A Guide to Traveling for Nerf Events with LiPos & Blasters
FLYING WITH NERF GEAR
When flying, LiPo Batteries must be brought as carry-on only. The batteries must be at storage charge, and I recommend a LiPo bag. These precautions reduce the risk of fire, as batteries with a higher charge have more energy potential to cause a fire. While it is not currently required for your battery to be at storage charge, I highly recommend your LiPo to be at storage charge or at least be below a full capacity charge while traveling. Again, LiPo Batteries must be in your carry-on and cannot go beneath the cabin. Do not I repeat, Do NOT place your LiPo batteries in your suitcase!
Next, let’s talk about blasters. DO NOT store your blaster within your carry-on baggage, or it will be confiscated or refused. I’m sorry to say that I learned this the hard way. I attempted to bring parts of a blaster (A HIRricane). This was refused at TSA and I was forced to pay $50 to check the blaster, all WITHOUT a suitcase to put it in! If I hadn’t had pre-TSA, I would have missed this flight to EndWar completely.
Blasters should be packed inside your checked bag, with no batteries inside. I like to wrap mine in bubble wrap and then put my clothing along the outside of the bubble. This ensures the safety of the blaster. Hard sided suitcases are much better at protecting your blasters, but you can always use a box inside a soft-sided bag if needed. Once you've got your blasters packed into your suitcase to check (not your carry on bag) you do not need to declare that you have a Nerf Blaster inside your bag once you've arrived at the airport. TSA and the FAA do not consider Nerf blasters an item you need to declare. If you try to do so, you will waste both their time and your own as they they take extra precautions if anything is declared.
Next, let’s talk about driving. When driving, it’s much easier to pack all your gear securely. Similarly to flying, I also like to consider the packing of my blasters and use enough packaging material, (clothing, bubble-wrap, etc.) to reduce the impact of the road. You’ll want to keep LiPo Batteries in a LiPo safe container, and again at storage charge. Keeping these batteries separate from the rest of your gear is a great idea. I like to bring my batteries inside whenever I leave the car, unless the outside temperatures are below 70 degrees.
Never leave your LiPo battery bag in a hot car. This is not only dangerous, but heat will degrade the lifespan of your batteries. It’s a good idea to also consider your 3D printed parts at this point. If you’re in hot weather, a car can easily hit 150 degrees in the summer. This can be enough to warp your 3D printed parts. I’m happy to say that this is fairly rare, even with the thousands upon thousands of 3D printed parts we have sold. If you have a lot of 3d printed parts, it’s best to keep those in a quick-access bag along with your LiPo batteries. This will allow you to bring them inside with you when you make any prolonged stops along your journey.
When you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to think before busting out your blasters in a public place. Does your blaster look anything like a firearm? If so, use extra care when transporting it in public places so you don't alarm innocent bystanders. Do not bring blasters and tactical gear out in public in places you don’t need to. Having awareness of your blasters in public places as the hobby grows will be incredibly important to keep in mind within the community.
Lastly, there's tons of things to remember for a Nerf event so I've always got lists on lists before a big event to make sure I don't forget anything I'll need for gameplay. I hope this was helpful to all of those traveling! I hope to see you at an upcoming Nerf event. If you have any questions, or other helpful tips you've gained while traveling with Nerf gear shoot us a message! - Luke Goodman