batteries and baggage

Not sure if this is the right forum, but will give it a shot. Anyone have a suggestion one what is the correct way to pack strobes in a large photocase so that the security screeners don't have a snit. Specificly, is it best to keep battery packs separate, or do they freak out if they are attached to the strobe ( ie Ikelite DS125s). ....... Just trying to keep as many hands out of my stuff as possible

I've had em groping my strobes (DS-125s) and wanting to pry open my camera case about 50% of the time, regardless if the batteries were attached or not.

Grand Cayman makes me take the batteries out of my little 2 AAA Flashlight 100% of the time when it's in the checked luggage, but never do they even ask about the strobes packed next to it.

My solution: Went to the gym, did lots of curls, so I could carry-on all of the camera equipment. Now they just want to see the drillbits (for some reason they think Ikelite buttons are drillbits through the X-ray) in my carry-on, which they have me open and grope.....

I agree with Joel: I don't think there is a right answer. Instinct tells me that it is better to leave the batteries out - so connected batteries don't show up up on x-ray machine. But I doubt it makes much difference. So much seems to depend on the experience of the x-ray operator: if he or she has seen lots of strobes, dive computers (or whatever) they are less inclined to open the case - they know what they are seeing.

Lately they have been always asking me to remove the batteries from the strobes, but that's only in airports where they check the luggage manually. I haven't had any problem in the last 2 years or so in x-ray enabled airports .

Hyper correct way would be to stick to the IATA regulations:

- put your strobes into your hand luggage and carry them with you, not into the checked in baggage (cargo compartment)

- remove batteries, this way the strobe can't be switched on accidentally. The reason for this regulation: risk of unattended heat producing shall be avoided (for example in the overhead bin)

Julian