Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I'm curious as to experiences customers have had with carrying VMLs on domestic and on International flights. Have you had problems with TSA agent? Have you been asked for MSDS safety sheets, etc?

The FAA, TSA and IATA rules keep changing, and different TSA agents and different airlines sometimes have different interpretation of the Lithium Ion travel and shipping rules. All the customer feedback I can get will be helpful.

Thanks for your feedback.

I have traveled with two VML units on four occasions now. All trips were BOS to LAS via Jet Blue.

Each time we take the VMLs in our carry on (the FAA is exceptionally clear that you cannot check your large lithium batteries - you must carry them on).

We have never had a problem. I always bring copies of your website's VML page, and the FAAs page just in case I need to politely explain what it is or the FAA's rules to TSA. I haven't needed them yet.

Interestingly, the bag containing our studio lights gets hand checked every time (eight times total). I think there is something about the capacitors or the strobe tubes that makes it look odd on their xray machine.

For my money the VML is a huge value, and I own eight of them (along with about 40 lights now - our business has grown and our rentals are through the roof).

Finally, I will say that traveling with a VML is about the most useful thing ever. While in transit you can charge electronic devices to your heart's content. No fighting for plugs in the waiting area - just plug in your phone, laptop, iPad, what ever and let it charge.

If I can provide any other insight, on the VML or anything PCB user-related, let me know. We have over 150 photographers in our community using your gear daily in our three rental studios.

I hope this helps!

Bud Thorpe
SOPHA
Manchester, NH

Just yesterday I flew ATL -> AMS -> MSQ with 2 VMLs along with 3 batteries. Batteries were disconnected from VMLs and put into a single compartment of my TT Airport International. No problems with TSA or other security personnel.

I currently live in Italy and have been trying to find a way to have a couple Vagabond Minis or the new Vagabond Lithium Extreme units shipped to me. However, international regulations seem to prevent this. My parents live in Nashville and are coming to visit soon and was hoping they could hand carry a couple of these to me.

I was thinking of ordering a Pelican case for them to carry the units in, but I'm also curious of the dangers of them bringing the units on an international flight. As long as the batteries are discharged and disconnected, they should be okay, right? Regarding the Pelican case, will two unopened units fit in a Pelican 1510, carry on sized case?

It's really frustrating not being able to use my Einstein's in the field because of an air restriction. :(

Thanks in advance for any info.

Kevin

Unless Italy has different Lithium battery restrictions than the rest of the world, VML and one or two spare batteries can be carried as carry on luggage on international flights, but not as checked baggage.

As for International shipping as by UPS or Fedex, there is a $62.50 hazardous good surcharge for a shipment of multiple Lithium batteries. Customer service can give you the exact number the $62.50 covers - info@paulcbuff.com.

There is no ITA or TSA requirement for batteries to be discharged or disconnected during shipment to my knowledge. Again, Customer Service can point you to all regulations.

In fact, discharging batteries completely is not a good idea as long term storage of fully discharged Lithium batteries can shorten battery life or even cause failure.

As for VLX batteries, We have recently discovered that ITA regulations limit transport of Lithium batteries on passenger flights to 160 watt hours. We have just complete re certification of existing 169 Wh VLX batteries downward to 158.75 Wh to meet these requirements.

We are preparing to send existing VLX customers replacement labels for these batteries that are simple to place on the batteries to allow them to travel internationally. I believe new certifications are online now.

Incidentally,

The VLX box measures 11x7.5x9
The VML box measures 11x5x7.5

In case you need these figures for the case.