Keep in mind the FAA has a 2 battery rule per passenger for any Lithiums of that size in carry-ons. All the TSA people don't know it, but they can potentially stop you for 3 or more batteries. Normally, I will have one battery in my checked Phantom (NO extra bats are allowed in checked luggage- only the one that is physically IN the device) then I have 2 batteries in my carry-on, and my wife (when she's travelling with me) has one in her carry-on for 4 batteries total. I also like to keep a copy of those FAA rules handy just in case anyone challenges me. So far no one's blinked.Just wondering if anyone has some tips to carry my Phantom as carry-on. eg should the batteries be fully discharged
Keep in mind the FAA has a 2 battery rule per passenger for any Lithiums of that size in carry-ons. All the TSA people don't know it, but they can potentially stop you for 3 or more batteries. Normally, I will have one battery in my checked Phantom (NO extra bats are allowed in checked luggage- only the one that is physically IN the device) then I have 2 batteries in my carry-on, and my wife (when she's travelling with me) has one in her carry-on for 4 batteries total. I also like to keep a copy of those FAA rules handy just in case anyone challenges me. So far no one's blinked.
You should not take full batteries on the plane. Discharge them to 50% or more.
Sorry- I should have said that is a US FAA rule about not more than 2 batteries that size in carry-on, and NO spare batteries in checked luggage (only the one in your drone).Even if they don't care, I discharged mine, for safety of all onboard, including myself, despite being put in fireproof bags. They scanned the quad three times at security at Warsaw airport, just in case, but no issues at all with more than two batteries. On the way back from Canary Islands, there were no issues at all. I would never put the batteries in the checked-in luggage though, I would always put in hand luggage, just in case.
I always use either the GoProfessional hard case or the backpack made by DronePacks inside my suitcase. Mainly I use the backpack since the hard case takes so much room. Tons of protection!No issues with the Phantom being checked in? I have a GoProfessional case which packs her in pretty good. Just worry that they would throw it around etc.
You should assume they will throw it around, but in that case or a really good backpack inside a suitcase, you shouldn't have a problem. These drones are designed to take some hard hits.No issues with the Phantom being checked in? I have a GoProfessional case which packs her in pretty good. Just worry that they would throw it around etc.
I'm going to start using the 50% rule. It can't hurt to be a little more safe. . . . and batteries are more stable at 50% than full, though I can't say by how much.It's not a issue with cabin pressure. The battery is simply more stable at 50% than at 100% and in case of accidental discharge would only have half the potential. However, even more important is to pack them properly. Use LiPo bags, isolate the terminals and don't transport any damaged batteries.