New US air travel rules for cam. batteries

Linda Schodowsky · July 3rd, 2008, 02:06 PM

First off, this thread has been very helpful, so thanks for that. :-) I have 2 rechargeable battery packs - NP-F750 & NP-F960 and from what I've read here, and from the link provided in one of the posts, both will be okay to board the plane with me. I'm taking with me, my VX2000, a tripod, DV Caddie, power adaptor with cord and two batteries, which will all go with me on the plane.

I have a question regarding my AC power adaptor. Will that pose any problem when I'm going through security? I'm also wondering if, when flying to NYC, the rules are more rigid due to 9/11. I'm coming from Cleveland and will be arriving at La Guardia.

Also, how do I handle the cassettes I'll be taking with me? Should I permit those to go through the x-ray machine, or should they be held aside?

Bill Ward · July 3rd, 2008, 06:51 PM

Linda:

There should be no problem with the power supply. Don't be surprised if it gets a little extra attention after X-ray, and maybe even a question about what it is. Cords and electronics look pretty scary on the colorized X-ray monitor.

I think the general consensus has been that the X-ray machine has no effect on videotape, shot or un-shot. If you're worried, ask for a hand check of your cassettes. Just be sure you have some extra time, because once they start looking, they'll likely open every single tape box to examine the contents.

Linda Schodowsky · July 4th, 2008, 08:30 AM

Thanks for the info, Bill. Yes - the AC Power Adaptor is a bit curious looking, being a solid, rectangular shape with a cord on one end and a socket on the other. The tapes themselves, I'll put aside, for them to examine.

I just don't want any glitches or confiscations awaiting for me at the security point. :-P

Bill Ward · July 4th, 2008, 11:46 AM

While no TSA agent has even checked this yet on my trips, one other precautionary measure: put each of your batteries in a little ziploc bag, so they are isolated from metal contact across the battery leads.

In theory, if you don't, you're not in compliance with the carry on rules for Lithium Ion batteries, and they could be taken out of your bag.

Linda Schodowsky · July 5th, 2008, 05:32 PM

Thanks for the info. I've also read that the battery ends need to be taped? Does this also apply to lithium batteries?

Bill Ward · July 5th, 2008, 11:46 PM

Linda: well, that's another way to adhere to the rules. (brrrump-ching!) But seriously, folks...

I wouldn't tape the ends of the battery. You don't need to. The Ziploc bags (or original cardboard/plastic packaging) work just fine, and you don't have to worry about gunky build-up on the battery leads transferring into your power slots on the camera.

Linda Schodowsky · July 7th, 2008, 11:30 AM

Yeah, I read somewhere on line that my type of battery doesn't require tape, so zip-locs, it is!

Joe Sonnenburg · July 7th, 2008, 12:18 PM

I've traveled quite a bit with Camera Equipment and I'm amazed they don't question me because of all the cords and cables in my bag (multiple chargers for different camera batteries, laptop AC cord, phone charger, headphones, xlr cables, etc.) They just make me take my laptop and camera out of the carryon and I've never had problems.

I'll also echo the battery solution. Either put them in plastic bags or in completely separate containers so the metal contacts on the battery can't touch other metal. Just allow a little extra time so you don't have to rush.

July 3rd, 2008, 02:06 PM	#91
Linda Schodowsky Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Berea, Ohio Posts: 139	Traveling to NYC on July 13th and my camera/equip will be coming with me on the plane First off, this thread has been very helpful, so thanks for that. :-) I have 2 rechargeable battery packs - NP-F750 & NP-F960 and from what I've read here, and from the link provided in one of the posts, both will be okay to board the plane with me. I'm taking with me, my VX2000, a tripod, DV Caddie, power adaptor with cord and two batteries, which will all go with me on the plane. I have a question regarding my AC power adaptor. Will that pose any problem when I'm going through security? I'm also wondering if, when flying to NYC, the rules are more rigid due to 9/11. I'm coming from Cleveland and will be arriving at La Guardia. Also, how do I handle the cassettes I'll be taking with me? Should I permit those to go through the x-ray machine, or should they be held aside?

July 3rd, 2008, 06:51 PM	#92
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	Linda: There should be no problem with the power supply. Don't be surprised if it gets a little extra attention after X-ray, and maybe even a question about what it is. Cords and electronics look pretty scary on the colorized X-ray monitor. I think the general consensus has been that the X-ray machine has no effect on videotape, shot or un-shot. If you're worried, ask for a hand check of your cassettes. Just be sure you have some extra time, because once they start looking, they'll likely open every single tape box to examine the contents.

July 4th, 2008, 08:30 AM	#93
Linda Schodowsky Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Berea, Ohio Posts: 139	Thanks for the info, Bill. Yes - the AC Power Adaptor is a bit curious looking, being a solid, rectangular shape with a cord on one end and a socket on the other. The tapes themselves, I'll put aside, for them to examine. I just don't want any glitches or confiscations awaiting for me at the security point. :-P

July 4th, 2008, 11:46 AM	#94
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	While no TSA agent has even checked this yet on my trips, one other precautionary measure: put each of your batteries in a little ziploc bag, so they are isolated from metal contact across the battery leads. In theory, if you don't, you're not in compliance with the carry on rules for Lithium Ion batteries, and they could be taken out of your bag.

July 5th, 2008, 05:32 PM	#95
Linda Schodowsky Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Berea, Ohio Posts: 139	Thanks for the info. I've also read that the battery ends need to be taped? Does this also apply to lithium batteries?

July 5th, 2008, 11:46 PM	#96
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	Linda: well, that's another way to adhere to the rules. (brrrump-ching!) But seriously, folks... I wouldn't tape the ends of the battery. You don't need to. The Ziploc bags (or original cardboard/plastic packaging) work just fine, and you don't have to worry about gunky build-up on the battery leads transferring into your power slots on the camera.

July 7th, 2008, 11:30 AM	#97
Linda Schodowsky Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Berea, Ohio Posts: 139	Yeah, I read somewhere on line that my type of battery doesn't require tape, so zip-locs, it is!

July 7th, 2008, 12:18 PM	#98
Joe Sonnenburg Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 26	I've traveled quite a bit with Camera Equipment and I'm amazed they don't question me because of all the cords and cables in my bag (multiple chargers for different camera batteries, laptop AC cord, phone charger, headphones, xlr cables, etc.) They just make me take my laptop and camera out of the carryon and I've never had problems. I'll also echo the battery solution. Either put them in plastic bags or in completely separate containers so the metal contacts on the battery can't touch other metal. Just allow a little extra time so you don't have to rush.