Like most of you, I got the Mavic since it's very 'easy' to travel with considering it's size and weight.

Just realised though that most airlines have different lithium battery restrictions. Is there any article I can find online which list all the restrictions for different airlines?

I just checked with ryanair and their restriction:

- maximum of two spare lithium ion batteries in carry-on
- Battery terminals must be either recessed or packaged
- 160wh limit for all batteries

It is not a question of the airline but the country of origin and their airport security guidelines. Because the security check is done by the airport and not the airline. For sure all Lithium batteries must go to carry-on in all cases.

fivetonine Posted at 2017-3-8 00:53
It is not a question of the airline but the country of origin and their airport security guidelines. Because the security check is done by the airport and not the airline. For sure all Lithium batteries must go to carry-on in all cases.

Makes sense, I was actually going to mention that cause I thought of it. Then it would be better to check airport restrictions but that will be more difficult to find.

travelrikk Posted at 2017-3-8 00:59
Makes sense, I was actually going to mention that cause I thought of it. Then it would be better to check airport restrictions but that will be more difficult to find.

True. I think in general, two batteries is always safe. Has allowed me to travel to 20+ countries with my drone.

Normally as long you don't exceed 100Wh per battery you are gold and have "no restrictions" (don't be savage and try to take more than 5, as a rule of thumb) on how many batteries you can take with you this is quite standard on every country, we it comes to something above 100Wh things get trickier.

If you are flying always remember to have your batteries in your carry on baggage and in a LiPo Safe Bag. Normally, when they see you have taken the precautions and care of putting the batteries in a LiPo Bag they let them go no questions asked.

As @fivetonine is saying,  this depends a lot on the countrie's regulations, keep in mind that most of other countries regulations are an interpretation of the FAA.

When airlines get involved is when you have batteries higher than 100Wh and lower than 160Wh, then you need to ask for permission and sign a document which the airline then files with their insurance company, normally they do not allow more that two battery packs with this denomination.

Also, try not to be flashy about the fact you have a drone, the more casual you are and lower profile the better. Just keep the drone in its case or in your bag pack. For anything else I think you should be OK.

AACY Posted at 2017-3-8 01:18
Normally as long you don't exceed 100Wh per battery you are gold and have "no restrictions" (don't be savage and try to take more than 5, as a rule of thumb) on how many batteries you can take with you this is quite standard on every country, we it comes to something above 100Wh things get trickier.

If you are flying always remember to have your batteries in your carry on baggage and in a LiPo Safe Bag. Normally, when they see you have taken the precautions and care of putting the batteries in a LiPo Bag they let them go no questions asked.

What is a LiPo Safe Bag please?

I know China are very strict on lithium batteries because when I travelled there they made take out ALL electronics involving batteries to inspect them. Only had a power bank, mobile and sony mirrorless at the time so can't really tell with a drone.

Emu Posted at 2017-3-8 01:23
What is a LiPo Safe Bag please?

See the attached pictures. The Lipo Safe Bag is a glass fiber inner lined bag that in the case that your battery catches fire, the damage will be contained. Some are better than others and will be even able to extinguish the fired quicker. Normally they do not cost more than 10USD.

travelrikk Posted at 2017-3-8 01:31
I know China are very strict on lithium batteries because when I travelled there they made take out ALL electronics involving batteries to inspect them. Only had a power bank, mobile and sony mirrorless at the time so can't really tell with a drone.

I live in China, and haven't had any issues taking any of my batteries around, from my Mavic batteries to the more DIY ones that I have and use for my RC models and Race Quad.

There is something else which is important to mention. When travelling, remember to have the batteries charged at storage voltage which is about 60% of their total capacity or 3.80V per cell, at this voltages the chemistry of the battery remains quite stable and does not presents such a big danger in the case of a chemical run-out.

AACY Posted at 2017-3-8 01:56
There is something else which is important to mention. When travelling, remember to have the batteries charged at storage voltage which is about 60% of their total capacity or 3.80V per cell, at this voltages the chemistry of the battery remains quite stable and does not presents such a big danger in the case of a chemical run-out.

DJI recommends to fully discharge batteries before flight.. I wouldn't risk it since it's still recommended to fully charge them before using them/

AACY Posted at 2017-3-8 01:36
I live in China, and haven't had any issues taking any of my batteries around, from my Mavic batteries to the more DIY ones that I have and use for my RC models and Race Quad.

Where about in China? I was travelling to/from Beijing airport and they were checking everyone and even made me empty almost my whole backpack and I was with one arm in a sling..

travelrikk Posted at 2017-3-8 04:26
DJI recommends to fully discharge batteries before flight.. I wouldn't risk it since it's still recommended to fully charge them before using them/

I see.

This piece of knowledge that I am sharing comes from my RC background, in which I learnt that, over discharged (under 3.6V per cell) or fully topped batteries (at 4.2V per cell) are dangerous to their own extend, the most stable and safest voltage to keep your cells is at 3.8V per cell (roughly 40 to 60% charge it will depend). If we analyze a little bit, any device that you might buy (cellphones, computers, cameras, drones) out of the box they will come with exactly that amount of charge, and this goes to any kind of device that will endure during transit any kind of airfreight transportation.

You might think that all LiPo battery powered products will come in a special container on a slow boat or in a specially equipped airplane (yes they do take very strict precautions, that's why the foam used to protect your MAVIC batteries is completely anti-flammable).  But that's not the reality maybe on your next flight you would be seating above a big shipment of electronics full of LiPos. Courrier companies (UPS, FEDEX, Etc...) often piggyback on commercial flights to transport goods that need to be delivered in a short period of time and that cargo pays very well, another reason why we have such strict regulations on luggage weight when flying, is not mainly about the fuel, but is also to allow the carriers to squeeze as much cargo as possible.

travelrikk Posted at 2017-3-8 04:26
Where about in China? I was travelling to/from Beijing airport and they were checking everyone and even made me empty almost my whole backpack and I was with one arm in a sling..

In Shanghai but due to my work I am constantly travelling inside and haven't had any issue.

At any airport in China they have a very clear set of rules when it comes to the transport of spare LiPo batteries, and are one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to implement very clear, efficient and easy to understand regulations when flying, they even play you a video with really nice cartoons before doing security check, showing what you have to take out while doing your security check (they even explain very clearly to take all your LiPos out). And yes, they will ask you to open up your bag if you haven't taken your batteries out. What the Officer wants to see is the magic number of Wh to which you battery is rated, and as long you are under 100Wh you will be gold.

AACY Posted at 2017-3-8 05:53
I see.

This piece of knowledge that I am sharing comes from my RC background, in which I learnt that, over discharged (under 3.6V per cell) or fully topped batteries (at 4.2V per cell) are dangerous to their own extend, the most stable and safest voltage to keep your cells is at 3.8V per cell (roughly 40 to 60% charge it will depend). If we analyze a little bit, any device that you might buy (cellphones, computers, cameras, drones) out of the box they will come with exactly that amount of charge, and this goes to any kind of device that will endure during transit any kind of airfreight transportation.

Sorry, small mistake over discharged is under 3.4V per cell

How come here we can take unlimited batteries lol, jk... like 3 for me. I want to just put 2 in one and one in another.

KevDrones Posted at 2017-3-8 06:07
How come here we can take unlimited batteries lol, jk... like 3 for me. I want to just put 2 in one and one in another.

I've got 5 in total, but I won't risk travelling with more than 3.

Hey Everyone, I work in the aviation industy in the US the link below is a PDF from the FAA that has Guidance on LI-ion and other battery types on all us carriers.
Offical FAA Guidance on fliying with Li-ion batteries

Dear Sir  Can I use my Mavic Pro Platinum batteries for another drone.  I bought it was a gift and it was used twice and now got sea water damage.  I cannot afford to repair (at €900) but may buy a cheaper one.   Help please.

John Kean Posted at 2018-7-31 00:14
Dear Sir  Can I use my Mavic Pro Platinum batteries for another drone.  I bought it was a gift and it was used twice and now got sea water damage.  I cannot afford to repair (at €900) but may buy a cheaper one.   Help please.

Not possible, you can only use those in another mavic pro/pro platinum.

travelrikk Posted at 2017-3-8 00:59
Makes sense, I was actually going to mention that cause I thought of it. Then it would be better to check airport restrictions but that will be more difficult to find.

There are battery terminal covers for sale on the auction site beginning with 'E'

Emu Posted at 2017-3-8 01:23
What is a LiPo Safe Bag please?

They are listed on the DJI web page (Store)

Please can somebody help me to know how much lithium contains a phantom 3 standard battery