

Chris