- Regulations for taking lithium-ion camera batteries on flights
- FAA, TSA, EASA, and IATA guidelines for camera batteries on planes
- Type, quantity, and capacity limits of camera battery allowed in flight
- Preparation and notice to safely pack camera batteries in luggage
Regulations for taking lithium-ion camera batteries on flights
Numerous modern gadgets, like cameras and cell phones, frequently use lithium-ion batteries. Because they have the potential to short-circuit or catch fire, they are regarded as dangerous commodities. As a result, there are tight guidelines for the carriage of lithium-ion batteries aboard airplanes.
Can you take lithium camera batteries on a plane?
Yes, the answer is that you may bring your li-ion rechargeable cells and camera battery allowed in flight according to the latest regulations. However, you must be mindful of some specific rules. In addition, certain airlines may have their limitations on shipping. To be sure you are following your airline's regulations, it is wise to check with them before your trip.
Do you take them in the carry-on luggage or checked bag on flights?
As the FAA said, “Electronic cigarettes, vaping gadgets, and uninstalled lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked luggage.” Lithium-ion camera batteries on planes within 100Wh are allowed in carry-on luggage. You must carry these with you because, if someone is not there to put out a fire, unsecured lithium power supplies in the cargo hold might become a threat.
How to pack the li-ion batteries for video cameras properly?
It's crucial to remember that lithium-ion camera batteries allowed on airplanes need to be shielded from harm and short circuits when being transported. To safeguard the power supply from coming into touch with metal items, you should either store them in their original packing or tape over the charging interface or connections.
FAA, TSA, EASA, and IATA guidelines for camera batteries on planes
Passengers are permitted to bring and use batteries in camera on flight and the external type as long as they are aware of certain limits. Photographers and videographers can learn about the detailed restrictions from the next four guidelines, and it is all up to your airline and flight.
- FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)
- TSA (Transportation Security Administration)
- EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency)
- IATA (International Air Transport Association)
They will publish official articles or documents on their official website for your reference, in which the regulations and recommendations are written.
It's crucial to remember that each airline may have different policies on camera batteries, so customers should confirm with them before booking. To guarantee the safe transportation of their camera batteries on airplanes, travelers should also always abide by TSA regulations and take the appropriate safety measures.
Type, quantity, and capacity limits of camera battery allowed in flight
It's crucial to inquire about the airline's particular policies and guidelines on bringing video camera batteries on board. There may be limitations on the types, quantity, and capacity of them that can be transported by some airlines.
1. Type: What kind of camera battery is allowed in flight?
- Standard AA or AAA Alkaline cells
Conventional cells, including AA, AAA, C, and D, are allowed to be brought into an airplane without any limitations. But they still need to be "protected from damage and creating sparks or a dangerous evolution of heat," though, according to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- Installed lithium-ion batteries
The requirements of regarding installed lithium metal or lithium-ion types, like the LP-E6 and NP-F series batteries, are different. This kind is frequently used in camera equipment like monitor, wireless transmissions, and also computers,cellphones, and pads. As said in the document of TSA, “Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage”.
- Spare camera power supplies
Carrying external batteries in carry-on luggage is advised by civil aviation regulators. Most of them can allowed on flights, such as the v-mount camera battery and gold-mount for videographers.
2. Quantity: How many camera batteries can I take on a plane?
There is no restriction on the number of small dry cells that you may check in your luggage or bring in your carry-on. However, each passenger can only bring two spare lithium-ion camera power sources on the airplane.
The maximum for lithium metal batteries for digital cameras is two grams, while the maximum for lithium-ion types is one hundred watt-hours. The majority of lithium kinds used in common electronic devices, such as cameras, are covered by these limitations. Passengers may, however, bring up to two additional bigger lithium-ion (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal (2–8 grams) batteries for video cameras with them if the airline grants permission.
3. Capacity: What are the capacity restrictions to travel with them?
100Wh is a dividing line. Carry-on baggage containing an external battery pack onto flight up to 100Wh are permitted of the recent TSA standards. With airline certification, the one with a rating of more than 100Wh but less than 160Wh is permitted. Before you may carry your cells and batteries for camcorders and other devices on board, you must obtain airline clearance if its capacity exceeds the line of 100Wh.
Want to know the specific limits for carrying V mount battery on airplane? Check this article for more details.
Preparation and notice to safely pack camera batteries in luggage
To protect the safety of travelers and staff members, care must be taken while putting camera batteries in your bag and luggage. Commonly used in cameras, lithium-ion type provides a fire risk if not handled carefully.
Make sure the camera battery is not damaged, such as swelling or leakage
A camera battery should not be brought on an aircraft if it is broken or exhibits symptoms of swelling or leaking. Rather, it ought to be disposed of appropriately and you should buy a new one.
Always consider bringing them in your carry-on luggage first instead of shipping
Rather than checking bags, camera batteries should be brought with you on your journey. This is due to the possibility of malfunction or ignition due to variations in cargo hold temperature and pressure. Also, there are four downsides and risks you'll want to consider:
- Time-consuming transportation
- Customs delays
- Lost or damaged baggage
- Expensive expenses beyond the check-in allowance
Mark the camera batteries on flights to facilitate customs checking
You may rest easy knowing that your camera is secure in the hard case if you're instructed to take out the batteries and inspect the bag. Some customs may ask about your devices and power supplies, and let you take them out of your bag for checking. To facilitate the ease of identification and guard against damage, you can store them in their original packing or a protective case.
Protect the camera battery terminals to prevent short circuits on the airplane
To avoid unintentional activation, tape the charging interfaces or connectors as well. It is essential to safeguard the terminals to avoid short circuits. You can accomplish this by taping the terminals or utilizing the packing provided by the manufacturer. To further enhance safety, it is also advised to store the batteries in separate bags.
In summary
It is important to note that laws and policies about the transportation of digital camera batteries on plane are susceptible to change. To guarantee that you can go anywhere with the power source of your setup securely and without any problems, it is crucial to remain current on the most recent rules and regulations.
When you travel with more than a simple camera for the first time, it might be a little intimidating, but media professionals travel frequently, so it's doubtful that you'll have any problems. Just make sure you are carrying camera batteries on airplanes in the right way.
