SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-protect-battery-terminals

How should spare lithium drone battery terminals be protected during airline travel?

Cover the terminals or isolate each battery so metal cannot cause a short circuit.

Start playing free

  1. Tape terminals or use separate pouches ✔
  2. Leave terminals exposed for cooling
  3. Connect batteries to a charger

Why: Loose terminals can touch keys, coins, or other metal and short circuit. Use tape, retail packaging, a battery case, or a separate protective pouch.

Huh, didn't know that: A gate-checked carry-on must have its spare lithium batteries removed and kept in the cabin.

The dad joke
Why did the battery pack a tiny blanket? It wanted its terminals covered.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Tape terminals or use separate pouches. Loose terminals can touch keys, coins, or other metal and short circuit. Use tape, retail packaging, a battery case, or a separate protective pouch.

  1. FAA PackSafe: Lithium Batteries www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/more_info/?hazmat=7
    covering battery terminals with tape, using a battery case, using a battery sleeve in a camera bag, or putting them snugly in a plastic bag or protective pouch.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesWhen charging a lithium drone battery, whose instructions should you follow when available?Flying & DronesFlying an airplane VFR by day, how much fuel must remain after reaching your first planned landing?Flying & DronesFlying VFR at night, what minimum fuel reserve does an airplane need after the first planned landing?

That's stuff everyone should know.