A. Bag Size for Airlines & Gear Transport
Properly planning your luggage size and transport method is essential for a hassle-free journey with your RC gear, whether you’re flying or navigating Japan’s public transport.
Bag Choice & Size
We recommend choosing an RC bag that meets carry-on size requirements while being spacious enough to hold your chassis, bodyshell, batteries, charger, and a few spare parts. Given the size of the transmitters, you may need to pack them in a separate bag within your checked luggage. We’ve used a bag like this one on our trips, Fastrax Large Shoulder Carry Bag, double that it fits your airline’s carry-on size, or find something similar.
Public transport vs. car rental
If you plan to use public transport, such as trains or buses, pack light and ensure your bags are compact and easy to carry through crowded stations and onto vehicles. Renting a car offers greater flexibility for carrying larger gear but requires careful consideration of trunk space and luggage dimensions to ensure everything fits for yourself or a group.
Airline policies
Always review your airline's baggage policies well in advance. Each airline has specific rules regarding carry-on and checked baggage sizes, weight limits, and the number of bags allowed.
Choose an RC bag that meets carry-on size requirements and fits your chassis, bodyshell, batteries, charger, and spare parts.
Consider packing transmitters separately in your checked luggage if needed.
Pack light and ensure your bags are easy to carry if using public transport like trains or buses.
Renting a car offers more flexibility for carrying gear but requires planning for trunk space and luggage dimensions.
Check your airline’s baggage policies for size, weight, and the number of bags allowed before your trip.
🚨 Things to Remember 🚨
B. LiPo & LiFe Tips
When travelling with LiPo and LiFe batteries for your RC gear, it's essential to follow airline regulations to ensure safety and compliance:
Storage charge mode
Before travelling, ensure your LiPo and LiFe batteries are set to storage charge mode, and storage charge mode (approximately 3.7V per cell) and check that they are in good condition, with no signs of swelling, damage, or leakage. This reduces the risk of issues during transit. Alternatively, you could buy a couple of LiPo batteries in Japan.
Terminal protection
To prevent short circuits, always cover the terminals of your batteries with electrical tape or similar non-conductive material. Some airlines may also require that spare batteries be individually bagged or stored in separate compartments to minimize risks during transit. Check your airline’s specific guidelines to ensure compliance.
LiPo Packing
Spare lithium-ion batteries, including LiPo and LiFe types, are typically to be transported in your carry-on luggage, in a LiPo safety bag. This is a strict regulation enforced by airlines to reduce safety risks, as these batteries pose a fire hazard if damaged or overheated. Ensure that all batteries are easily accessible for inspection during security checks, as airport staff may request to verify them.
Battery limits
Work out how many batteries you need to take, including those for power banks, cameras, and RC gear. Airlines have watt-hour limitations for uninstalled/spare batteries, typically allowing up to 100 Wh per battery without approval.
Airline-specific policies
Always verify your airline's specific regulations regarding lithium batteries, as some may have additional restrictions or requirements.
Ensure your LiPo and LiFe batteries are in storage charge mode (around 3.7V per cell) and in good condition with no swelling, damage, or leakage.
Cover battery terminals with electrical tape or non-conductive material to prevent short circuits.
Transport spare batteries in your carry-on luggage inside a LiPo safety bag.
Work out how many batteries you need, including power banks and camera batteries, and ensure they meet airline watt-hour limits.
Check airline-specific policies for lithium batteries to ensure compliance with regulations.
🚨 Things to Remember 🚨
C. Chassis, Tools, and Spares
Properly packing your RC car and its accessories is crucial to protect them from damage during transit and to ensure they comply with travel regulations to avoid confiscation.
The Chassis
Before packing, disconnect the dampers from your chassis and place them in your spares box, to reduce the risk of damage during transit. Wrap the chassis in bubble wrap or a soft protective material, ensuring it is fully cushioned on all sides. For added protection, place it in a dedicated compartment or in between some clothes within your luggage to shield it from impacts.
Bodyshells
Bodyshells can easily be damaged and may require extra care. You may want to place yours inside your carry-on bag to avoid the risk of it being damaged in checked bags. You could remove wing mirrors, spoilers and any fragile parts and place it in your checked bag, ontop of your bubble-wrapped chassis, and also bubble wrap it.
Transmitters
It’s recommended to pack your transmitter in your carry-on bag to keep it protected and free up space in your checked luggage. Additionally, pistol grip transmitters may raise flags if placed in checked luggage due to their shape. While carrying it in your hand luggage may lead to additional scrutiny during security checks, rest assured that during both of our trips, we did not encounter any issues.
Tools & Spare Parts
Pack tools, chargers, wheels, tyres, and other spares in your checked luggage to free up space in your carry-on. Group tools together and secure them with tape or place them in bags to keep them organized and prevent them from becoming loose or misplaced. If you use a spare parts box, consider adding a layer of foam inside to keep the parts in place during transit. Tape the box shut securely, as the clips may dislodge while being handled.
Oils and Other Liquids
It’s recommended to avoid packing oils and liquids, as they may exceed carry-on restrictions or be flagged as hazardous in checked luggage, potentially leading to confiscation. Greases and pastes could also raise issues, so weigh the risk of taking them with you. Alternatively, consider purchasing these items in Japan, where a wide selection is available, and check airline and customs regulations for bringing them back home.
Airline-specific policies
Always verify your airline's specific regulations regarding RC gear, batteries, and liquids to avoid delays or confiscation during travel.
Disconnect the dampers from your chassis and wrap it in bubble wrap or soft material to protect it during transit.
Carry a bodyshell in your carry-on bag, removing fragile parts like wing mirrors and spoilers, and wrap them for added protection.
Pack your transmitter in your carry-on luggage to avoid damage and free up space in your checked bags.
Store tools, chargers, wheels, and spares in your checked luggage, grouping smaller items together and taping them securely.
Avoid packing oils and liquids due to airline restrictions; consider purchasing these items in Japan instead.
Always check your airline's specific regulations regarding RC gear, batteries, and liquids to ensure compliance.
🚨 Things to Remember 🚨
This information was written in 2025. Please do your research to ensure its accuracy, as details may have changed. If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to reach out to Zerofeel at luke@zerofeel.co.uk.
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