Two issues here. The airlines I will be taking both have a 50lb limit for checked luggage. My lighting case with two stands and my Ranger weighs in at 55 lbs. Guess what weighs a little over 10 lbs? The battery. I'm looking to carry on the battery as a "personal" item in a small shoulder bag but I'm concerned that overzealous TSA folks might not agree. I'd hate to lose the battery to a SNAFU not to mention unlikely to find a replacement where I'm going. In theory I'm pretty sure I simply need to take the fuse out making the terminals inactive and they are approved to fly. I've even heard they *prefer* batteries to ship in the cabin as they won't accidentally exposed to rough treatment. But all I can find on TSA are pamphlets on dinky batteries like for Gameboys and such.
So - can anyone offer advice or point to information for me? Thanks!
GeorgeM wrote:
Call the airline and ask them.
Normally good advice but teh last time I had issues with "differing" opinions. Always nice to have something printed to wave in their face.
Pretty funny, I flew to France and back in May this year and did some research before I left as I wanted to travel with my Hensel Porty. I actually read the above blog entry while researching and so prepared according to Dan's advice. I had the exact same experience as him at Auckland airport, sitting waiting to board the plane I heard my name announced over the speaker. Had to be taken all the way across the airport to the security and xray room where a guy was waiting for me to open my bag. I explained what was in the bag and gave him the spec sheets for the battery and porty, he didn't seem to interested in reading it though. He pointed to a piece of paper on the wall that had 4 names on it,
Elinchrom
Profoto
Hensel
Panasonic
Basically if my equipment wasn't one of the listed brands, it wasn't going on the flight. I had a huge sigh of relief after that and probably owe a big thanks to Dan and a few others that have been in/out of Auckland with professional flash equipment, I never had any trouble once in Europe though.
And comments 3-5 should answer your question.
That was perfect - thanks!
In fact I went down to the airport and cornered TSA with the Ranger in hand. He had no issue with either the ranger or the battery or BOTH going into either checked luggage or as carry-on. He stated they will flag it and after they swab it I can explain what it is and then through I go. I have his name just in case
Those small printed docs will be invaluable and I plan to put a stash in my case for these occasions.
