Can I Bring a Drone on a Plane?
Can I bring a drone on a plane?
Yes! Bringing a drone on a plane is usually allowed, but it depends on the airline and where you're flying to. Always check with your airline and the local aviation authority of your destination before you travel.
How to pack your drone 🎒
- Carry your drone in your hand luggage where possible. Checked bags are more likely to be lost or damaged, and airlines may not cover the cost.
- Use a padded or hard case and be ready to remove it at airport security.
- Always confirm baggage rules with your airline before you fly.
Flying with drone batteries 🔋
- Spare lithium-ion batteries must go in your carry-on bag - never in checked baggage.
- Most airlines allow batteries under 100Wh, but they must be safely stored, ideally in a LiPo-safe bag.
- Installed batteries may be allowed in checked luggage, but always double-check.
Drones with cameras 📷
- If your drone has a camera, you must follow the rules for both drones and camera equipment.
- Some countries have restrictions on bringing cameras across the border.
Airline drone policies for US airlines
Southwest
- Passengers flying with Southwest Airlines can travel internationally with a drone, however, it must meet certain requirements, particularly with regard to battery size.
- You're allowed to have a maximum of 20 spare lithium-ion batteries at one time. Spare or loose batteries are to be transported only in carry-on baggage.
- If a single battery exceeds 100 watt-hours, only 2 that do not exceed 160 watt-hours are permitted by Southwest Airlines. Any batteries that exceed 160 watt-hours are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage.
Delta
- The Delta Airlines policy on drones is not as clear as some other airlines, however, the Delta battery policy and the TSA drone recommendations apply to this.
- Despite there being no clear guidelines on drone carrying for Delta Airlines, it is recommended that travellers wishing to fly with a drone submit an email to Delta’s Dangerous Goods Department, at least 10 days before flying.
Alaska Airlines
- The Alaska Airlines policy for flying with drones is that drones without batteries can be checked as baggage, however, batteries for the drone must be in your carry-on baggage.
- All batteries must be under 100 watt-hours with terminals covered to prevent short-circuiting, and it is not recommended that passengers travel with fully charged batteries.
American Airlines
- American Airlines passengers are allowed to travel with drones. However, the drone’s battery must not exceed 160 watt-hours.
- You may take a drone as carry-on luggage if it or its box is less than 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 centimetres in size.
JetBlue
- Passengers flying with JetBlue can take drones with them in both checked and carry-on luggage. If you choose to travel with a drone as a carry-on, it must fit underneath the seat in front of you, or in the overhead bin, with the battery fully installed, and remain switched off for the entire duration of the flight.
- With regards to batteries, you can take up to 2 spare lithium-ion batteries between 100 and 160 watt-hours as carry-on items, as long as they are within the terminal protected with tape, or stored within a plastic bag. There are currently no restrictions in place for drone batteries under 100-watt-hours.
Countries where travelling with a drone is restricted or banned
Some countries either ban drones entirely or only allow them with special permission. In many cases, drones can be confiscated at the airport or border.
- Cuba - Drones cannot be imported. Any drone brought into the country will be confiscated and may only be returned on departure after paying a fine.
- Morocco - Private drone use is banned. Drones are commonly confiscated unless you have an official permit.
- Egypt - Drone operation is prohibited under the Egyptian Aviation Act.
- Saudi Arabia - Drones are generally prohibited due to security concerns. Limited commercial use is allowed with strict approval.
- Nicaragua - Drones are banned without a permit and may be confiscated at customs.
- Kenya - Drone use requires approval from both the Department of Defence and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
- Zambia - Flying a drone requires registration, approval and a pilot licence, along with strict operating limits.
- Fiji - All drone users must apply for permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji.
- India - Foreign nationals are not allowed to fly drones. Drones brought in without prior approval may be confiscated.
Other countries with drone bans or severe restrictions include Iran, Barbados, Syria, Tunisia, Algeria, Ethiopia, Bhutan and Madagascar.
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FAQs
Can you take a drone on an international flight?
In most cases, yes, you can take a drone on an international flight with you. However, you must comply with airline and country-specific regulations:
- You should make sure that your drone is packed in your carry-on baggage, and that batteries meet the airline's guidelines on lithium-ion batteries.
- You should check the destination country's rules on drone usage and importation before you fly.
Can I bring my drone on a plane?
Yes, you can bring your drone onto a plane, however, you need to follow airline and country-specific guidelines. Drones are generally allowed in your carry-on baggage, while batteries (especially lithium-ion ones) must also be in your carry-on bag due to safety regulations.
Can you fly with a drone in your carry-on?
Yes, you are allowed to fly with a drone in your carry-on bag. Before you fly, you must make sure you are following airline and country-specific guidelines. Some countries prohibit the use and importation of drones.
Lithium batteries for your drone must be under 100 watt-hours and securely packed.
Can you pack a drone in checked baggage?
Yes, you can pack your drone in your checked baggage, although this isn't the best idea because there is a risk that your checked bag is damaged, lost or stolen, and the airline most likely won't pay you any compensation.
If your drone has lithium-ion batteries, these need to be packed in your carry-on bag due to safety regulations.
Do I need to declare my drone to customs?
Yes, you might need to declare your drone to customs depending on the country you're entering. Some countries require you to declare your drone and might have restrictions or permits needed for imported drones.
We recommend researching the customs regulations of the country you're visiting in advance to avoid any potential fines or confiscation of your drone.