Under normal circumstances, drone batteries with less than 160Wh can be brought on a plane, but this also requires detailed discussion based on different situations and airline regulations.
· Carry-on Luggage
According to the regulations of the International Air Transport Association and the relevant laws of most countries, lithium batteries with a capacity of less than 100Wh can be carried on the plane. This means that the batteries of most consumer-grade drones are allowed in carry-on luggage. However, despite being allowed as carry-on, it is still necessary to ensure that the batteries are in good health and undamaged to avoid accidents during the flight.
· Checked Luggage
If the battery capacity is greater than 100Wh but does not exceed 160Wh, it can only be carried with the approval of the airline. According to the regulations, passengers can carry a maximum of two batteries within this capacity range. Of course, it is necessary to contact the relevant airline before the flight to understand and obtain the necessary approval procedures to ensure smooth boarding.
For drone batteries exceeding 160Wh, both carrying them on board and checking them in are prohibited. This is because such high-capacity batteries are more prone to thermal runaway compared to smaller capacity batteries, posing a greater safety risk.
Although, in general, drone batteries with a capacity of less than 160Wh can be brought on a plane, specific regulations may vary depending on the airline and the country or region. Therefore, it is very necessary to check the relevant airline regulations in advance before boarding.
How to Properly Carry Drone Batteries on a Plane?
Drone batteries may catch fire or explode under certain conditions, so placing the battery in a fireproof bag before bringing it on a plane is a crucial precaution. Although this may add some inconvenience to travel, it is very worthwhile compared to ensuring safety.
Generally, drone batteries are lithium-ion batteries, which carry a potential risk of spontaneous combustion, especially when damaged or short-circuited. Fireproof bags can mitigate the spread of flames during thermal runaway of the battery, thereby safeguarding the environment and passenger safety. During flights, luggage may experience turbulence or compression, potentially damaging unprotected batteries and causing fires. Fireproof bags provide additional protection in such scenarios, preventing battery accidents from occurring.
The relevant information from the airline about carrying batteries.
· Southwest Airlines:
Lithium batteries cannot be transported in checked baggage. Passengers can carry up to 20 spare batteries per person, including portable chargers and external battery chargers for phones, tablets, and laptops. Portable chargers and spare batteries must protect any exposed terminals to prevent short circuits and should be packed in carry-on baggage or carried on person.
· DELTA Airlines:
Passengers may travel with lithium-ion batteries containing up to 160Wh per battery. Any lithium-ion battery exceeding 160Wh is prohibited on all Delta flights. Lithium-ion batteries installed in personal electronic devices may be carried in checked or carry-on baggage. Spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage, and no more than two batteries with capacities between 100Wh and 160Wh are allowed per person. Each passenger is limited to carrying a maximum of 20 spare batteries.
· American Airlines:
Passengers can travel with drones, but drone batteries must not exceed 160Wh. If the drone or its packaging is smaller than 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters, passengers can carry the drone as carry-on baggage.
why do drone batteries swell？
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There can be many reasons for swelling of drone batteries, but swelling is a sign of battery malfunction. The following reasons can all lead to battery swelling:
– **Quality Issues**: During the battery production process, lack of strict quality control can result in substandard positive and negative electrode materials, uneven battery coatings, deformation of the casing, and other issues, all of which can cause battery problems.
– **Improper Handling**: Overcharging and discharging can easily lead to excessive internal gas pressure in the battery, causing it to swell. This risk is heightened when charging in high-temperature environments.
– **Environmental Impact**: Prolonged use in excessively high or low temperatures can affect the battery’s charge-discharge performance. Higher temperatures accelerate battery chemical reactions, while lower temperatures have the opposite effect.
– **Improper Use**: Drone batteries used for frequent high-speed and low-speed flight swaps are more prone to swelling compared to batteries used for long periods of stable flight. This also results in shorter battery lifespan.
What should I do if the drone battery swells?
Drone battery swelling is a dangerous situation, so it is crucial to take immediate action for handling.
How to prevent drone battery swelling:
- Choose batteries with assured quality to avoid using uncertified or poor-quality batteries.
- Store batteries in conditions that avoid high temperatures, humidity, etc., to ensure their good condition.
- Avoid overcharging and discharging as much as possible.
