Hey everyone, I’m flying within the US soon (domestic flight) and I’m trying to figure out the TSA rules for traveling with my drone. I’ll have just a carry-on bag and a backpack (flying Delta). I’ve got a DJI Mini 3, one battery, and the controller.
I’ve been reading a lot online, but I’m getting conflicting answers. Anyone here know the best way to travel with a drone and what I need to keep in mind? Thanks in advance!
I just flew with mine in my carry-on. It’s actually preferred to bring it as carry-on because of the batteries.
Toryn said:
I just flew with mine in my carry-on. It’s actually preferred to bring it as carry-on because of the batteries.
Yep, they require batteries to be in carry-on bags for safety reasons.
@Evren
If they’re lithium-ion batteries, they have to go in carry-on.
Yes, but even if you put the drone itself in checked luggage, the batteries must go in your carry-on.
Oren said:
Yes, but even if you put the drone itself in checked luggage, the batteries must go in your carry-on.
I thought batteries in the drone were fine in checked luggage?
Oren said:
Yes, but even if you put the drone itself in checked luggage, the batteries must go in your carry-on.
I thought batteries in the drone were fine in checked luggage?
No, that’s wrong. Don’t give advice unless you know for sure.
Oren said:
Yes, but even if you put the drone itself in checked luggage, the batteries must go in your carry-on.
I thought batteries in the drone were fine in checked luggage?
Not true at all.
Oren said:
Yes, but even if you put the drone itself in checked luggage, the batteries must go in your carry-on.
I thought batteries in the drone were fine in checked luggage?
As someone who worked at American Airlines, I can tell you batteries are never allowed in the cargo hold. Even smart luggage with built-in batteries has to have the battery removed. Fires in the cargo hold are too risky.
@Peyton
Actually, cargo holds on passenger planes are pressurized, but the issue with batteries is that no one can respond quickly if a fire starts.
Try searching for ‘traveling with a drone.’ Batteries must always be in carry-on. The drone itself doesn’t matter as much, but they’re strict about how batteries are handled.
Sage said:
Try searching for ‘traveling with a drone.’ Batteries must always be in carry-on. The drone itself doesn’t matter as much, but they’re strict about how batteries are handled.
Aren’t fires in the cabin just as bad as in the cargo hold?
@Sayer
Fires in the cabin can be dealt with quickly since you can see them right away. In the cargo hold, you might not notice until it’s too late.
Jai said:
@Sayer
Fires in the cabin can be dealt with quickly since you can see them right away. In the cargo hold, you might not notice until it’s too late.
Exactly. That’s why there are limits on the size of batteries you can bring on board.
@Sayer
In the cabin, crew members can use fire bags to contain the issue quickly. In the cargo hold, it’s a lot harder to deal with.
TSA doesn’t have specific rules for drones, but they do for batteries. They must go in carry-on, can’t exceed 100Wh, and terminals should be covered if possible.
Yes, you can bring it as carry-on. I travel with my Phantom 4 and batteries all the time. TSA agents usually just seem curious about the drone itself.
Vesper said:
Yes, you can bring it as carry-on. I travel with my Phantom 4 and batteries all the time. TSA agents usually just seem curious about the drone itself.
Also, the batteries need to be carry-on and can’t exceed 100Wh each.
The general rule is to keep lithium batteries in carry-on, up to six batteries under 100Wh each. Terminals should be taped and batteries stored at 40-60% charge if possible. Check your airline’s policies too, as they may have stricter rules.
I’ve traveled with the same model as you. Just remember, Li-on batteries are never allowed in checked luggage.
