C500: UK - USA air travel with V-lock batteries

S

seanadl

Active member
Hey everyone,

I've been reading up on the rules and regulations on travelling with large batteries in aircraft, and just want to make sure I'm understanding correctly (doing some transatlantic travel in the coming week).

I have two mini v-lock batteries from Hawk-Woods (both 150w) - plus the charger. Also have the battery that came with the C500 ii (BP - A60). Am I correct in thinking I can only travel with the V-lock if they are included on the carry-on (I..e i cannot put these into checked baggage)? Should they be de-charged and put into their own separate cases?
 
You can put one in the hold if it is connected to the camera otherwise carry-on all your batteries.

The bigger issue you have is you’ll have to quarantine fir 14 days if arriving from the US.

The safest way to transport a lithium battery is have it charged to 60%. I put tape on the connectors of all my batteries as you’re supposed to prevent them from shorting.
 
For most airlines the limit is 100W per battery and they all have to be carried in cabin luggage.

Your 150W will be probably critical or even confiscated and end in the bin. I dunno if there is a different handling with a media pass but I guess not as it's a matter of safety not of weight. Best is to get in contact with the airline in advance.

Edit
Btw you might always experience some unexpected surprises. My allen wrenches In my camera bag have been confiscated last year in Manchester on security. check - after I had passed about 20 check on various international airports with the same equipment
 
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Clermond said:
For most airlines the limit is 100W per battery and they all have to be carried in cabin luggage.

Your 150W will be probably critical or even confiscated and end in the bin. I dunno if there is a different handling with a media pass but I guess not as it's a matter of safety not of weight. Best is to get in contact with the airline in advance.
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Technically, you're allowed 1 on the camera plus 2 spare batteries between 100 and 160WH and up to 20 batteries below 100WH. That said, I always err on the side of caution and don't travel with anything larger than 98WH.
 
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I just checked it recently and still had a bookmark. Liam is right. 160Ws is allowed with the approval of the operator

Lithium ion batteries for portable (including medical) electronic devices, a Wh rating exceeding 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh. For portable medical electronic devices only, lithium metal batteries with a lithium metal content exceeding 2 g but not exceeding
8 g. Devices in checked baggage must be completely switched off and must be protected from damage.
The approval of the operator is required. YES
Permitted in or as checked baggage. NO

https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/dgr-guidance/
 
Hmm... I dont want to risk having the batteries confiscated. I'm going to travel out with the BP-A60 and try and buy more of those when i'm out there.
 
seanadl said:
Hmm... I dont want to risk having the batteries confiscated. I'm going to travel out with the BP-A60 and try and buy more of those when i'm out there.
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Where are you heading in the UK? There are plenty of rental companies. Also, Canon batts are expensive in the UK. Why not buy before you travel? You won't get BP-As taken off you.
 
I'm actually going the other way - UK - US. Los Angeles specifically. I have family out there, dual resident. Luckily I'll be able to do some of my work out there (hence bringing my equipment). I'm leaving tomorrow and stupidly didn't do enough research on the batteries. The V-lock say airline safe (which i guess technically they are) - but it sounds a bit risky to bring them and get them confiscated by a TSA agent.
 
Well I can’t speak for the UK but flying between LA and Denver with two 98s and a 150 has never been an issue but I’m always sure to have them in my carry-on. They’ve never even opened my pelican case. I assume they see cinema batteries all the time, especially in LA.
 
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