Air travel with camera batteries

[Ricoh]

How do you go on at airports with spare batteries for your camera? I understand you have to show your batteries are actually batteries and not something else, such as an IED, for instance. I presume you have to insert each in turn to show the camera lights up. Experience anyone?

[Naughty Nigel]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

How do you go on at airports with spare batteries for your camera? I understand you have to show your batteries are actually batteries and not something else, such as an IED, for instance. I presume you have to insert each in turn to show the camera lights up. Experience anyone?

I travel extensively for my day job and have never had a problem.

They don't like lithium ion batteries in luggage these days owing to the fire risk (and because there is no access to the luggage hold whilst in flight), but I usually carry three batteries for my EM5 (one in the camera, one in the grip and one spare), and have never been asked to prove that they are real.

The problems seem to concern battery powered apparatus which doesn't work; which could of course mean that the batteries and gubbins had been removed to make way for explosive materials.

[Bikie John]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

I flew last month, after the latest "theatrical security" scare, so I was all ready to demo everything if needed. Nobody asked me to, and when I asked one of the security peeps (after I was safely through, of course) she said that she hadn't heard anything about it and they hadn't received any instructions.

This was at a small airport, the sausage-factories like Heathrow or Gatwick might be different.

Sorry, this doesn't help you much, does it!

John

[Naughty Nigel]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

I flew last month, after the latest "theatrical security" scare, so I was all ready to demo everything if needed. Nobody asked me to, and when I asked one of the security peeps (after I was safely through, of course) she said that she hadn't heard anything about it and they hadn't received any instructions.

This was at a small airport, the sausage-factories like Heathrow or Gatwick might be different.

Sorry, this doesn't help you much, does it!

John

I have had my current laptop (a Toshiba Portege) for about two years, and it has never given the security people any interest until a recent X-Ray scan at our local airport (MME).

They spotted a void space inside the laptop and asked me to switch it on to prove that it worked. The reason for the void space is that some models come with a CD/DVD writer, which mine doesn't (I wouldn't use one much and it saves a few grams in weight).

It has been through many airports several times, including MME, NCL, EXT, LHR, LGW, STN, MIA, GOA, NIC, etc., but this void was only spotted at Teeside.

[Ricoh]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

Thanks for the replies.
Given I would have the spares and the in-camera charged, I suppose it's only the **** ache of switching batteries if asked.
The problem with airport security is that the system is reactionary, meaning the terrorists take the initiative, explosive shoes, explosive belts, explosive laptops and more recently 'artfully concealed devices', i.e. explosives inserted surgically. Will they soon be asking passengers to bend over for a quick inspection?

[Naughty Nigel]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

Thanks for the replies.
Given I would have the spares and the in-camera charged, I suppose it's only the **** ache of switching batteries if asked.
The problem with airport security is that the system is reactionary, meaning the terrorists take the initiative, explosive shoes, explosive belts, explosive laptops and more recently 'artfully concealed devices', i.e. explosives inserted surgically. Will they soon be asking passengers to bend over for a quick inspection?

I heard a lovely story about an air steward who was having difficultly with two male passengers. The passengers were sitting on opposite sides of the aisle, and every time he walked along the aisle they would join hands and make homophobic comments towards him.

They did this once again as he walked along the aisle to check that seatbelts were secured for landing. He retorted by saying "gentlemen, there are two pairs of latex gloves waiting for you in Customs with your names written on them. Do enjoy the rest of your day."

I gather their expressions were priceless!

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

Thanks for the replies.
Given I would have the spares and the in-camera charged, I suppose it's only the **** ache of switching batteries if asked.
The problem with airport security is that the system is reactionary, meaning the terrorists take the initiative, explosive shoes, explosive belts, explosive laptops and more recently 'artfully concealed devices', i.e. explosives inserted surgically. Will they soon be asking passengers to bend over for a quick inspection?

You better hope she is nice, that's all.

[Ricoh]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

You could be 'cheeky' and ask for a 'selfie', you and the security operative

[pdk42]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

I do a fair amount of travelling and have yet to be asked to power up gear to demonstrate it's working. However, at the Post Office last week, I was posting a mobile phone (with its Li ion batteries) and was given a long list of countries to which such batteries can't be shipped. This includes Germany and China for example. Oddly, it's ok if the batteries are fitted in the device, but not if they're loose. I can't see what difference it makes so long as they are well packed with no chance of a short circuit on the terminals.

I wonder how battery retail suppliers get around this ?

[Ricoh]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

I ordered and took delivery of a BLN-1 from Amazon (that's a long way I know, about 8,000km) and it travelled without a hitch. I can't remember but I think it was delivered by Royal Mail.

[David M]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

I've had laptop and camera batteries wiped down with explosive detecting swabs but don't remember ever having to power up. I've had more problems with footware, having to take my walking boots off so they could put them through the x-ray machine.

[Naughty Nigel]

Re: Air travel with camera batteries

I wonder how battery retail suppliers get around this ?

Lithium ion batteries can be accepted if fitted in equipment or original packing; presumably because any fire would be contained, although I wouldn't think a plastic blister pack would offer much protection. However, a brand new battery in manufacturer's packaging would only be partially charged, and it is fully charged batteries that pose the greatest fire risk.

As for shipping, most couriers now have a ticky box to select if the shipment contains Li Ion batteries. If selected the price goes up, but this should only be a problem if shipped by air, which wouldn't apply to domestic post unless sent by Special Delivery.