Airport Security - batteries out of speed light?

[PkennethV]

This is the first time that I will be traveling with a speed light. Should I take out the 4 rechargeable double-A batteries and put them in the suitcase? Or will it be fine just leaving it in the flash unit?

thanks

[r.j.s]

Leave them in.

[krye]

Leave them in. Security will most likely ask you to turn the camera on.

[Hmac]

I've traveled with my D2H/D3, lenses, flash (SB-800 with batteries), chargers etc (including internationally) in a Computrekker for years. My iPod in there too. I have to take the Macbook Pro out of the thing before it goes through the scanner, but otherwise I've never even had US TSA ask me to open the bag.

[HomeingPigeon]

I've traveled with my D2H/D3, lenses, flash (SB-800 with batteries), chargers etc (including internationally) in a Computrekker for years. My iPod in there too. I have to take the Macbook Pro out of the thing before it goes through the scanner, but otherwise I've never even had US TSA ask me to open the bag.

Same. I just went through the airport today coming to seattle. It is freezying here people. I used my camera bag as one of my carry on bags. It just went through the scanner and no one blinked an eye. Just take out your laptop and you should be fine.

[PkennethV]

Thanks everyone. I made it through fine:)

[JNB]

Standard alkaline, LiOn, NiCad batteries are totally kosher in carryons. Checked is another issue, and covered here a few months ago. Lead-acid is another story altogether ;)

Rarely will TSA need to examine photographic gear. I carry mine (body and a couple lenses for travel) on a semi-regular basis and they couldn't care less.

Remember that if you still use film that anything at or above ISO 800 should be hand-inspected (not allowed through x-ray). They're very understanding about it.