I have 250 LED wristbands I want to take overseas including 1 domestic flight. Each band is powered by 2 small 3v button batteries and all up weigh 5.5kgs. Would it be possible to carry just the batteries in my hand luggage and how would I need to wrap, package and store them within my hand luggage? Any help appreciated.
Carrying (a Lot of) Button Batteries in Hand Luggage
Ozbargainite on 28/09/2018 - 11:19
Comments
The 1st rule of rave club is ………
This is unique enough that I would:
- Call up Customs and ask, and
- If, and even if, they say it's okay, show up to the airport about 2 hours earlier than you should normally arrive, just in case, and
- Call up the destination country Customs department to get their okay on this too - and ideally get something in writing.
I don't see any issues with the batteries themselves, because 250 separate wrist bands poses really the same risk as one wrist band, but I'd be more worried someone might think you're actually doing business and dodging customs, and/or on an incorrect visa when you arrive (assuming you're on a holiday visa).
and ask the Airline…
Oh, yeah that too.
Customs won't care, its Security adhering to rules like liquids, aerosols and gels.
Wristbands are just to give away, no financial gain for me.
Happy to deal with destination officials if need arises, more worried about batteries. Can be turned on accidently so think it's better to remove them.Better ask but in the case of batteries they are more concerned about accidental shorts and that is less likely when they are in the device. Usually there is a slip of plastic to be removed before use.
Button cells are nowhere as power packed compared to laptop and phone batteries.
What if I put each cell in its own little zip lock bag?
Just leave then in the device. When carrying spare batteries, e.g. for cameras, they want the terminals covered but if inside the device it's fine.
I agree with the above comment about customs. Also, security may have 1 or 2 problems with what you're proposing.
What exactly are you using the wrist bands for?
Gifts.
Be prepared for a lot of questions at security.
Taking 2 battery packs to Europe was enough for Sydney security to empty my bag and same in Dubai.
They are possibly slightly lax in Asia.
Gifts.
If I were a security officer that wouldn't be a satisfactory answer. Who for? What's the occasion?
I once knew someone who had all these cheap headsets for wedding gifts. She couldn't get them through hand luggage.
I guess you need to know whether the batteries are Lithium or other compounds.
Lithium is my understanding.
You should be fine. Worst case it will just pops like popcorns.
Even if the airline is prepared to let you bring them on - there are limits to what kind of batteries you are allowed on - expect some serious questioning and/or thorough body and bag examination by security.
What about mailing them ahead of yourself? Either a friend, or your hotel may be willing to received it for you.
On no account should you ask anyone in an official capacity. Checking with randoms on OzBargain is sufficient.
True.
Prepare for a potential unplanned visit to Guantanamo…
Batteries contained in DMX wristbands are most likely 2 x lithium metal CR2016 or CR2032 batteries.
Highly doubt you'll be able to bring all 250 (500 cells) of these on board as checked in or carry on luggage.
For example, check out the DG sections on Qantas & Singapore Airlines website:
https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/dangerous-goods/globa…
https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/au/travel-info/baggage/ba…Most airlines have a restriction of 20 devices / pieces for safety reasons.
Your best bet is to have them shipped overseas beforehand, though this can be problematic as well.
I believe carriers such as DHL Express and FedEx can ship overseas, though they may have their own restrictions.
Best to gather the following information before contacting any carriers:
- Type of batteries (CRxxxx)
- Battery chemistry (alkaline or lithium metal)
- Are the batteries installed in equipment?
- Total number of batteries
- Are they correctly packaged
- Is the outer carton correctly labelled?
If these are indeed 500 x lithium metal batteries installed in equipment, they most probably fall under the following category:
UN3091, P.I. 970 section II
Lithium metal batteries contained in equipment in compliance with Section II of PI 970.For more information, check the following link:
http://www.fedex.com/au/lithium-battery/970sectionii.html
Hope this helps!
Cheerio,
G.
Thanks for the awesomely detailed reply. Will look into that.
Thank you.
Rave?