Introduction

This guide has been compiled by James Fulcher (AP / Documentary Camera Assistant, 100+ flights with Lithium-ion batteries) and Jonathan Young (Lighting Cameraman, 350+ flights with Lithium-ion batteries) This guide has also been reviewed by several cameramen who also regularly travel with Lithium-ion batteries. It is based upon the IATA guidelines and crew experiences of travelling with Lithium-ion batteries. There are potentially serious safety and legal consequences associated with travelling with Lithium-ion batteries and not adhering to the regulations. If you are found to be travelling with Lithium-ion batteries and not following the regulations of IATA, the CAA, the FAA, other national regulatory bodies and individual airlines, heavy fines can be imposed. In some cases it could become a criminal matter. It’s very simple to travel within the regulations if you follow them correctly. We are aware that recently (November 2013), some airlines have started actively enforcing their procedures (in conjunction with the FAA). This has lead to passengers facing fines for transporting Lithium-ion batteries incorrectly. The regulations do change fairly regularly. Keep updated by following the latest updates on Lithium-ion batteries that are on the IATA website. Since the rules were introduced in Jan 2008, there have been a number of updates to them. http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Pages/lithium-batteries.aspx

Check-in or Carry-on?

It is our view that all spare Lithium-ion batteries must be carried in the cabin of the aircraft. It is the safest and simplest option for small camera crews traveling with excess baggage.

Some airlines mention that a number of batteries can be placed in the hold of an aircraft as long as they are “installed” inside equipment that would be powered by that battery. Many people have been travelling with batteries attached to Lite Panels, monitors or chargers and assuming that these count as “internally installed”.

After speaking to several airlines we have found that there are wide variations in the definition of “internally installed”. For the avoidance of doubt and confusion, it should considered best practice to transport all Lithium-ion batteries with you in the cabin. Please see the ‘notes’ section of this document for more information on internal batteries.

“Because of the risks associated with the carriage of spare batteries these may not be transported within passenger checked baggage. Spare batteries must be in carry-on baggage.” IATA (18th November 2013)

If you are concerned that you are carrying an extra item above the carry-on allowance, you may want to ring the airline ahead of your arrival at the airport. Informing the airline of your plans means they can add a note to your booking. Informing the carrier that the camera crew will be carrying batteries onboard in advance is sensible. The airline will often allow an extra bag in your carry-on allowance to comply with the regulations. No airline in our experience has ever given written confirmation of this though. It is at the discretion of the check in supervisor on the day, the size of aircraft and number of passengers on board that flight. Based on our experience and by all anecdotal reports from crews travelling, it appears no airline has refused the extra box / bag containing batteries to travel in the cabin. Furthermore, you will find the supervisor for your flight very happy that you are adhering to the rules and actually supportive of you and your crew.

Number of batteries and declaration

The IATA regulations do not specify a limit on how many Lithium-ion batteries under 100Wh (per battery) can be carried in the cabin of an aircraft. It is wise to check if your airline has it’s own limit in place, some do. Above 100Wh rating per battery, the maximum number of spares that can be carried is two Lithium-ion batteries per passenger. No Lithium-ion batteries above 160Wh batteries are allowed on commercial flights. Most camera crew also hand carry their cameras with a battery attached to the camera. From experience this battery tends not to form part of the limits on spares.

Below 100Wh per battery you do not need to declare Lithium-ion batteries that you are carrying into the cabin to comply legally with IATA regulations. Above 100Wh per battery, most major airlines specify that you should to declare them to airline staff. Our advice as travelling cameramen is to inform your carrier in advance regardless of size of the batteries carried. You will find most airline staff considerate to your position and genuinely pleased that a camera crew is meeting it’s obligations.

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!How to pack batteries

“Spare batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits by placement in the original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch, and carried in carry-on baggage only” IATA (18th November 2013)

Batteries should be packed to minimise the risk of short circuits. The first step is to insulate the terminals. This should be done by putting electrical insulating tape over the terminals / contacts on the battery and / or batteries should then be placed in individual plastic bags. Once all batteries have had their terminals insulated, it is a good idea to carry the batteries in a small hard case (Peli 1450) or similar e.g. a semi rigid photographers backpack with dividers. See photos below.

Notes

- There are some code share flights where two carriers in the same airline alliance will have different rules. If you follow the suggestions in this guide, you should be able to fully comply with the guidelines given by all major airlines.

- Remember smaller batteries for Go Pro’s, DSLR cameras and some rechargeable consumer size batteries can be Lithium-ion also. For ultimate safety, these should be treated the same as larger camera batteries from the major manufacturers – IDX, Sony, Anton Bauer, PAG, Hawk Woods. Most of the above manufacturers have specific data sheets / compliance certificates on their websites regarding their battery systems.

- You should never fly with a battery that is or looks damaged.

- Almost all airlines have their rules on their website, there are minor variations between them but they are all based upon the same set of governing rules from IATA. Check them before you fly.

- There are times when crews fly on non-commercial or non-scheduled aircraft perhaps travelling on small or light planes, charter jets and various types of military aircraft (helicopters, cargo planes, troop transport flights). Occasionally the rules that govern these flights tend to be applied differently, either at the discretion of the pilot or due to operation need in a military environment. Best practice is to follow the IATA transportation guidelines where possible but this may not be practical when on location. Seek advice at the time of the flight.

- There is a provision for transporting “internally installed” batteries under 100Wh in the hold of the aircraft. The definition of “internally installed” is debatable and open to interpretation. Many people will travel with an internal battery in a DSLR stills or a Go Pro camera in the hold as they personally interpret the rules as this being acceptable. If you do want to travel with

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some internal batteries in the hold then please refer to the IATA guidelines and make your own decision. However the simplest and safest option is to carry all your Lithium-ion batteries regardless of size with you in the cabin. The general consensus from asking various major airlines is that batteries attached to their charger do not count as “internally installed“ batteries.

- The majority of airlines will be cooperative and understand that you are adhering to the rules set out by the governing bodies. There are however some low-cost airlines that are not known for being cooperative or supportive of crews with camera kit in general. It is suggested that you avoid traveling with low cost airlines where possible to avoid potential delays, confusion and / or extra charges.

Disclaimer

Every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct at time of editing. Please be understanding that details will change and there may be errors, this list is to be used as a guide. It is your own responsibility to confirm that you are complying with the regulations as laid out by IATA and others. We take no responsibility for batteries or equipment being confiscated or any consequences from using this guide. This is a guide to save time for people traveling regularly. It also gives an overview to those new to travelling with Lithium-ion batteries. Check the specific guidelines for each airline. They will help you with the information you need in order to make an informed decision on how to carry Lithium-ion batteries on an aircraft.

!Amendments / Additions

If you do notice any errors on the list please email details to jamesfulcher@gmail.com or text / call +44 (0)7981437256. This list is a community effort so any help is greatly appreciated. If you do have any suggestions or changes please submit them. Updates to this document will be posted on www.jamesfulcher.com

!Appendix

- Section A - Airline Charts - These charts are taken directly from the specific Airline websites, these are useful at check-in if airline staff are not familiar with their airline’s specific Lithium-ion guidelines.

- Section B - IATA Guidelines - This is not the full IATA document. Several relevant pages from the IATA guidelines are included.

- Section C - Qantas Covering Letter - This is a Letter from Qantas that allows batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh to be carried on Qantas Flights. To apply for a letter, contact the “Dangerous Goods Operations and Compliance Support Manager” by emailing dg@qantas.com.au

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Section A - Airline Guides

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Air China phone number +800 8610 0999

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.airchina.com/np/en/travel_information/service_bulletin/latest_travel_information/07/179664.shtml

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Air France phone number 0871 663 3777

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.airfrance.co.uk/common/image/pdf/en/Bagages_batterie_lithium_en.pdf

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Air India phone number 020 8560 9996

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.airindia.com/baggage-tips-and-restricted-items.htm

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Air New Zealand phone number 0800 028 4149

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.airnewzealand.co.uk/dangerous-goods

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American Airlines phone contact 0844 499 7300

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/restrictedArticles.jsp

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British Airways phone contact - 0844 493 0787

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.britishairways.com/cms/global/pdfs/Forbidden_Items_List.pdf

Cathay Pacific phone contact 020 8834 8800

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_GB/travel-information/baggage/restricted-items/batteries.html

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Delta Airlines phone contact 0871 221 1222

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage/before-your-trip/restricted-items.html

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easyJet phone contact 0871 244 2366

Reference: Above chart is from: http://buckleup.easyjet.com/arena/_library_elearning/content/m55_Assessment/m55/t10/assets/provisions.pdf

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Emirates phone contact 0844 800 2777

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.emirates.com/english/images/DGR%20Table%202.3A%202011%20(2011.08.07)%20-%20rev.02_tcm233-239104.pdf

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Etihad phone contact 020 3450 7300

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.gslb.etihadairways.com/sites/Etihad/Etihad%20Images/Resources/dangerous-goods-nov-2012.pdf

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Iberia phone contact 0870 609 0500

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.iberia.com/jba/aa/en_US/baggage/restrictedArticles.html#

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Quantas phone contact 020 8600 4300

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/dangerous-goods/global/en

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Quatar phone contact 0844 846 8380

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/restricted-baggage.page

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Ryanair phone contact 0905 566 0000 - £1per minute!

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.ryanair.com/index.php/lv/faqs/important-information-for-the-carriage-of-batteries-for-assistive-devices

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Singapore Airlines phone contact 0844 800 2380

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/travel-information/baggage-restrictions/

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United Airlines contact 0845 844 4777

Reference: (26th September 2013) https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/dangerous.aspx

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US Airways phone contact 0845 600 3300

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.usairways.com/en-US/travelplanning/advisory/default.html!

US Airways suggests looking on the TSA website. Reference (26th September 2013)!

http://www.tsa.gov

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Virgin Atlantic phone contact 0844 874 7747

Reference: (26th September 2013) http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/baggage/restrictions/dangerous-articles.html

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Section B - IATA Guidelines

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Section C - Qantas Covering Letter

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