[PHOTOGRAPHERS BEWARE] Are You Planning On Flying With Your Camera Gear?
There are a lot of things to keep in mind if you intend to travel with your camera gear. It goes without saying you’re going to want to pack your gear safely – no-one wants their expensive equipment to suffer any damage.
If you’re officially traveling as a photographer, you may be able to get special rates on your checked bags with most major airlines – although they may require a media pass to give you the discount.
Lately there has been talk about safety, when flying with electronics. I’m sure everyone has already heard of the issues with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Since Oct 15th all US airlines have banned the Note 7 from their flights, even if the phones are turned off.
I wouldn’t feel comfortable sitting in a plane, knowing some of the passengers may have a smartphone with them that might explode during the flight.
GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE ARTICLE
Perhaps the issues with the Note 7 triggered these new regulations – this is what you should be prepared for on your next trip.
Pages: 1 2
This is nothing new when it comes to lithium ion batteries.
I am a professional photographer and certified safety professional with over 30 years of experience. I often shoot in highly dangerous environments. Often around caustic, flammable and combustible materials. As a result I have to conform to a minimum of Class II, Division 1, Group G hazard restrictions. With that in mind, ALWAYS and ONLY use manufacturer authorized batteries for your cameras, devices and equipment – even your Bose noise canceling headphones while flying. Aftermarket batteries are very cheap and attractive. It’s not a case of if they will fail, but when the will fail. And, they WILL fail. In many ways, I’m surprised the airlines and TSA are not inspecting devices for counterfeit batteries.
You sound like an absolute lunatic. Get a grip.
I agree with you, I have always used after market battery’s with out issue, no failure after years of use. He sounds like he has been brain washed to use genuine products, even tho they can be made in the same factory.
I have travelled the world intensively and use mostly after market batteries for my Canon 5D Ii’s. No issues ever.
Just because a battery is manufactured and sold by a company other than the OEM branded ones does not make it “counterfeit.” There are reputable 3d parts batteries and some that may not be so. Actual counterfeit batteries, bearing markings of the OEM manufacturer are an entirely different matter. I suspect a fair number of these are, as you describe cheaply made. There is a similar counterfeit problem with storage media which is why many suggest buying your cards from known reputable sources.
While in China last year, security was inspecting every camera and pulling off brand lithium batteries from cameras.
anytime someone starts off a sentence with I do x, y and z with this many years of experience…. basically means I haven’t gotten with the times but still want to be relevent
I use the big tic tac mints containers to store my DLSR batteries. Hopefully they satisfy #2. The batteries each are in their own isolated container. (Such as wrapping each battery in cling wrap) & #4. The batteries are stored in a protective battery container.
So do they allow you to take your DSLR camera w/battery inside battery compartment in carry on luggage?
Yes. I took mine in its case in my carry on and it was stored in the overhead bin the entire trip.
This is vastly over-stated and several of the points are incorrect on the F-Stoppers article.
The only new part of the law is that lithium ion/polymer and lithium metal batteries have to be carried in the checked baggage.
It doesn’t apply to either NiMH or NiCad batteries, nor does it apply to any other types (such as akaline AA or AAAs).
Also, the batteries simply have to be protected from damage or short-circuit – they do not HAVE to be stored in separate containers or have the ends taped, contrary to what this article claims.
The info can be found on the FAA website here: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/passenger_info/media/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf
The new section can be seen in bold.
These rules are not new. They have been in existence for at least the past three years and have nothing at all to do with the Galaxy Note 7. These rules apply specifically to Lithium batteries and vary depending upon the watt hours and amount of Lithium contained in the battery. A quick search on the TSA website will tell you everything you need to know about traveling with Lithium batteries.
I got an aftermarket battery for Conon EOS. A waste of $25. Piece of crap. You get what you pay for.
Derp, your reply to David Hundley seems a bit extreme. Do you really think his post required such a caustic statement?
I have had poor performance from aftermarket batteries from seemingly reputable brands (Delkin); they have not been able to hold much of a charge, and not for long.
I’ve not had issues flying with extra batteries in my bag, but have not been on a commercial flight for over 3 years so I don’t know what the airlines are doing now.
I had a number of AA batteries, rechargeable and regular in plastic storage containers confiscated in Cairo from my carry on when returning from Egypt. No problem taking them. I tried to point out that they were not lithium and under no restriction, (even on the posters at the airport)to no avail. Used these for underwater strobes and lights. Really annoyed me, especially the cost of replacing rechargeable.
I guess I should have just put them in checked bags like you are not supposed to.