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Can I Bring a Drone on a Plane?

Flying with Drones

Whether it’s to capture a stunning landscape or to get some amazing images of your family, taking a drone with you when you travel might be a great idea. However, there are lots of limitations to consider. Our guide will help you gain some peace of mind.

Drone flying in a field full of yellow flowers

Can I take a drone on a plane?

This will depend on the airline and the country to which you are travelling. It is recommended that you check with the airline and with the local Civil Aviation Authority (or equivalent) of your destination before you decide to take your drone with you when you fly.


How to travel with a drone:

We recommended packing your drone and its support equipment in your carry-on baggage, rather than your checked baggage. This is because many airlines won't offer compensation if a drone is in misplaced, lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. It is always recommended that you check with the airline before you travel so that you can prepare your drone and ensure that it is packed correctly.


Flying with drone batteries

It can be difficult to travel with batteries, so you'll need to ensure that if you travel with a drone that has a battery, you follow the airline-specific and country-specific rules to avoid having your equipment confiscated.


Flying with drones with cameras:

If you are travelling with a drone that has a camera, you must adhere to rules surrounding flying with cameras and flying with a drone. Read more information about flying with a camera here.

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 Prohibited


Nicaragua

Drone usage is banned in Nicaragua unless you have a permit. You are putting yourself and your drone at risk if you take it with you to Nicaragua, and the staff at customs are well within their rights to confiscate your drone.


Morocco

Private use of drones is not permitted in Morocco, and companies can only use drones in Morocco with a special permit. Travellers who are caught with a drone in Morocco will have it confiscated and will be subject to a fine. It is recommended that unless you have a special permit, you should not take a drone to Morocco.


Fiji

Fiji has very strict rules about drone usage. Those wishing to fly a drone in Fiji, whether privately or commercially, need to apply to the CAAF (Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji) to be able to use a drone in the country.


Zambia

In order to fly a drone in Zambia, travellers need to have the following documentation: RPAS Letter of Approval (RLA), Certificate of Registration RPAS, and Pilot’s License (RPL). All of the above documentation can be acquired from the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority Alongside licensing, Zambia has very strict rules with regards to the altitude, distance and weight of drones.


Cuba

The import of drones to Cuba is not allowed. Passengers who attempt to bring a drone into Cuba will have the drone confiscated, and will only have it returned on leaving the company if a large fine is paid.


Saudi Arabia

Drones are seen as a serious risk to public security in Saudi Arabia, so are generally prohibited from use. Some commercial users are allowed to operate with permission from the authorities, however, the application process for this is very strict.


Egypt

The operation of drones is prohibited in Egypt, under the Egyptian Aviation Act (Article 46, sentence 8).


Kenya

In Kenya, drone usage is banned unless permission has been obtained from the Department of Defense and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).


India

For a number of years, the usage of drones was banned in India. However, recently, a law was passed to repeal the ban. There are still complex rules for drone usage; for example, foreigners are not allowed to fly drones in India. If a drone is detected at the airport without prior permission from the Indian Ministry of Communications, it will be confiscated and will not be returned.

Other countries where drones are banned 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.

Can I get my drone insured for the flight?

Yes. When you book through Alternative Airlines, you can add our Baggage Protection product to your booking. No matter what's in your baggage, our baggage insurance add-on allows you to get up to $2,000 in lost baggage compensation if your baggage cannot be tracked within 96 hours.

To insure your drone against damage, we recommend purchasing insurance unique to drone equipment externally. Coverage typically includes liability for damage or injury with many insurers offering short-term and annual policies.