Travelling with Batteries

Traveling with LiPo Batteries

The one constant you will find when you’re looking to travel with your drone is that LiPo batteries need to be carried on as hand luggage. Due to their volatility and propensity to cause fires when mishandled, it’s easy to see why you aren’t allowed to check them into the hold.

First things first, you will need to be upfront with the airline about what you are bringing aboard. You shouldn’t encounter any problems from security if you have clearly stated your possession of the batteries and your intended usage (i.e. powering your drone).

If the batteries are under 100Wh, you’re generally allowed up to four spares, however, if you’re carrying more powerful units which are over the 100Wh threshold but below the maximum allowance of 160Wh, you’re likely to be limited to two per person. Please be aware that this is subject to change depending on who you’re flying with so always make doubly sure.

More recent batteries, such as those from DJI, should display the watt-hour to make identification simple. If your batteries don’t have this information visible, you can calculate the watt-hours by multiplying battery voltage by the Amp-hours (Ah).

Do Your Homework

It can’t be stressed enough that preparation is key when traveling with your drone. Especially if you are using an unfamiliar airline or heading to a country with stricter laws, you are ultimately responsible for checking the facts before departure.

Here is an example of the types of restrictions you will encounter – these rules are taken directly from the British Airways site…

Always be sure to check the website of the airline you’re traveling with and, if there isn’t any pertinent information, ensure that you contact them ahead of time to avoid any awkward situations.

Tips For Transport

When preparing to fly with your batteries the following tips will help to ensure you and your LiPo batteries enjoy an issue-free journey. These suggestions aren’t essential but will go a long way towards making the process as safe as possible.

1. Cover up the battery connectors with either tape or cling film to avoid electrical arcing or moisture getting into crucial components. If you’re looking for extra protection from moisture you can place your batteries in individual ziplock bags ensuring that all the air is removed before sealing.
2. Once you have completed Step 1, place your batteries into a fireproof battery safety bag. The reason behind this is pretty self-evident but it will display that you take the safety of yourself and other passengers very seriously. These bags also come in handy when charging up the batteries for an extra level of safety.
3. Now that your LiPos are securely stored it’s time to put them into your carry-on luggage i.e. a backpack. Make sure that they are easily accessible for security checks etc. and you shouldn’t have any problems getting from A to B.

If you’re traveling by car, transport your battery in a well ventilated and fireproof case. Don’t carry batteries loose in a bag or pocket as this may cause the battery to short-circuit if the terminal comes into contact with another object.