prof_fate wrote:
New rules go into effect for 2008. Apparently there was a fire on a plane in Phila that was traced back to LiIon batts in customers luggage.
Sort of. The way I heard the story they were unable to definitively rule out the batteries as the cause of the fire.
By the way, I flew between the SF Bay area and SeaTac on Jan 1 and Jan 4 carrying a 5D with a BP511A installed, 4 lenses, tripod head, 2 additional batteries in baggies, all in one bag...
... and they didn't bat an eyelash at this when it went through the x-ray machine.
So far I haven't been hassled at all over photo equipment. I wonder if some of you who have been might share some information about where and when you were treated differently. It would be good to know.
Well, that's what you get with the TSA - inconsistent application of regulations, ignorant inspectors, and a badge. Fun stuff, eh? I actually read somewhere where someone heard a story about an FBI agent, who (while armed and on duty) was told to dump his Styrofoam cup of coffee before going through security. He quizzically looked at the TSA agent and asked why - to which the agent responded "A razor blade or some sharp object could be hidden at the bottom."
Apparently, the response was something to the effect of "Son, I've got a 9mm Glock strapped to my hip with over 60 rounds of ammunition - do you really think I am hiding a razor blade?" He then walked through the "security" with the coffee and laughed his way down to the gate. I would have loved to been a fly on the wall for that conversation! Of course, I am guessing the fish was not as big as this story is, but that's the version I read...and it struck a chord with me...
While waiting for a flight, I listened in on a large TSA staff meeting at an airport yesterday. The TSA team leader instructed the group of about 50 agents present to "Take NO action" on Lithium batteries found in carry on luggage. He repeated emphatically to "Take NO action at this time."
That's because it's an FAA safety regulation not a TSA security regulation. Ticket counter agents have been told to advise customers about the regulation to help prevent the batteries from being loaded in checked luggage. Unless you plan to bring three huge extended life laptop batteries you should be fine.
Pondria wrote:
Can someone summarize exactly what and how we can carry ?
One more time:
You can take all of the DSLR batteries that will fit in your carry-on. You should make sure that any spare batteries are wrapped or packaged in such a way that they can't accidentally short out.
You can't put any spare batteries in your checked luggage.
If you're a professional videographer using one of those big shoulder-mounted video cameras, and you use the two-pound extended-life battery packs like the Anton-Bauer 160 (or one of the battery belts), you might need to worry about carry-on limits. Still photographers don't need to worry.
Of course, I am guessing the fish was not as big as this story is, but that's the version I read...and it struck a chord with me...