When traveling with high-end camera equipment, a V-mount battery is often your essential power source. However, bringing a V mount battery on airplane can can present challenges due to strict regulations from transport authorities. Understanding the rules and restrictions surrounding it is crucial for hassle-free air travel. In this article, we’ll cover where to pack your battery, the capacity and quantity restrictions, and how to calculate watt-hours to ensure compliance with airline rules.
Where to pack the V-mount battery when flying?
When traveling by air, it’s important to know how to properly pack your V-mount batteries. You are allowed to take spare batteries as carry-ons, but there are specific guidelines to follow.
If carrying V mount batteries on plane, spare batteries that are not installed in equipment cannot be checked in; they must be placed in your carry-on luggage. This regulation exists due to a slight risk of the battery terminals touching or being short-circuited, which could potentially cause the battery to explode. If a fire occurs in the stowage area, there may not be anyone present to address the situation. In contrast, if a fire starts in the cabin, passengers and airline staff can respond quickly to contain it. While you can carry multiple spare lithium-ion batteries in your carry-on, it’s essential to manage the weight, as they can be heavy in large quantities.
To ensure battery terminals are protected from short circuits, you have three effective packing options:
The original packaging: If you still have the original boxes for your V-mount batteries, using them for transport is ideal. These boxes typically indicate the type of battery, reassuring TSA staff that the terminals are secure.
Electrical tape: A small piece of electrical tape can be used to cover the terminals, preventing any accidental contact that could lead to a short circuit. This method is quick and helps streamline your check-in process.
Plastic bag: Placing the batteries in a zip-lock plastic bag is another convenient option. This not only prevents short circuits but also allows TSA staff to see the contents easily, facilitating a smoother check-in experience.
What are the capacity limits for V mount batteries on airplane?
As noted earlier, when flying with V mount batteries, they must be packed in carry-on luggage, as they are not allowed in checked baggage. Each airline has its own regulations regarding the maximum allowable battery capacity. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it's essential to check with your airline before your flight to confirm their specific policies on battery transport. Here are suggestions from several airlines:
- British Airways: V mount batteries must be in hand luggage, with a maximum capacity of 160Wh or 40,000mAh.
- EasyJet: They should also be in carry-on luggage, limited to 160Wh.
- Emirates: The capacity must not surpass 100 watt-hours. Those with a capacity of 100-160 watt-hours require approval. Each passenger is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries.
- KLM: You can carry up to 15 devices with v-mount batteries of up to 100Wh, and 20 spare batteries up to 100 Wh. Those between 100Wh and 160Wh require a permit.
- LOT: V-mount batteries must be in carry-on luggage, with a capacity greater than 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh. A maximum of two spare batteries is allowed in carry-on luggage only.
- Lufthansa: Up to 100Wh and 2g lithium are allowed. Those over 100Wh to 160Wh or over 2g to 8g require airline approval.
- Ryanair: They must be included in carry-on luggage, with a maximum capacity of 100Wh or 27,000mAh.
- Wizz Air: V-mount batteries are not allowed in checked baggage. They must not exceed 100Wh, but those between 100Wh and 160Wh can be transported with approval. You may carry a maximum of two approved spare batteries in that range.
If you're unsure which battery to choose for your flight due to capacity concerns, we highly recommend the Moman V-mount battery. The Moman Power series is specifically designed for travel, with a maximum capacity of 99Wh, which is just shy of the 100Wh limit set by most airlines. This 99Wh V-mount lithium-ion battery is powerful enough to run various devices simultaneously at 200 watts throughout your shooting sessions, with a maximum constant rated current of up to 15A. The series also offers a minimum capacity of 50Wh, supporting devices up to 8A and 100 watts.
Tip: How to calculate watt-hours?
Most batteries display their watt-hour rating (Wh) on the casing, indicating their power capacity. While some older models may not include this information, they typically list the voltage and amp hour, which you can use to calculate watt-hours. To do this, simply multiply the voltage (V) by the amp hour (Ah). For instance, a 12-volt battery with a 5-amp hour rating equals 60 watt-hours (V x Ah = Wh).
If the battery is rated in milli-amp hours (mAh), divide the final result by 1000 to convert to watt-hours ([V x mAh] / 1000 = Wh).
What are the quantity limits?
As the photographic industry increasingly uses larger batteries, it's important to know how many you can take on a plane. The TSA allows four, but different airlines may permit between four to six or even eight. When traveling with V-mount batteries, carrying four to six 99-watt batteries typically won’t cause any issues. However, having eight or ten may lead to complications. Therefore, you can confidently bring four without any concerns.
