why, TSA? why?

J

jjraabe

Member
I feel like the TSA is trying to make my life way too difficult.

Can you guys help clarify? I'm a little confused by the recently passed battery laws.

I have my hvx backpack, which fits nicely in an overhead bin, but what about the stock panasonic battery that came with it, or those awesome DVXUSER batteries? Obviously I can't bring them in the carryon, but am I right in saying I can't put them in my checked baggage either?

So... I have to fedex my batteries whenever I fly with my camera.

Just a quick answer would be appreciated, or, if you have to, just point to a very OBVIOUS part of the official releases. I've looked at them already, just been confused. Thanks guys.
 
jjraabe said:
[...]what about the stock panasonic battery that came with it, or those awesome DVXUSER batteries? Obviously I can't bring them in the carryon[...]
Click to expand...

Here is the point of confusion. You SHOULD bring your batteries in you carry on.


The Security rules normally prevent weapons from carry on. However Batteries aren't weapons, but rather (Li-Ion) batteries are hazardous goods that need to be kept under personal control [so in the cabin] at all times.

It's the exact same rules are for matches. They aren't a security risk, but they are a safety risk; so you can't check them - but carried on where you can make sure nothing happens to them (or react if it does) is the best place for them.

Because the "security" personal are also in charge of enforcing the "safety" rules, there can be confusion for everyone. (Not all security staff understand the rules correctly either - but (unfortunately) all that matters in practicality is how they interpret the rules.)



Specifically the rules regarding Li-Ion batteries:
> You may not CHECK any spare Li-Ion batteries - any installed in devices (like built into an iPod) are fine, as the devices themselves prevent short short circuits
> You can CARRY ON unlimited Li-Ion batteries with under 8g lithium (about 100WHr capacity) each. [Up to your regular cabin baggage allowance of course].
> You can also CARRY ON max 2 larger (over 8g Lithium) batteries as long as they together don't total over 25g of lithium (which is a seriously big battery)


EDIT: Nice to see the official DOT page has been HUGLY clarified over the original bulletin [which caused much confusion]: http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html

- Mikko
 
I just flew last month with my HVX packed in my DV Proline bag....as long as both spare batteries were in the bag...( I also wrapped and sealed them in seperate plastic bags just in case) they allowed me to carry them on...they even searched my bag and found them and said they didn't need to be wrapped....that applies only if you're putting them in checked baggage.
 
I'm curious, is this really that serious of a danger, or is this something that happened once apon a time? Like cell phones blowing people up at a gas station.
Kinda scarey if it's a common problem.
 
There was a thread here not too long ago about a dvxuser battery exploding. It does happen. Not too often, to be sure, but when it does it is very dangerous.
 
The issue is that Lithium-Ion burns the same as magnesium, it is very difficult to put out and if a Lithium-Ion battery shorts out across terminals, it can catch on fire.

Best,

Dan
 
How much worse it that then going off in my pocket? :grin:
Just kidding.
At least then I could toss it in the lap of the big snoring gentleman sitting next to me on the small plane seats. :thumbsup:
 
I flew in from Phildelphia to LAX last night with four CGD-54 L-ion batteries in my backpack along with my DVX-100. No hassles at security, as long as I take the computer out of the backpack, nobody cares, they run it through the machine and I am on my way.

Dan
 
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