BAtteries being confiscated

[Halthron]

Be warned that batteries can be confiscated at the airport. TSA rules apply in the US but other countries can and will make up their own rules and enforcement.

I just left the Philippines for the US and the Philippine National Police attempted to confiscate the AAA batteries for my MP3 player. It took about 20 minutes of arguing, name dropping, and finagling in ways the average tourist doesn't have access to to get them back. (The illogic was that they weren't concerned about the battery in the laptop)

I really would have hated to see what they would do with the battery from the canister light.

Just remember that TSA rules are a minimum security measure for flights flying to or from the US. Countries can impose a stricter regulation.

[MasterGoa]

Especially when you know some Dell lappies have batteries that catch fire...

But hey, it is for the percieved, not actual, threat....

Thank you for the warning...

[Reef Man]

Wow....thanks...I am going to Jamaica in October...I will keep that in mind!!!

[archman]

Sometimes airport security confiscations will target items that are deemed useful to the screening personnel. I wouldn't be surprised if your batteries ended up in the National Police's MP3 players.

[rocketry]

name dropping, and finagling in ways the average tourist doesn't have access to

There is no way that, on this board, you can expect to make a comment like that and not elaborate! I would love to know why. Don't forget, there are places to be modest, but let us know!

As for the issue...I guess we'll have to resort to checking battery'ed gear in checked luggage. This scares me...because i would have to have to check my suunto mosquito. If I didnt, and they tried to remove my battery, the whole o-ring assembly has to be (or is recommended to be) replaced! Could alter my plans greatly!

[H2Andy]

the Philippine National Police attempted to confiscate the AAA batteries for my MP3 player. It took about 20 minutes of arguing, name dropping, and finagling in ways the average tourist doesn't have access to to get them back.

well... so long as you think AAA batteries are worth that much effort

:eyebrow:

[Firefyter]

This happens quite a bit in Mexican airports.

[Rick Inman]

Just print this out and stick it on your HID battery: LINK (http://www.airspeedpress.com/BatteryLabelDrycell.jpg) Sure, it's not really anything, but they don't know that. My experience has been that they take one look at the sticker and pass it right through.

Thanks, Airspeed Press!!

[Halthron]

Sometimes airport security confiscations will target items that are deemed useful to the screening personnel. I wouldn't be surprised if your batteries ended up in the National Police's MP3 players.
I have no doubt that occurs but I've lived here for a year and I have some experience with how the graft goes on. This wasn't an attempt at theft, nor an attempt at graft.

well... so long as you think AAA batteries are worth that much effort

:eyebrow:
I had an hour and a half to get to my gate. I could sit around in the lounge or I could entertain myself. :D

There is no way that, on this board, you can expect to make a comment like that and not elaborate! I would love to know why. Don't forget, there are places to be modest, but let us know!

As for the issue...I guess we'll have to resort to checking battery'ed gear in checked luggage. This scares me...because i would have to have to check my suunto mosquito. If I didnt, and they tried to remove my battery, the whole o-ring assembly has to be (or is recommended to be) replaced! Could alter my plans greatly!
It's nothing major just that because of the work I do, I have access to contacts and methods of persuasion that tourists don't. Think if you were enforcing a petty coorporate policy and it turns out the person being affected was the neice of one of the VPs.

I'm not sure I'd go so far as to put my bottom timer in checked baggage. I fully expect this type of behvior to occur primarily in 3rd world countries, where I highly doubt they'll be confiscating the batteries out of every wrist watch. Obvious, sure. Inobvious, probably not.

Just print this out and stick it on your HID battery: LINK (http://www.airspeedpress.com/BatteryLabelDrycell.jpg) Sure, it's not really anything, but they don't know that. My experience has been that they take one look at the sticker and pass it right through.

Thanks, Airspeed Press!!
Rick, that works great for people who can reason and use independent judgement. That doesn't apply to most 3rd world security people though. If they're told "no batteries", they'll stop anything that looks like a battery. I agree that's a good thing to bring for TSA people who don't know the rules offhand.

[Doc Ed]

How about cellphones and PDAs?

Don't you just love the illogical way the system works?

[RICHinNC]

It is a knee jerk ...no thought....no common sense system.

[RoatanMan]

I have no doubt that occurs but I've lived here for a year and I have some experience with how the graft goes on. This wasn't an attempt at theft, nor an attempt at graft.

Less than 24 hours ago I was outbound muddling through the three seperate and distinct full searches for Philippine airport security. At the second station, after the passport control, there was no doubt in my mind that we were being shaken down.

It was not a hard press and a less experienced person may have bent over for them, but the "ladies" staffed at that station who went through our female flier's bags inch by inch, commented strongly on how they themselves would like a gift of some of the pearls that our lady divers had bought.

Man's bags were checked over lightly, if ay all.

Just inside the waiting area, just to the right- is a stand that sells AA and AAA batteries.

They took away my last 4' of duct tape but ignored my fiber packing tape.

Whatever.

[tlawler]

I really would have hated to see what they would do with the battery from the canister light.

That has been one of my fears...to plan a trip only to have the batteries confiscated. You could probably find batteries for everything else, including your laptop, if you had to; but finding replacement batteries for your canister...forget it. I wonder if it would be feasable to mail them ahead to your destination and have them waiting at the hotel for you?

[Meng_Tze]

I
......That doesn't apply to most 3rd world security people though. If they're told "no batteries", they'll stop anything that looks like a battery. I agree that's a good thing to bring for TSA people who don't know the rules offhand......

That is a strong statement..... I have seen more intelligent and reasonable security people in other parts of the world than here in the US employed by TSA.......... Trust me on that.

[BKP]

That is a strong statement..... I have seen more intelligent and reasonable security people in other parts of the world than here in the US employed by TSA.......... Trust me on that.

Not at *all* difficult to believe...

[victor]

That has been one of my fears...to plan a trip only to have the batteries confiscated. You could probably find batteries for everything else, including your laptop, if you had to; but finding replacement batteries for your canister...forget it. I wonder if it would be feasable to mail them ahead to your destination and have them waiting at the hotel for you?

As long as UPS or equivalent will take them then it should be possible to send them that way.

This may be the way we all have to send our camera gear in the future. It looks like a housing, strobes, etc would take all my allowance to Malaysia.

Luckily clothes are cheap and it is warm so I won't need much.
:lol:

[truck1]

Just print this out and stick it on your HID battery: LINK (http://www.airspeedpress.com/BatteryLabelDrycell.jpg) Sure, it's not really anything, but they don't know that. My experience has been that they take one look at the sticker and pass it right through.

Thanks, Airspeed Press!!


Thanks Rick.I am going to print a bunch and keep them visible the next time I travel.
If that does not work, a sticker saying "Do not open unless you are a factory trained technichan" might.

[bperrybap]

As long as UPS or equivalent will take them then it should be possible to send them that way.

This may be the way we all have to send our camera gear in the future. It looks like a housing, strobes, etc would take all my allowance to Malaysia.

Luckily clothes are cheap and it is warm so I won't need much.
:lol:

If you do this, read your equipment insurance clauses closely.
Some won't cover loss/theft/damage if the "bags" are shipped
seperately in advance.

--- bill

[lmorin]

Similar topic, different anecdotes can be found HERE (http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=157993)

[Scared Silly]

This morning I got a call from my congressman's office on the battery issue. I had called their office last week because I would like to see some guidelines on the TSA website regarding traveling with batteries in both checked and carry on baggage. The TSA comment is that the rules for batteries is classified and discretion is left up to the screeners as to whether what you have will be permited.

[Jim Lapenta]

In other words if billy joe bob needs some batts for his deer cam you are SOL my friend.

[Halthron]

Just inside the waiting area, just to the right- is a stand that sells AA and AAA batteries.
I looked but many places weren't open yet so I didn't want to assume but figured that would probably be the case.


That is a strong statement..... I have seen more intelligent and reasonable security people in other parts of the world than here in the US employed by TSA.......... Trust me on that.
I didn't say they weren't intelligent or smarter, just that culturally, most people raised in the 3rd world aren't raised to question authority to the same degree as those in the US.

[Meng_Tze]

I didn't say they weren't intelligent or smarter, just that culturally, most people raised in the 3rd world aren't raised to question authority to the same degree as those in the US.

Again one of those comments that are probably based on an insight that is not founded on cultural insight and somewhat derogatory. Where do you derive this insight if I may ask?

What does 3rd world mean to you anyway? Maybe my understanding of third world is wrong...?

[DandyDon]

Just print this out and stick it on your HID battery: LINK Sure, it's not really anything, but they don't know that. My experience has been that they take one look at the sticker and pass it right through.

Thanks, Airspeed Press!!Nice site - did you make it yourself? :D

[wilkie]

I make all atempts to comply with all regulations.............then go to more proactive modes, whitch can get downright UGLY

[Tassie_Rohan]

Yep - worked in the Philippines in the mid 90's as part of a PhD. Love the country and the people but the only reason I don’t dive there now is the pain of going through manila airport.

It hasn't changed one bit in 15 years – right down to the fading posters and dysfunctional toilets. Long queues both in and out of airport, needless additional searches, predatory taxi drives at arrivals and the last three times I've gone through I've had something stolen from my check in luggage.

Is cebu airport any better?

Cheers,
Rohan.

[DandyDon]

I make all atempts to comply with all regulations.............then go to more proactive modes, whitch can get downright UGLY
At an airport, that can be a bad lesson in local law enforcement. :11:

[Tassie_Rohan]

I make all atempts to comply with all regulations.............then go to more proactive modes, whitch can get downright UGLY

Getting ugly with airport security may end up in a trip to The Little Room: you know - the one with the tub of KY jelly and box of one-fingered rubber gloves in it...

I travel with a can light and they often get curious about it: best thing is to smile, stay friendly and chat: in fact if they sense that I could stand there and talk diving all day they get keen to wave me on before I waste anymore of their time...

Cheers,
Rohan.

[Ben_ca]

I travel with a can light and they often get curious about it: best thing is to smile, stay friendly and chat: in fact if they sense that I could stand there and talk diving all day they get keen to wave me on before I waste anymore of their time...

Cheers,
Rohan.


Just start out.... "Let me tell you about DIR...." It's good for 300+ posts it will be good for a couple of hours of mind numbing banter ;) with some one who doesn't care

[Tassie_Rohan]

LOL - I'll have to remember that!

They start out with muttered 'hhmm' and 'thats nice' but when you get ordered to close your bag and move along you know you've won. Still - after 3 hours of banter about DIR vs non-DIR I expect I'll get a gun shoved in my face and told to shut up... :D

Cheers,
Rohan.

[jonix]

I looked but many places weren't open yet so I didn't want to assume but figured that would probably be the case.


I didn't say they weren't intelligent or smarter, just that culturally, most people raised in the 3rd world aren't raised to question authority to the same degree as those in the US.

i agree with eric here. some of our police personnel would just not contest an order. but for a lowly ranked policeman with monthly salary of not more than $200...what do you expect? they just follow as they're told, no questions asked.

@tassie: cebu international is slightly better. the old (naia) airport is really in a sad state...all because of politics. we actually have a new airport just across the old naia, but again it's politics that's stopping the opening of it. :(

[Halthron]

Again one of those comments that are probably based on an insight that is not founded on cultural insight and somewhat derogatory. Where do you derive this insight if I may ask?

What does 3rd world mean to you anyway? Maybe my understanding of third world is wrong...?
Feel free to take this to PMs.

[Hooked-Again]

Upon returning from Roatan in April, our bags were rummaged through at customs and all the batteries were targeted for removal. Upon questioning, the explanation was a fear of catching fire by contact. The solution at that time was to scatter them through the clothing so that they could not make contact with each other. The solution for future trips are little plastic battery carriers available at Batteries Plus or like stores that specialize in battery sales.

[RoatanMan]

Upon questioning, the explanation was a fear of catching fire by contact. The solution at that time was to scatter them through the clothing so that they could not make contact with each other.

In flashlights, put a simple layer of paper or tape over the last contact point before reassembly.

Yes, I have seen smoldering bags.

Taking batteries home? By all means, take home the depleted ones, carry your garbage away from the limited recycling and disposal resources of any island. Honestly... where do you really think you garbage is dumped? In 3000 feet.

As far as new batteries? We buy them so cheaply (comparatively) in the US at Sams or Costco, why not just give fresh, unused batteries to your DM. (Not used ones, they are rightfuly considered an insult). Why haul home heavy objects that are of infinitely more value if left in the hands of the guy who guided your night dive?

Leave your expendables with your DM. Leave OTC meds with the resort medic.

[DandyDon]

In flashlights, put a simple layer of paper or tape over the last contact point before reassembly.
I've always taken batteries out of my lights before packing - for a few reasons. Don't want the extra weight inside the light to increase chance of damage to ligth, don't want to risk having one turned on inside (some of those can get really hot), don't want it to look funny on X-ray, etc. I saw a security screener removing batteries from lights from one bag after another in Roatan once; surprised she didn't just keep the lights.

[lmorin]

Update re the removal of batteries from my carry-on bag upon departure from the Cozumel airport. As a reminder of the situation, about $25 worth of batteries were taken from me at the boarding gate after my bag had passed through the security carry-on X-ray viewer and a hand/visual examination by the security agent who saw the batteries, handled them and said nothing negative about them. I complained to American Airlines that the folks who took the batteries seemed to be AA employees and, regardless, batteries are not on the list of restricted items. AA replied, saying they were sorry for my dissatisfaction and that they would look into how things were run in Cozumel. I replied that that was not good enough; that I wanted to be reimbursed for the loss and I alluded to the possibility of taking AA to small claims court. AA responded to this by again noting my unhappiness and sending a $50 travel voucher good for 1 yr and applicable toward the cost of any standard AA flight. I consider this a decent response to me. I just hope that the remainder of the issue, i.e., what goes on at the Cozumel airport, gets resolved in favor of the divers.

[Halthron]

Well, something is better than nothing and at least they're recognizing that one of their employees may have done something wrong. Thanks for pushing, too many people just accept it and move on.

[webhead]

$50 travel voucher. :33: I think you got ripped off. But it is better than nothing. Maybe the letter will be worth more.... show it to the next agent and let them no they can take the batteries but it will cost them $50 in AA bucks.

Maybe they just took them because they are :pirate3: :pirate4: :pirate1: :pirate4:

[dlndavid]

Pirates are people too m'kay :D

[miketsp]

Now if I really wanted to get a good spark going on a plane in order to set off my detonator all I'd really need in that low humidity environment is a nylon jacket and a woolen sweater and some aluminum foil....