Southwest allows drones on their airplanes if they follow the general lithium-ion battery regulations. This means that the batteries need to be inserted in the drone and can’t exceed 160Wh. Additionally, any spare battery needs to be transported with carry-on baggage, well protected in a plastic bag with the terminals isolated.
Does Southwest Airlines allow international travel with drones?
Southwest Airlines allows international travel with drone, but only if certain requirements are met where the size of batteries used are concerned. Their new policy, which came into effect January 15th, 2018, permits travelers to have a maximum of 20 spare lithium-ion batteries at one time.
Can you bring a drone on a plane?
Like Delta, though, there is a policy pertaining to LiPo batteries and carry-ons. If you have a drone that has non-removable batteries that are 100Wh or less, you can carry the drone on the plane, but it cannot be checked.
Can I take my Drone on a Spirit Airlines Flight?
You can bring a maximum of 20 spare drone batteries under 100 wh and two spare batteries that are between 100 and 160 wh. Make sure each battery is individually protected from short circuiting. Taking your drone is possible on a Spirit Airlines flight.
Can I take my drone as carry-on luggage?
As DJI explains, yes you can take a drone on a plane as either a piece of carry-on luggage, or as a piece of checked luggage, depending on its size. But, no matter what, you must take out the drone's batteries and put those in your carry-on bag.
Can I put my DJI drone in my luggage?
You'll need to check with your specific airline about whether to pack your drone in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage. Some airlines require drones to be packed in carry-on baggage only due to the DOT's ban on transporting lithium-ion batteries in cargo compartments of passenger airplanes.
Can you check in a drone on an airplane?
When you're traveling by plane, you can either check your drone in or carry it on the plane with you. If you're flying with a larger drone like the Inspire 2, you'll probably need to check it in, since its case is relatively large and may exceed the airline's size requirements for carry-ons.
Can I take my Mavic Mini on a plane?
4:056:19Can You Take the DJI Mavic Mini on a Plane? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn the checked bag or your checked luggage. So as long as you're flying with this in your carry-on.MoreIn the checked bag or your checked luggage. So as long as you're flying with this in your carry-on. Or at least the batteries in your carry-on. Then you're good to go you shouldn't have any issues.
Are DJI drone batteries lithium?
Ever since the mavic pro came out iv always wondered why DJI goes with Lithium Polymer over Lithium ion for their batteries. Lithium ion takes a lot more cycles and degrades a lot less, it also has a more stable nominal voltage and can be charged a tad bit faster.
Can you fly with LiPo batteries?
LiPo batteries will no longer be permitted in the cargo hold of any passenger aircraft, they must be checked in as carry on items with the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).
How many watt hours is a DJI Mavic Air 2 battery?
DJI Mavic Air 2/2S, BatteryPackaging contentQuantity1Battery capacity3500 mAhBattery voltage11.55 VBattery capacity (Watt hours)40.42 Wh11 more rows
How do you take a lithium battery on a plane?
When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuit.
TSA views on travel with drones aboard airlines
In the United States, the Transportation Security Authority was formed after 9/11 with its mission being to “ Protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce” ( tsa.gov ).
Requirements for bringing drones on airplanes
In this section, we will focus on a few different airlines and their policies, if any, and any additional information, in general, that may prove useful when bringing drones on airplanes.
What are LiPo bags?
LiPo bags are small pouches/squared bags, made of fire-resistant materials, specifically designed to contain a fire caused by LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery failure. Because drone batteries are Lithium Polymer, they need to be protected, especially when in high altitudes, where they might fail and cause a fire.
Popular drone battery power list (Watt Hours)
Below is a listing of watt-hours for the batteries of a few popular makes of drones:
How to travel with a drone?
Traveling with a drone is pretty simple. Pack the drone and it’s batteries in carry-on luggage. A drone bag that can fit under the seat might be suitable unless you are flying with a low-cost airline.
How many batteries can you bring on a drone?
Pay attention to the battery size limits. Some airlines only allow batteries under 100 wh and others allow you to bring 2 batteries between 100 and 160 wh.
Why are there complications with flying with a drone?
Complications arise mainly because of the rules around bringing batteries on a plane. Not all airlines have the same rules about lithium batteries and hence the rules about flying with drones are vary across airlines. The post will help you learn how to travel with a drone. Let’s get started.
How many watt hours can you take on a drone?
American Airlines say you can take a drone on the plane if it is under the carry-on size limit and the drone battery is not greater than 160 wh (watt hours).
Can a drone be stolen from a checked suitcase?
Checked suitcases can be lost or delayed. There is also the risk of damage or theft. This passenger had his $3000 drone stolen from his checked suitcase. Even if your airline permits drones in checked baggage think carefully before you take the risk.
Can you take a spare battery in a carry-on?
Loose spare lithium batteries are always prohibited from hold luggage because of the fire risk. So even if your airline is fine with you packing a drone in your checked suitcase your spare batteries should always be packed in your carry on baggage and the terminals should be covered. But hold on a second….
Can you fly a drone through a security checkpoint?
Drones are allowed through the security checkpoint. The TSA doesn’t see drones as a threat but advises that you check with your airline about their drone policy. Most airlines have specific regulations about drone battery size.
Do drone backpacks fall apart?
Drone backpacks come in a wide range of budgets. The cheap ones tend to fall apart quickly with broken zippers and tears. The expensive ones are just overkill most of the time.
Can you transport a drone legally?
So as you can see once you know how to transport a drone legally and you have the right backpack to carry it all, it is super easy. Drone technology is still relatively new and policies are being changed every year to adjust to the new technology so just to be safe, make sure you check the FAA policy and airline policy every time before transporting your drone.
Which airlines allow drones?
American Airlines. Unlike Delta Airlines, American Airlines has a crystal clear policy on flying with drones. American Airlines allow a passenger to travel with a drone as long as the battery does not exceed 160-watt-hours.
How long before flight can you have a drone?
However, to be completely sure that you will be permitted to have your drone on your flight with you, you can submit an email to Delta’s Dangerous Goods Department, which must be done at least 10 days before your flight.
How many batteries can you put in a carry-on?
They must be put in your carry on bags or in a separate plastic bag. You can have unlimited lithium-ion batteries on board if they are under 100-watt-hours, 2 spares in your carry on bags if they are between 100 and 160-watt-hours, and you will need to contact Special Assistance if you are bringing a battery larger than 160-watt-hours up ...
How many watts can a Delta drone carry?
In regard to lithium-ion batteries, Delta drone policy permits passengers to travel with singular batteries up to 160-watt-hours in their carry on. If said battery exceeds 160-watt-hours, however, the passenger will be barred from doing so.
How many spare batteries can you carry on?
There is, however, a limit of 2 spare batteries between the limits of 100 and 160-watt-hours. Any devices that contain either lithium metal and/or lithium-ion batteries, regardless of what the device is, must be transported using a carry-on bag and never placed in checked baggage.
How many batteries can you carry on a plane?
There is, however, a limit of 2 spare batteries between the limits of 100 and 160-watt-hours.
Can you take a drone on a plane?
The drone can be carried onto the plane, but only if the box is less than 22”x14”x9” or 56x36x23 in centimeters. Their battery policy, however, is a bit different. You must remove the batteries from any devices, including your drone, from your checked bags. They must be put in your carry on bags or in a separate plastic bag.
Why do people bring drones on their travels?
Bringing a drone on your travels can be a great way to document your experiences and record memories. Most people who own a drone wouldn’t dream of traveling without it, but not every airline or travel destination is drone-friendly.
Who sets drone regulations?
Taking Your Drone Through Customs. In most places, the country’s national or civil aviation authority sets and enforces drone regulations. For example, in the United States, drone regulations are set by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA); in Canada, they’re set by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA).
What to consider before packing a drone?
Before you pack that drone in your suitcase, you should consider whether it will comply with TSA requirements, FAA hazardous material regulations, airline policies, and the drone laws in both your take-off location and arrival destination.
How to protect drone from accidental activation?
Make sure the drone is turned off and any switches are protected from accidental activation. Consider getting a special drone carrying case, like one of these, to protect your drone from damage. You’ll need to check with your specific airline about whether to pack your drone in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage.
How to find watt hours of a drone battery?
To determine watt hours, multiply the volts by the ampere hours ( Wh = V x Ah). Example: A 12-volt battery rated to 8 Amp hours is rated at 96 watt hours (12 x 8 = 96). ...
Can you bring a drone battery on a plane?
Bringing Your Drone Batteries on a Plane. Since most drones are powered by lithium-ion (LIPO) batteries , you need to follow FAA hazardous materials regulations. LIPO batteries should be stored in your carry-on baggage. In certain circumstances, you may be permitted to pack them in your checked baggage; however, ...
Is a drone a good travel companion?
With a bit of planning and research, a drone can be an excellent travel companion, and you won’t have to worry about stirring up any legal issues or having your drone confiscated. If you have a drone travel story to share, we’d love to hear all about it on our community forum.
Bringing your drone on a plane
Any drone to be taken on a plane must be turned off, and you must take proper precautions to be sure all switches are protected to prevent accidental activation. It’s also advisable to travel with a special drone case to protect your drone from damage during travel.
How to take a drone battery on a plane?
While there’s no federal law in the United States that prohibits taking drones through airports and on airplanes, drone batteries are a different matter altogether. Drone batteries are lithium-ion batteries and may release a large amount of heat and energy in case of a short-circuit, shock, or thermal event.
Use an appropriate drone travel bag or case
It’s important to transport your drone using an appropriate case or bag. If you have a DJI drone, there are several bags and cases available at the DJI online store. Check if your drone manufacturer has specially designed cases or bags for travel. It’s recommended to use a hard shell bag or case for maximum protection of your drone.
Taking your drone through customs
Most countries have a national or civil aviation authority that regulates the operation of drones. You are most likely familiar with the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the agency that regulates drone operations in the United States. Canada has the Transport Canada Civil Aviation, and so on.
