Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

The real answer is, call Delta and ask about their policy. Get the name of the person you spoke with, and ask if they have any advice if what they tell you doesn't match up with what actually happens at the airport.

Alternatively, arrange with your hotel to receive a FedEx or UPS package for you, and ship it with an extra day to spare (e.g., ship for Tuesday arrival).

Good luck,
Don

Originally Posted by 49 CFR 173.159(d)

A nonspillable wet electric storage battery is excepted from all other requirements of this subchapter under the following conditions:


(1) The battery must be protected against short circuits and securely packaged;


(2) For batteries manufactured after September 30, 1995, the battery and the outer packaging must be plainly and durably marked “ NONSPILLABLE” or “ NONSPILLABLE BATTERY” ; and


(3) The battery must be capable of withstanding the following two tests, without leakage of battery fluid from the battery:


(i) Vibration test. The battery must be rigidly clamped to the platform of a vibration machine, and a simple harmonic motion having an amplitude of 0.8 mm (0.03 inches), with a 1.6 mm (0.063 inches) maximum total excursion must be applied. The frequency must be varied at the rate of 1 Hz/min between the limits of 10 Hz to 55 Hz. The entire range of frequencies and return must be traversed in 95 ±5 minutes for each mounting position (direction of vibrator) of the battery. The battery must be tested in three mutually perpendicular positions (to include testing with fill openings and vents, if any, in an inverted position) for equal time periods.


(ii) Pressure differential test. Following the vibration test, the battery must be stored for six hours at 24 °C ±4 °C (75 °F ±7 °F) while subjected to a pressure differential of at least 88 kPa (13 psig). The battery must be tested in three mutually perpendicular positions (to include testing with fill openings and vents, if any, in an inverted position) for at least six hours in each position.


(4) At a temperature of 55 °C (131 °F), the battery must not contain any unabsorbed free-flowing liquid, and must be designed so that electrolyte will not flow from a ruptured or cracked case.