DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> FYI 1/1/2008 US DOT (lithium batteries)
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 16 of 16, (reverse)
AuthorThread
12/28/2007 06:02:48 PM · #1
New Dept of Transportation airline rules concerning lithium batteries in carry-on luggage.
12/28/2007 06:09:43 PM · #2
Thanks for the heads up. I'm flying on the 6th, this is good to know.
12/28/2007 06:13:30 PM · #3
I normally travel with...

GPS unit = 2 batteries
Digital camera = 4 batteries (with 2 of those being spares)
MP3 / CD player = 2 batteries
Laptop = 1 (although their batteries don't count against you)
Plus a handfull of extras just because I'd hate to be somewhere and run out of juice!

I guess this isn't neccessarily a bad rule because you probably don't need all of these items WHILE YOUR FLYING. This is good information to know though. Thanks
12/31/2007 09:47:36 AM · #4
*bump* :o)
12/31/2007 09:55:02 AM · #5
Glad I bumped into this thread. Flying up there on the 6th.
12/31/2007 10:56:15 AM · #6
according to the article, just put your spare batteries in a zip lock or other plastic container (instead of loose) and you should be fine to keep everything with you.
-drew
12/31/2007 11:14:00 AM · #7
Originally posted by drewbixcube:

according to the article, just put your spare batteries in a zip lock or other plastic container (instead of loose) and you should be fine to keep everything with you.
-drew


And make that THICK individual bags for each battery. The intent is to keep the contacts from touching any material that could short out the battery and cause extremely high currents. This goes for any battery you are carrying that isn't installed in a device. Currents on some ni-cads can reach 300 amps for a very short period of time short circuited. Under these conditions Li-Ion batteries, especially the new Lithium polymer can explode violently. Most DSLR lithium packs come with a plastic snap-on cover to protect the contacts. I'd recommend always keeping this on when it's not in the camera or charging. Not just when flying, but at home or in the field.
12/31/2007 11:42:10 AM · #8
So why aren't you guys using Ni-MH batteries? I thought everyone had switched over to them instead of Lithium?

(I assume this law does not concern Ni-MH batteries)

Message edited by author 2007-12-31 11:42:41.
12/31/2007 11:47:19 AM · #9
Okay, so I'm a dunce... all of my AA batteries are Ni-MH and I just assumed the "world" was going to Ni-MH. But I just checked ... the batteries for my Canon bodies are all Lithium Ion batteries.

As you were...

12/31/2007 12:54:27 PM · #10
So if I'm reading this right, you can have unlimited batteries as long as they're installed, but only two spares in baggies in carry-on. Spares even in baggies are not allowed in checked bagged, correct?
01/02/2008 09:37:36 PM · #11
I just want to get this straight since I'm flying on Sunday. So I CANNOT carry my 3 spare batteries for my Canon? I have 5 total but two are always in the battery grip.
01/03/2008 02:40:34 PM · #12
Originally posted by SamDoe1:

I just want to get this straight since I'm flying on Sunday. So I CANNOT carry my 3 spare batteries for my Canon? I have 5 total but two are always in the battery grip.

Try leaving two in the battery grip, take the grip off the camera, store one in the camera, and two in ziplocks!
-drew
01/03/2008 04:23:17 PM · #13
The two spares is related to batteries between 8 and 25 grams of lithium. (at least that's what I've read)

Batteries like the BP511 (from what I've read) have less than 1 gram of lithium each. If you keep the plastic back on them so the terminals aren't exposed then you're storing them properly.

I think the trouble will arise with insufficiently trained security personnel. Take a print of what is stated on the DOT site with you and highlight any areas that are pertinent to your equipment.

Also, Sam's advice is good to avoid confusion.
01/03/2008 05:21:25 PM · #14
Originally posted by drewbixcube:

Try leaving two in the battery grip, take the grip off the camera, store one in the camera, and two in ziplocks!
-drew


This is why I love this place. :) That's a great idea!

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

Also, Sam's advice is good to avoid confusion.


Didn't know I gave any advice...but sure!
01/03/2008 05:27:09 PM · #15
IANAL, but from my reading of it, the important lines of the announcement for photographers are:

Originally posted by The DOT:

Common consumer electronics such as digital cameras, cell phones, and most notebook computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. Moreover, any number of spare batteries for these devices will be allowed in carry-on baggage if they are properly protected from short circuiting and do not exceed 8 grams (~100 watt hours) of equivalent lithium content. All lithium-ion cell phone and standard notebook computer batteries are below 8 grams (~100 watt hours) of equivalent lithium content. Batteries not installed in electronic devices are not permitted in checked baggage.

This means that you can take as many small batteries with you in hand luggage as you like, as long as they are seperately bagged, and don't total more than 8g of lithium. You probably won't ever exceed the latter unless you're carrying 10+ camera batteries or 2+ laptop batteries, so just make sure you bag them all individually and you should be fine...
01/03/2008 06:17:47 PM · #16
Originally posted by SamDoe1:



Didn't know I gave any advice...but sure!


Whoops! I meant Drew. ;o)
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 04/25/2024 02:07:32 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/25/2024 02:07:32 AM EDT.