Drones are known as risk takers, but can you bring a drone on a plane?
According to the TSA and most airlines drones are permitted on planes in carry-on and checked luggage, but you will need to remove the batteries and secure them separately to avoid any possible incident, spare and uninstalled lithium-ion batteries are only allowed in carry-on baggage.
This post covers everything you need t know about flying with drones and their accessories in both domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- Drones are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
- Spare lithium-ion batteries must be carried in carry-on, not checked.
- Batteries under 100 Wh are allowed; 101–160 Wh are limited; over 160 Wh are not allowed.
- Rules vary by airline and country — always check before traveling.
- Pack drones in a hard case and protect batteries properly.
Can You Bring a Drone Through Airport Security?
You can bring your drone through the security checkpoint but there are some things that you need to know.
This is a screenshot from the TSA website (Transportation Security Administration), “you should check with the airline, because airlines may have different restrictions.”
Additionally the TSA has a rule for going with electronics through the security checkpoint.
Mike asked the @AskTSA team on X (Formerly Twitter ) if he could bring a drone on his flight.
The @AskTSA customer service replied that drones are good to go through the security checkpoint, they advised him also to check the airline policy for luggage allowance.
Even though they don’t mention anything about rules for electronics.
Yes, and he still needs to remove it from the bag (just like a laptop ) along with any other electronics larger than a mobile phone for additional screening.
Can I Bring My Drone In My Carry-on?
Here is what you need to know when taking your drone in carry-on baggage.
Whether you are traveling with a small drone, a Dji mavic mini or any other type of drones, most airlines will allow them in a carry-on bag, or backpack, but if your drone didn’t fit inside your bag you will be required to carry it with its hard case, so It will be counted as a piece of carry-on.
Ensure that your luggage is compliant with the airline carry-on size, to avoid any extra charge or cause your carryon to gate checked.
| Airline | Drone Rules |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | American Airlines allows drones in carry-on, but lithium batteries must adhere to FAA/TSA rules ( less than 100 Wh unlimited, 101–160 Wh max 2 spares with airline approval); batteries are allowed in carry-on only. |
| Southwest Airlines | Drones are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags; spare lithium batteries only are allowed in the cabin; recent policy forbids charging power banks or devices hidden in carry-on luggage. |
| Alaska Airlines | You can bring drones; but batteries must be in carry-on less than 100 Wh unlimited; 101–160 Wh limited to two spares; remove batteries if drone is checked. |
| JetBlue | Drones are permitted; but batteries must be in carry-on same FAA / TSA watt-hour limits apply; confirm with them if needed for 100–160 Wh. |
| Delta Airlines | Uninstalled batteries are only allowed in the cabin. 100–160 Wh limit two spares; device must be off if checked baggage. |
| United Airlines | United allows drones; but batteries cannot exceed 100 Wh. |
| Frontier Airlines | Some websites mentioned that Frontier Airlines do not allows drones at all, however, I can’t find any info backing up that info, so just like most of the US airlines, they are allowed in carry-on or checked bags following the same rules. |
Can You Take Drone In Checked Luggage?
Again the TSA and most airlines will not stop you from packing your drone inside your checked bag in both domestic and international flights, However, in checked bags you should always make sure that your drone is well protected in a hard case and should be in the off position before check in.
Also you need to take into consideration lithium ion batteries, Spare (uninstalled) lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries, will not be accepted in checked bags according to FAA.
Remove any batteries and place them inside your carry-on.
It is advisable to avoid placing your drone in a checked bag if possible, hold luggage may not be handled properly with baggage handlers, Instead, even if you can take your drone accessories separated inside your carry-on just do it, so you can avoid any possible damage.
An important thing to keep in mind is that drones are not safe in checked bags, since they can easily be damaged or even stolen.
This advice applies to any expensive or valuable items, it is always safer to keep them in your carry-on bag.
Battery Watt-Hour Limits You Should Know
One of the most confusing things when traveling with drones is the battery limits.
The FAA and TSA both have rules depending on the Watt-hour (Wh) rating of your drone battery:
- Up to 100 Wh: Allowed in carry-on without restrictions (most consumer drones like DJI Mini, Mavic Air, etc.).
- 101–160 Wh: Allowed in carry-on but you can only bring up to two spares, and you may need airline approval.
- Above 160 Wh: Not allowed on passenger planes at all.
Always check your battery label (Wh rating is usually printed).
If you travel with larger professional drones, you’ll definitely want to confirm with your airline in advance.
Can You Carry Drones On International Flights?
When traveling internationally you can take your drone almost on any airline, However; some airlines will not permit your drone in carry on baggage like Emirates that permits them only in checked baggage (you can take your drone in checked baggage but you should remove the lithium battery in carry on baggage, Emirate stated).
You will need to conduct a quick research about your destination country, drones will need approval in some countries and even banned in certain countries.
I dug a little deeper on X ( Formerly Twitter) to find out what some airlines are saying about taking drones on planes, and here is what I’ve found.
British Airways
Manolo asked British airways if he can bring his Drone with batteries in carry-on baggage, and BA confirmed that he can take them without any restrictions.
Qantas
Qantas confirmed to cam Stewart that drones are allowed on board but they must be secured and well packed, but they will be subject to the security approval depending on the type of battery your drone has.
Emirates
This passenger asked Emirates support if drones are allowed on Emirates, the agent answered that drones are allowed only in checked baggage.
Qatar Airways
Qatar has no restrictions on taking drones in carry-on or in checked baggage, however; lithium batteries are allowed in carry-on only.
Easyjet
Easyjet stated that drones are allowed in carry-on bags as long as the drone case is within the airline carry-on size, if your drone is too large to be carried in cabin so you will be required to check in it, but first uninstall your drone lithium batteries and place them inside your carry on bag.
Airline Drone Policy Quick Guide
Here is a simple overview of airline drone policies, but it is always best to confirm with your airline before your flight.
| Airline | Carry-On | Checked Bag | Battery Rules |
| British Airways | Yes | Yes | Batteries in carry-on only |
| Emirates | No | Yes (drone only) | Batteries in carry-on |
| Qatar Airways | Yes | Yes | Batteries in carry-on |
| Air France | Yes | Yes | Max 20 spare batteries <100 Wh |
| EasyJet | Yes | Yes | Batteries must be in carry-on |
How To Pack Your Drone For Traveling?
Before packing your drone, it is necessary to know if you are taking your drone case or just the body itself.
If you are taking the case it is easy because it has all the placement for your drone accessories, so you will just need to make sure if it is within the airline luggage size.
If you want to check in your drone, you will be required to pack batteries inside your carry-on bag, and it is better to cover the terminal with tape if you are traveling with many batteries make sure to separate them in plastic or cloth protective bags.
A shockproof and Durable case to protect your Drone from impacts and splashes like one of those will just do the job and secure your drone when traveling .
Safety & Packing Tips for Drone Batteries
- Make sure to cover the battery terminals with tape to prevent short-circuits.
- Use fireproof battery bags (LiPo safe bags) if you have multiple spares inside your bag.
- Keep each spare battery in its own plastic or cloth protective bag.
- Don’t bring damaged batteries they may be confiscated.
- If you are flying internationally, check if you need to declare your drone at customs. Some countries (like India) require permits, while others may ban drones completely.
Final Thoughts: Can You Take Drones On a Plane?
You can take your drone and its related accessories in both carry-on and checked luggage on most airlines if they are within the allowed size and weight.
However; some airlines may not allow them in both on board the airplanes or as checked baggage for safety purposes.
If you decide to pack your drone in your checked bag, remember that no uninstalled lithium batteries are allowed in a checked baggage.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
FAQs on Traveling with Drones
Do you need to register your drone before flying internationally?
Yes, in some countries like the U.S., India, or Canada, drones above a certain weight must be registered with aviation authorities, so it is best to check the rules for your destination country.
Can you fly your drone at the airport or during a layover?
No, flying drones in airports is not permitted anywhere in the world due to safety and security reasons.
Do airlines count a drone case as a personal item or carry-on?
If you pack your drone in a hard case or backpack that doesn’t fit inside your main carry-on, it will be considered a separate carry-on item and must stay within your airline’s size limits.
Can you charge drone batteries on the plane?
Most airlines do not allow charging lithium batteries in-flight due to fire risks.
What happens if your drone battery exceeds the airline’s Wh limit?
Batteries over 160 Wh are not permitted at all. If you bring one, airport security will confiscate it, and you could miss your flight.
Do you need to declare your drone at customs when traveling abroad?
Yes, some countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Cuba require permits or may confiscate your drone. Always check your destination’s drone policy before traveling.
Are toy drones or nano drones treated differently?
Small drones with batteries less than 100 Wh are usually easier to travel with and have fewer restrictions, but battery rules still apply.
Can you mail or ship your drone batteries instead of taking them on a plane?
Yes, but lithium-ion batteries have restrictions. Carriers like FedEx or UPS require special labeling and packaging when shipping them.
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