{"id":88588,"date":"2022-10-11T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=88588"},"modified":"2022-10-24T10:11:36","modified_gmt":"2022-10-24T14:11:36","slug":"traveling-with-a-drone-plane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/traveling-with-a-drone-plane\/","title":{"rendered":"Traveling With a Drone: Can You Take a Drone on a Plane?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are many rules and regulations relating to traveling with a drone that we must all follow regardless if you operate drones recreationally, commercially, or fly them as a public aircraft operator. This article serves as an overview of what to keep in mind the next time you\u2019re thinking about whether you can take your drone on a plane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Take a Drone on a Plane?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does allow passengers to bring drones through security checkpoints, the agency advises travelers to check with their respective airlines before traveling. Each airline has unique policies regarding whether or not passengers can take a drone onto a plane within their carry-on bags or checked luggage. According to the TSA, drones containing lithium batteries, fuel cells, and components of certain parachute systems may also be prohibited in baggage.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

5 Things To Be Aware of Before Flying With a Drone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Batteries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve flown anywhere recently, you\u2019ve probably noticed that there are restrictions when it comes to flying with batteries. The United States Department of Transportation classifies the lithium-ion cells and lithium metal batteries<\/a> that power our drones as “Dangerous Goods”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the FAA, “a dangerous good (also known as hazardous material or hazmat) is any substance or material that is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce”. Although this classification may sound alarming, it is simply because lithium-ion cells and lithium metal batteries can potentially pose dangers to the aircraft transporting them as well as to all of us. We\u2019ve all seen videos of faulty lithium batteries bursting into flames or exploding mid-flight. That\u2019s not something that any of us would want to deal with firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are the current lithium battery limits, per the FAA<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size Limits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries have a limit of a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. These limits allow for nearly all types of lithium batteries used by the average person in their electronic devices. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium-ion batteries (101\u2013160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2\u20138 grams). This size covers the larger aftermarket extended-life laptop computer batteries and some larger batteries used in professional audio\/visual equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quantity Limits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

None for most batteries \u2014 but batteries must be for use by the passenger. Batteries carried for further sale or distribution (vendor samples, etc.) are prohibited. There is a limit of two spare batteries per person for the larger lithium-ion batteries described above (101\u2013160 watt hours per battery).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Regulations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n