Hi everyone, I’m flying to Miami with my family tomorrow and I plan to bring my DJI Mini 4 Pro. It’s under 250g and I already got my TRUST certificate. I know I don’t need to register the drone with the FAA.
With how things are lately, will I run into any trouble taking the drone from Canada to the US? We’re flying with Air Canada. I know the batteries need to go in carry-on—just wondering if there’s anything else I should keep in mind? My family thinks it’s a bad idea to bring the drone at all.
Let me know if this kind of post is okay here. Thanks!
Flann said:
Make sure your batteries go in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. Keep them where they’re easy to reach in case security wants to check them.
It doesn’t really matter where you keep them in the carry-on, but the important part is making sure they’re protected—don’t leave them loose. It’s better if they’re in a case or the charging hub, so the contacts aren’t exposed. That’s what security usually wants to see.
Flann said:
Make sure your batteries go in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. Keep them where they’re easy to reach in case security wants to check them.
I travel between the US and Canada with my drone all the time, never had any issues.
Sometimes airport security might ask you to open the case so they can look inside. Just keep the drone case separate when you go through security—especially if they’re using older scanners that need you to remove electronics.
You’ll be fine. Just remember that in Canada, Nav Drone is the app that covers the national rules. Same as in the US—don’t fly in national or provincial parks.
Also, different cities might have their own flying rules too. Enjoy your trip—and maybe leave the red trucker hat at home.
@Kai
I looked at the Transport Canada site and it said you can’t take off or land in national parks, but didn’t say much about just flying over them. Kinda sounds like a grey area. What’s your take?
I know they don’t want you flying there, but the rule seems to leave some wiggle room.
There’s always a small risk when bringing a drone across borders. The US can be unpredictable lately. You’re probably fine, but just be ready in case something goes sideways. Ask yourself—would it be a disaster if it got taken away?
I just came back from a Canada–Alaska trip. One thing I did was print out the micro drone rules so I could show them if anyone asked.
Also, use an app like ‘Drone Pilot Canada’ to double-check airspace zones. Don’t rely only on the DJI app—it’s not always accurate.
I travel with my drone gear in my backpack. And honestly, I only bring two batteries these days. Got a toddler now, so I’m rarely flying more than that anyway
