Sachin Walls
Drones have become increasingly popular for photography and videography, with nearly 800,000 registered in the United States alone as of February 2024. However, travelling with a drone can be a complicated process due to varying airline policies and local regulations. While drones are typically allowed through airport security, certain restrictions, particularly regarding lithium batteries, may apply. To avoid any issues, it is important to research the specific rules of your destination country and airline before travelling with a drone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drone in carry-on baggage | Allowed by TSA, but check with the airline |
| Drone in checked baggage | Allowed by TSA, but check with the airline |
| Drone batteries in carry-on baggage | Allowed, but must be under a certain watt-hour (Wh) limit |
| Drone batteries in checked baggage | Prohibited |
| Drone laws in foreign countries | Vary, check with the local aviation authority |
| Drone registration | May be required in some countries |
| Drone certification | May be required in some countries |
| Drone licensing | May be required in some countries |
| Drone as "Personal Effect Take Abroad" | Registering a drone as such may ease customs clearance |
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What You'll Learn
Lithium batteries must be in carry-on luggage
Lithium batteries, which power everyday devices, can catch fire if damaged or if battery terminals are short-circuited. As a result, many airlines and aviation authorities have specific requirements for lithium batteries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) both state that devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, and laptops, should be kept in carry-on baggage. If these devices are packed in checked baggage, they must be turned off and protected from accidental activation and potential damage.
Spare lithium batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, are prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried in carry-on baggage only. This also applies to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.
When travelling with a drone, it is important to check the local drone laws and airline policies. While drones are generally allowed through TSA checkpoints, some airlines may prohibit them in carry-on or checked baggage. Additionally, the watt-hour (Wh) rating of the drone's battery may be a factor, as some industrial-grade drones exceed the air travel limit.
To ensure compliance with lithium battery regulations, it is recommended to keep drone batteries in carry-on baggage and, if possible, in a separate, fireproof Lipo bag. This will make it easier to remove the batteries if requested by airport security and provide peace of mind in case of a fire.
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Check local drone laws and airline policies
When travelling with a drone, it is important to check local drone laws and airline policies. Drone laws vary from country to country, and even within countries, there may be specific areas where drone usage is prohibited. For example, in the US, you cannot fly a drone within the controlled airspace around an airport without FAA authorization, over designated national security sensitive facilities, or certain military bases, infrastructure, and national landmarks. In Australia, you must not fly your drone over or near areas affecting public safety or where emergency operations are taking place. If your drone weighs more than 250g, you must maintain a distance of at least 5.5 km from a controlled airport.
Additionally, each airline may have its own policies regarding drones. While drones are generally allowed through TSA checkpoints in the US, some international airlines may have drone bans in place. Therefore, it is crucial to check with your specific airline before travelling. Most airlines publish a prohibited items list, which can clarify their rules regarding drones.
Another important consideration is the type of battery your drone uses. Lithium batteries are considered hazardous, and there are restrictions on flying with them. Always carry your drone batteries in your carry-on baggage and ensure they are below the airline's specified limit. It is also recommended to use a fireproof Lipo bag for your batteries, as this is a good safety practice and can help mitigate risks.
In some countries, you may be required to register your drone and obtain a licence or accreditation before flying. For example, in the US, recreational drone pilots are encouraged to take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of passage when flying. Similarly, in Australia, if you fly your drone for commercial purposes, you must register it and obtain a licence.
By familiarizing yourself with the local drone laws and airline policies, you can ensure a smooth travel experience and avoid any potential issues when bringing your drone through airport security.
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Register your drone with customs as a Personal Effect Taken Abroad
Registering your drone with customs as a "Personal Effect Taken Abroad" is a recommended step to take before travelling with your drone. This is especially important if you are a US traveller, as it will prevent confusion about whether you are returning with the same drone or importing a new one.
To register your drone with customs, you should declare it to the appropriate customs officials when you arrive at the airport. You can do this whether your drone is in a carry-on bag or checked baggage. It is also a good idea to check the drone regulations for your departure and arrival countries, as well as any countries you are connecting through, as some countries may confiscate drones or prohibit foreigners from bringing them through customs. Some countries also require special permission for foreigners to fly drones.
If you are travelling to the US with your drone, you must follow the FAA's Remote ID guidelines. This includes submitting a Notice of Identification (NOI) to the FAA before you fly if your drone has FAA remote ID broadcasting capabilities and is registered in a country outside the US. If your drone is not registered in a country outside the US and/or does not have Remote ID, you can only operate it within the geographic boundaries of an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
If you are travelling within Europe, the European Drone regulation, applicable from 31 December 2021, makes it easier to fly a drone under the same conditions across most of Europe. As a drone operator, you need to register once in your country of residence or main place of business, and obtain a unique drone operator registration ID. This ID can be used on your drone(s) throughout all EASA Member States. If you are taking your drone to another EASA Member State, ensure that your operator registration ID is clearly visible on your drone(s).
In addition to registering your drone, there are a few other things to keep in mind when travelling with one. Firstly, always check the rules and regulations of the specific airline you are flying with, as some airlines may prohibit drones or have specific requirements for carrying them. Secondly, be mindful of the type of battery your drone uses, as lithium-ion batteries are not allowed in checked baggage due to safety concerns. Instead, keep your drone and its batteries with you in a carry-on bag. You may also want to consider purchasing a specialised drone carrying case to protect your drone from damage.
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Drone batteries must be under 100Wh
When travelling with a drone, it is important to check local drone laws and airline policies. While drones are usually allowed through airport security, some countries and airlines may have specific restrictions. For example, drones are forbidden in Egypt.
The key consideration when travelling with a drone is the battery. Lithium batteries are highly reactive and can cause an uncontrollable fire if mishandled, mislabelled, dropped, or carried incorrectly. Therefore, batteries must be stored in carry-on luggage and never placed in checked baggage.
To ensure aviation safety, there are restrictions on the watt-hour (Wh) rating of lithium-ion batteries. Each lithium-ion battery must not exceed a Wh rating of 100 Wh. Most consumer-grade drone batteries have a rating of no more than 100 Wh, so they are generally permitted in carry-on luggage. However, some industrial-grade drones, such as the DJI Matrice 350 RTK, have batteries exceeding 100 Wh and cannot be carried onto an airplane.
To comply with aviation regulations, ensure that your drone's lithium-ion battery has a Wh rating of less than 100 Wh. This information can typically be found in the drone's user manual or printed on the battery itself. By adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently travel with your drone while maintaining safety standards.
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Use a carry-on bag designed for drone storage
Drones are generally allowed through TSA checkpoints, but you should always check with your airline before travelling for their specific policies. Some airlines that allow drones have rules regarding where the drone must be packed, i.e. in checked baggage or carry-on. It is also important to check local drone laws, as drones may be banned in certain countries.
When packing your drone, it is recommended to use a carry-on bag designed for drone storage. These bags are built to last and adaptable to fit not only your current gear but also any future equipment you may acquire. For example, Lowepro's DroneGuard Kit is the ultimate grab-and-go system with a convenient carry handle, making it a great choice for travelling. Their DroneGuard BP 400 and DroneGuard Cases are also light-weight, semi-rigid cases that can be carried over the shoulder, handheld, or like a backpack. For hiking with a DJI Mavic Pro, consider the DroneGuard BP 250.
When packing your drone battery, it is important to use a fireproof Lipo bag, which can easily be tucked into your existing carry-on bag. While not a requirement, this is a good safety practice as Lipo batteries have been known to cause fires. For multiple batteries, fireproof Lipo battery storage bags may count as your carry-on bag, so plan accordingly.
Additionally, it is recommended to always carry your batteries with you in the cabin. Many airlines ban lithium or lithium-ion batteries in the cargo hold. Make sure your batteries are below the airline's rules and consider carrying them in your coat pockets or a separate carry-on bag.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take your drone through airport security and TSA checkpoints. However, it's important to check with your airline before travelling as policies vary.
Lithium batteries are not permitted in checked baggage, so you will need to carry them in your hand luggage. The FAA states that batteries under 100 Wh can be carried in any quantity, while batteries between 101 and 160 Wh are limited to two spares per flight in your carry-on. It's also recommended to store batteries in a separate, fireproof Lipo bag.
Drone laws vary by country. Some countries, like Egypt and Morocco, prohibit drones altogether, while others may require you to register your drone or obtain a licence. It's important to research the laws of your destination country before travelling with your drone.
