Battery in the cargo hold?
 

Hi All,
Just a quickie - My bike is in Central Asia at the moment and I will return for it this June. I need to install a new battery but I understand that its hard to get a good quality battery out there. So I'm wondering if I can just buy one at home and stick it in with my cargo hold luggage when I am returning? The acid comes separate from the battery and so in transit the battery would not be filled - or I guessed charged for that matter!

Any thoughts? Is it allowed?

Thanks...

Basically no, especially in the hold. You might however consider a lithium battery and carry it in your hand luggage, same rules as a laptop battery and similar size, insulate it carefully and when asked the battery is for your camera (doing a wedding :innocent:)
added advantage is that they ere very light, I have had more luck with ballistic than Shorai

where would the acid be? Doubt it would be allowed as checked luggage

The people who can say 'NO" are the airline... ask them. In writing .. you you get a written reply that you can use when you get to checkin.

You do need to say;
why
what - be specific, and give options.

Don't forget the weight limits ..batteries are not light.

AGM or GEL batteries are more likely to be approved but may not suit the charging characteristics of your vehicle.

Carry on luggage gets subject to scrutiny alright but I don't recall being asked specifically as to what is in my checked in luggage? The acid normally comes in sealed vials.

Hold luggage does get "looked" at. I brought a 70's Craven rack back from the USA a few years ago. It fitted perfectly into my suitcase and all the other luggage, clothes etc fitted around it so at a glance all you'd see was clothes. At baggage reclaim in London there was a sticker on the case saying the contents had been taken out and examined.

H'mmm interesting. I guess it makes sense that they would look at cargo hold luggage. Right enough you sometimes hear of peoples locks being cut with a bolt cutter when they go to reclaim from the baggage area. I guess its a bit of a gamble?

Batteries are hazardous cargo and normally a big no-no. In checked luggage there is a risk of short circuit not to mention acid leakage, and of course in the cabin acid is absolutely not permitted.

I suggest you're better off buying one out there. Find a local dealer who can import one for you.