Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I'm not sure whether this is the right place to post this question, but it seems a good place to start. I'm interested in buying two VMLs to put with Profoto heads to lighten the weight of my battery powered set up (I currently use Hensels with a lead acid battery.) But it seems like the restrictions on flying with lithium batteries are increasing and a number of airlines are making it very difficult to do so. This is because they are prone to short circuiting, over heating and catching fire.

Most of my work is in the UK and Europe, but what are the airlines in and out of the States, and internally, like with restrictions on Lithium batteries? Do they allow them in checked baggage? And is the safety of the batteries better than is being reported?

Thanks

Rob

Saying they are prone to shorting and catching fire is probably too strong. Yes it can happen but I would not say it is likely or they are prone to it.

As far as travel rules, for travel in the States I believe the batteries in the VML fall under the "larger lithium battery" restrictions and are limited as one larger lithium ion battery installed in a device, plus up to 2 spare larger lithium ion batteries in carry-on luggage. You are not supposed to have any loose lithium batteries in your checked luggage (only installed in a device).

You can find more info here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... eries.shtm

TSA and DoT would be places to look for information re: domestic flights. IATA would regulate international travel. I have not heard of anyone having problems traveling with VML or its batteries.