Published: May 6, 2019 | Last Updated: September 25, 2024
Drones have become stable in cinematography, from blockbuster Hollywood movies to videographers and vloggers. They’ve made it economical for everyone to create library shots to sell or establishing shots for the indie feature.
However, drones also have many restrictions—including where and when you can fly, size, and travel regulations. This article aims to answer the latter.
What Airlines Allow Drones on Board?
First, the table below shows the rules for bringing a drone on board a plane for all major airlines in the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia at the time of writing. I recommend double-checking with each airline before you go because rules change.
| Airline | Region | Drone Allowed? | Carry-on or Luggage? | Battery Watt-hour (Wh) Limit | Special Requirements/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | US | Yes | Carry-on & Luggage | Up to 100 Wh without approval, 100-160 Wh with approval | Max 2 batteries in carry-on, not allowed in checked baggage if over 160 Wh |
| Delta Airlines | US | Yes | Carry-on only | Max 160 Wh with approval | Up to 2 spare batteries between 100-160 Wh |
| United Airlines | US | Yes | Carry-on & Luggage | Up to 100 Wh without approval | Approval required for batteries between 100 and 160 Wh |
| Southwest Airlines | US | Yes | Carry-on only | Max 160 Wh | Spare batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage |
| British Airways | Europe | Yes | Carry-on & Luggage | Max 100 Wh without approval | Must be carried in carry-on if batteries are over 100 Wh |
| Lufthansa | Europe | Yes | Carry-on only | Max 100 Wh | Approval required for batteries between 100 and 160 Wh |
| Air France | Europe | Yes | Carry-on & Luggage | Up to 160 Wh | Approval needed for batteries over 100 Wh |
| Ryanair | Europe | Yes | Carry-on only | Up to 100 Wh | Spare batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage |
| EasyJet | Europe | Yes | Carry-on only | Up to 100 Wh | Approval required for batteries between 100 and 160 Wh |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Africa | Yes | Carry-on & Luggage | Up to 160 Wh | Approval needed for batteries over 100 Wh |
| South African Airways | Africa | Yes | Carry-on only | Up to 100 Wh without approval | No more than 2 spare batteries allowed in carry-on |
| EgyptAir | Africa | Yes | Carry-on only | Max 100 Wh | Approval required for batteries between 100 and 160 Wh |
| Kenya Airways | Africa | Yes | Carry-on & Luggage | Up to 160 Wh | Approval needed for batteries over 100 Wh |
| Royal Air Maroc | Africa | Yes | Carry-on only | Up to 100 Wh | Spare batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage |
| Emirates | Asia | No | N/A | N/A | Drones are prohibited onboard in carry-on or checked baggage |
| Qatar Airways | Asia | Yes | Carry-on & Luggage | Up to 160 Wh | Up to 2 spare batteries allowed in carry-on, none in checked luggage if above 100 Wh |
| Singapore Airlines | Asia | Yes | Carry-on only | Max 100 Wh without approval | Approval needed for batteries between 100 and 160 Wh |
| Cathay Pacific | Asia | Yes | Carry-on only | Up to 160 Wh | Approval needed for batteries over 100 Wh |
| Japan Airlines | Asia | Yes | Carry-on only | Up to 100 Wh without approval | Approval needed for batteries between 100 and 160 Wh |
Rules for Taking your drone on an airplane
There are strict rules and regulations when traveling with drones on airplanes, especially regarding the batteries that power them (typically lithium-ion batteries). Aviation authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) globally set these regulations.
While the specific rules can vary slightly between airlines, here are the general guidelines for traveling with drones as luggage on airplanes:
Should you take a Drone as Carry-on or Checked Luggage?
- Carry-on: Most airlines prefer that drones (especially those with removable batteries) be carried in your hand luggage. This is primarily due to concerns about lithium-ion batteries, which pose a fire risk.
- Checked Luggage: Drones can sometimes be packed in checked luggage, but their batteries cannot be if they exceed specific power thresholds (usually 100 Watt-hours).
Beware of Lithium-Ion Battery Restrictions
The most important regulations revolve around lithium-ion batteries, typically used in drones. Here’s how airlines usually handle batteries:
- Batteries under 100 Watt-hours (Wh):
- These can generally be carried in both carry-on and checked luggage, though many airlines prefer that you carry them in your hand luggage.
- You can usually carry unlimited batteries in this range (though individual airlines may impose a limit).
- Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh:
- These are generally permitted, but only with airline approval. You are usually limited to 2 spare batteries in this range.
- These batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage.
- Batteries must be protected from short circuits (e.g., keeping them in their original packaging or using battery terminal covers).
- Batteries over 160 Wh:
- Most passenger airlines prohibit these in both carry-on and checked luggage. They are typically only allowed for cargo shipments and require special handling.
What about Spare Batteries?
- Carry spare batteries in carry-on luggage only. Airlines and aviation authorities require that spare batteries be kept in your hand luggage for safety reasons. They must also be protected from damage and short circuits.
- Spare batteries can be kept in protective cases, original packaging, or by taping over the terminals to prevent short circuits. If you tape over the terminals, use gaffer’s tape, as it sticks strong but doesn’t leave any residue.
But what if my Drone’s Battery can be removed?
If the drone has a battery installed, it is usually acceptable in carry-on and checked baggage (provided it’s under 100 Wh).
However, removing and carrying the battery separately in your carry-on luggage is safer.
Power Limit (Watt-hour) Calculation for Batteries
You can calculate the Wh rating of a battery if you know the Voltage (V) and Ampere-hours (Ah) using this formula:
![\[ \text{Watt-hours (Wh)} = \text{Voltage (V)} \times \text{Ampere-hours (Ah)} \]](https://filmdaft.com/wp-content/ql-cache/quicklatex.com-e15998501d02cff728a24ab7c7839aa4_l3.png "Rendered by QuickLaTeX.com")
If your battery lists mAh instead of Ah, divide the mAh rating by 1000 to convert it to Ah before calculating.
Where to find more Info and Regulatory Guidance (FAA, IATA, TSA)
FAA (U.S.): Provides detailed guidelines on traveling with lithium batteries. They restrict certain high-powered batteries on planes and enforce the rule that spare lithium batteries must be carried in hand luggage.
IATA: International rules are largely similar to FAA rules. Most airlines follow IATA’s guidelines on battery limits and safety measures.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration): In the U.S., TSA security agents may inspect drones and their batteries during the screening process. You should allow extra time for security checks.
Airline-Specific Rules
While the rules above are standard, airline-specific regulations may apply. Some airlines may have more restrictive policies regarding drones and lithium batteries, and others may require prior notification if you are carrying drones or large batteries.
Drone Size and Weight
- Some airlines may have size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage that could apply to drones. Be sure to check the size and weight limits for carry-ons and checked luggage with your specific airline.
- Drones that exceed the size of typical carry-ons (e.g., large professional drones) will likely need to be checked as oversized baggage.
Drone Use in the Destination Country:
Even if you are allowed to bring your drone on the plane, be aware of the drone regulations in the country you are traveling to. Some countries have strict rules regarding flying drones, and you may need special permission or a license to operate one.
Packaging Tips for Drones:
Protective Cases: Use a padded, protective case to store your drone to avoid damage during travel.
Battery Safety: Ensure that all batteries are properly stored to avoid short circuits or overheating. Battery terminals should be covered.
Detach Propellers: If possible, detach the propellers from the drone before packing, especially if it’s going in checked luggage.
Summing Up
Drone can be carried in carry-on or checked luggage, but airlines prefer carry-on luggage.
Lithium-ion battery restrictions:
- Batteries under 100 Wh: Generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
- Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh: Requires airline approval, and only in carry-on luggage.
- Batteries over 160 Wh: Prohibited on passenger planes.
Spare batteries must always be in carry-on luggage.
Battery terminals must be protected to prevent short circuits.
Always check with the airline for any additional requirements or restrictions.
By following these guidelines, you should be able to travel safely and in compliance with regulations when carrying a drone on an airplane. Always check the specific rules of your airline before your trip to avoid any complications at the airport.
Up Next: What is Aerial Cinematography? Definition, History, and Example
