Written by Manon
Edited on
19 January 2024
·
15:37
How do you take your drone with you in your carry-on luggage?
As a drone pilot, you'll want to capture your planned road trip through the mountains with your drone. But are you allowed to bring your drone on the airplane as carry-on luggage? You don't want to be stopped at the airport because of the drone in your luggage. That's why I've listed how you can take your drone with you on the airplane.
1. Bring drone as carry-on luggage
You're allowed to bring a drone, as long as it meets the requirements for carry-on luggage. Every airline has it's own rules for carry-on luggage. Search the rules of your airline beforehand. These rules can be about the dimensions or maximum weight of your carry-on luggage. Keep this in mind for the bag or suitcase you want to transport your drone in and for the weight of your drone. Weigh your carry-on luggage in advance and make sure it doesn't exceed the maximum weight.
2. Bring drone as checked luggage
If your drone doesn't fit in your carry-on luggage, you can put it in a suitcase or backpack as checked luggage. Keep in mind that checked luggage isn't always loaded onto the plane as carefully. That's why you should pack your drone in a sturdy case or bag. Don't forget that batteries are often not allowed in the cargo hold. You'll have to bring these as carry-on luggage. The same goes for rechargeable products like a remote without a removable battery.
3. Pack battery
If you're bringing a battery in your carry-on luggage, you have to pack it properly due to the fire hazard. You can bring it in the original packaging, for example. If you don't have this packaging anymore, buy a heat-resistant case for your battery. These cases are made of woven fiberglass, so they can withstand a temperature of up to 850°C. You can also cover both terminals with non-conductive tape. And finally, it's best not to bring charged batteries.
4. Rules of drones in the country of destination
You've looked up the rules of the airline and you're allowed to bring your drone on your trip. That is, until you reach your destination. In some countries, it's forbidden to bring a drone. Look up the laws and regulations of the country you're visiting. It's possible that you have to register your drone before you can take it with you, for example. Cuba, Thailand, Morocco, and Turkey have confiscated drones before.
