Hi all,
This evening I flew from Marseille, France to Milan, Italy and at the security scan I had the battery for my Mavic Pro retained. I've travelled with the drone frequently (I'd say around 25-30 times) up to this point without issue so this situation rather bemused me and I'm trying to find out more.

Initially the lady questionned if I had a drone and of course that resulted in opening the DJI case to show her and specifically to remove the battery (3,830mAh, 43.6Wh). She called it into question although I was lost a little in the translation as to what the problem was, but it resulted in 30 minutes of waiting there. Eventually I was escorted with a security representative to the gate to get 'agreement' from the airline that it would be ok to fly with the battery, to which they declined to get involved. As a result I was refused to take it with me and at this point I was the only person not yet boarded so wasn't left with a huge wealth of options.

As per the attached picture, have I completely misunderstood something; what is wrong with this battery when it clearly shows a limit of 160Wh batteries being fine for drones, laptops etc? In fact, I'm pretty sure both my laptop and power bank I'm travelling with how more powerful batteries!

Is this a frequent occurrence in European travel that I've been lucky to avoid up to this point?

Should I be 'going after' Marseille Provence airport to make a point? (Let's say I wasn't best pleased with the way they treated me, and other passengers did too).

Thank you for any suggestions.

Cheers, Tim

Wow, is this the Shmee of Supercar YouTube fame?! Love your videos.

I have travelled to Europe, Africa, Asia and South America and never had a problem with my Mavic Pro batteries in carry-on. As you said, they are way below the 160Wh threshold.

I am guessing it is just a case of a misinformed security agent.

I did once have a limit of three batteries per bag at DXB once. As I had a camera bag and a lens bag as well as my main carry-on,  they just said to spread the batteries out between them.

It has not had this happen to me in or outside of Europe.

I've had folks be confused as to whether it should be permissible, Wh ratings, what it's used for, etc. but I see it more about them not wanting to mess up and get in trouble for letting something slip. Them playing it safe becomes an inconvenience for us. As per agreements, all airlines that I've flown on have their regulations on items on board planes clearly posted and like everything you agree to when signing on to a service, it applies to the airlines to uphold their end as well. It seems strange that AirFrance would not want to get involved since they have processes and procedures to approve one-offs. It even states on their site to contact them for approvals. That sheet that you have in your photo has telephone numbers for both AirFrance and KLM for that specific reason.

That said, I wouldn't let this fly if it were to happen to me. I would do my best to get to someone that can address training of security personnel, perhaps look at their escalation procedures and whatnot. Not necessarily for that past trip, but for those in the future. It's easier to say, "Yeah, this happened last time, and I spoke with XYZ about ABC and they said it was OK, as per MNOP procedures. Please double check." than arguing without a solid platform. I would then bring it up to AirFrance/KLM as to why they denied getting involved when their posted policies clearly state that they are willing to make exceptions.

And about attitudes... well... different cultures feel that certain treatment is permissible and within boundaries of courtesy. What can I say... Italians? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

P.S. Italians and everyone else, take my last comment as a gentle, friendly jab to the ribs and don't fly off the handle like some of my communist friends on this board. ;)

ChaosKnign Posted at 2018-5-16 07:26
It has not had this happen to me in or outside of Europe.

I've had folks be confused as to whether it should be permissible, Wh ratings, what it's used for, etc. but I see it more about them not wanting to mess up and get in trouble for letting something slip. Them playing it safe becomes an inconvenience for us. As per agreements, all airlines that I've flown on have their regulations on items on board planes clearly posted and like everything you agree to when signing on to a service, it applies to the airlines to uphold their end as well. It seems strange that AirFrance would not want to get involved since they have processes and procedures to approve one-offs. It even states on their site to contact them for approvals. That sheet that you have in your photo has telephone numbers for both AirFrance and KLM for that specific reason.

No issues with Italians, i think he lost his battery in France.

French... amirite? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

. You may want to look into carrying one of these with you on your travels. I had an issue once in Louisiana. A few years ago and was only allowed to carry the batteries aboard inside the lipo bag.

dancopter Posted at 2018-5-16 07:02
Wow, is this the Shmee of Supercar YouTube fame?! Love your videos.

I have travelled to Europe, Africa, Asia and South America and never had a problem with my Mavic Pro batteries in carry-on. As you said, they are way below the 160Wh threshold.

Hi, yes indeed that's me, thank you!

It feels like misinformed security staff, but I am unsure what the next step is.

the battery limit isn't a collective limit as far as i am aware.  the way rules are established the limited is on a per battery pack basis but most people are very uninformed that work in airport about their own job.

for example, dewalt 60V flexvolt stuff.  that is shipped by air, even though it massively breaches their limits, they allow it to airship, the reason is because way cells inside the battery are wired up make up multiple battery packs, they arent all wired together instead have to be connected at the pins that plug into the tool to wire together.. so basically its legal because just multiple packs of lower capacity(each just below the limit) batteries in a shell at that point..

honestly if they gave me no alternitive options other than trashing it/destroying it or siezing it.. i would probably exit the airport with the battery, i would have it shipped assuming reasonble cost.  if too expensive or they being unreasoble about it.. i would toss it or drive a nail into it.  al ot of times siezures and confiscations result in the employees taking it home..they probably just want a mavic pro battery for themselves..

Woe Posted at 2018-5-16 07:50
[view_image]. You may want to look into carrying one of these with you on your travels. I had an issue once in Louisiana. A few years ago and was only allowed to carry the batteries aboard inside the lipo bag.

people are are that afraid of lithium batteries tend to not understand them at all. if they have a full on runaway event for no reason,  lithium protection bag wont do very much in a lower pressure cabin..


i spoke with a village idiot who was terrified of lithium batteries.. while using a samsung S8 with shattered to bits rear glass panel (only protection the battery has)  i found that extremely ironic given note 7 ordeal and the fact walking around with only layer of protection destroyed over a soft lithium cell pack and telling me how dangerous lithium batteries are... ya. GG dude!

This makes me nervous to even bring the mavic pro with for a school function. I have been in debate since I will be going through that area. This is also my first time bringing the drone anywhere.

Skinny_Dronin_Around Posted at 2018-5-20 14:53
This makes me nervous to even bring the mavic pro with for a school function. I have been in debate since I will be going through that area. This is also my first time bringing the drone anywhere.

just dont tell them, thats what i done.. keep it in my back.. just dont make it obvious you got a drone and ton of batteries.   95% chance they will just pass the bag on after a quick scan... in fact that's my typical experience, i bought 4 batteries with my mavic pro once and just had it all stuff in my backpack i had as my day trip carry on.. they put it threw scanner and did a quick pat and finger check nothing serious and handed me my bag..

infact what i usually do is pack my laptop in same bag and my big USB  power bank i use to charge it.., so looks like i'm pulling everything out of interest.   then stuff bag into separate container from that and sent it through the scanner.. i never encountered them questioning it.. i once accidentally left my 12V to 120V 2000 watt inverter in my backpack and they passed that even im sure that looked suspicious asf on xray..

HereForTheBeer Posted at 2018-5-20 15:01
just dont tell them, thats what i done.. keep it in my back.. just dont make it obvious you got a drone and ton of batteries.   95% chance they will just pass the bag on after a quick scan... in fact that's my typical experience, i bought 4 batteries with my mavic pro once and just had it all stuff in my backpack i had as my day trip carry on.. they put it threw scanner and did a quick pat and finger check nothing serious and handed me my bag..

infact what i usually do is pack my laptop in same bag and my big USB  power bank i use to charge it.., so looks like i'm pulling everything out of interest.   then stuff bag into separate container from that and sent it through the scanner.. i never encountered them questioning it.. i once accidentally left my 12V to 120V 2000 watt inverter in my backpack and they passed that even im sure that looked suspicious asf on xray..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGM ... ef_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I would but I was planning on using this as my carry on bag. Think the same plan would work?

Skinny_Dronin_Around Posted at 2018-5-20 18:02
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGMZL8W/?coliid=I211GEH297W65Z&colid=TAFJ04BGYPGG&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I would but I was planning on using this as my carry on bag. Think the same plan would work?

i just shove it in my backpack im already carrying.

https://www.amazon.com/Protectiv ... rage/dp/B06XKKZYFB/

may need 1 extra case to hold extra batteries and cables and accessories.. and just shove it into backpack with you already have going with you.

I'm pretty sure in my case that even if the battery had been in a Lipo bag, it would not have made a difference as for whatever reason they specifically had a problem with the battery.

I've already ordered a replacement for £79.99, at the end of the day that's substantially less than missing the flight and having to get another one etc; just got to hope it doesn't happen again and again, and again.

Did they took only 1 battery? This kind of human stupidity makes me very afraid of flying with my drone

Hey Shmee, first and foremost, I am an avid fan of your content...............absolutely incredible stuff and I have followed you on your journey since very early days. Wonderful stuff.

Secondly, as has been suggested, one of those little lipo bags are the only thing that you can carry that *might* make this less of an issue but from what I understand, this is entirely up to each airline and even, pilot of particular flights.

I chose not to bring mine to Dubai because of this exact risk and its a real PITA as the the goal posts seem to be moving on a daily basis.

The focus seems to be shifting away from dippy drone pilots doing dumb stuff again and back to this *dangerous* hardware :/

J