Questionable carry-on items - will this be a headache?

[SteveR]

This weekend I might be making a trip to pick up a GA plane in another part of the country. I don't want to check my bag because I'll be in a hurry once I get to where I'm going (need to catch a train in Chicago). Items I'll be taking with me include:

A small sealed lead-acid battery (dimensions are roughly 6"x8"x4"), headset, handheld aviation band com radio, a handheld GPS, a headset, sectional charts, kneeboard, AA batteries and charger, a small charger for the lead-acid battery, and some other miscellaneous wiring (not a lot). Is the TSA going to bother me about this stuff? My main concern is the battery. NON-sealed batteries are specifically prohibited, but this battery is sealed, and that is even printed on the battery. Is the TSA going to harass me about this stuff? I don't mind them poking through my bag or asking questions, but I really need this stuff for the trip home and don't want to be delayed so I miss my flight.

Here is the prohibited items list:
http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Prohibited_English_4-1-2005_v2.pdf

 

[vclean]

Technically it's HAZMAT.

 

[Vector4fun]

Just sort of related, I heard a pax on one of the flights that diverted into here yesterday got her foot broken when whe stood up to get something out of an overhead, and a heavy object fell out. God only knows what folks are sticking up there.....

 

[urflyingme?!]

IMO,
I would just ask to see a screening supervisor if they give you any guff. If they guy thinks it is prohibited and it isn't, arguing with him won't do any good. The supervisors are usually somewhat intelligent...

 

[UnAnswerd]

Items I'll be taking with me include:

Small pocket knife, empty 9mm clips, cordless circular saw, and various pyrotechnic devices.

Should be fine.

 

[DrewBlows]

In my opinion the "sealed" lead acid battery is going to be the problem. It is hazmat. It was explained to me during training that in order to truly be considered "sealed" you would have to be able to stick a knife in the side of it and not cause a leak. I suppose you could try, but be willing to part with it.

 

[shamrock]

Sorry if I missed it, but what is the lead acid battery for?

 

[flyguy75000]

Can't you ship it to where you need it?

 

[Bluto]

I really need this stuff for the trip home and don't want to be delayed so I miss my flight.

Then show up early. Try shipping the battery in advance, or just buy another one when you get there if it's not too rare.

 

[vclean]

The battery is HAZMAT. It doesn't belong on the a/c, carry on or checked.
AKA hidden shipments. Hidden shipments are HAZMAT shipped intentionally or through ignorance or error. Common items include: batteries, gasoline, lighter fluid, small propane tanks, oxygen tanks.

The only batteries legal to fly are those used in wheelchairs, and that is to comply with the ADA.

 

[DrewBlows]

I suppose you could try, but be willing to part with it.

That was one of the stupidest things I have ever posted. Don't try to get it through security, it's called hazmat for a reason.

 

[SteveR]

Sorry if I missed it, but what is the lead acid battery for?

You may or may not believe this, but I'll tell you anyway.

I'm flying a Pietenpol with no electrical system from Indiana to Texas. The battery will be a temporary power supply for my GPS, radio, and anything else that needs power on the flight back. It is a small battery, not flashlight sized but not car battery sized either.

Looks like you guys are right about the battery. I figured since the NTSB page specifically prohibited "spillable" batteries, then a battery labeled "non-spillable" was OK. The FAA website seems to indicate otherwise though:
http://asi.faa.gov/these.asp

I'm guessing that also means I can't ship the battery up there by this Friday, since it probably couldn't go on any air carrier either, and it wouldn't make it in time if shipped by ground. I'll check with the Post Office on that. Oh well, it will make my bag a few pounds lighter.

Would a gel-cell battery still be considered haz-mat? It wouldn't leak if you stabbed it with a knife.

 

[Metro752]

Not getting on with the big battery. You'll need to check it and it has to be put in a special battery box.

I dunno if you have to pay more for the battery box. I don't remember just a battery going up, usually an electric wheel chair accompanied/went along with it........or the battery went with the wheel chair. Like the guy said above, I think they only let the batteries on because of the wheel chairs.



Call the airline to find out. You have to probably check it, so the TSA won't even be a concern.

 

[PeteCO]

Tape the battery to a cane or leg brace. Then, the battery will be magically transformed from being hazmat into an ADA-protected item.

 

[soarby007]

They won't let me carry a fiddle. Try that battery.