What is the proper way of flying from the US to Canada with a drone in my luggage?
The drone in question is a DJI Phantom 3 Standard.
- Can I fly with a drone at all?
- If yes, carry-on or checked bags?
- Do you need to declare it?
- Do you need to take it out of bags at Security X-ray like laptops?
Best Answer
I've flown within the USA, to the US from Canada and Europe, and all over Europe without issues. Here are a few tips:
Many airlines now have a drone specific page on their website - search using something like "can I take my drone on British Airways" to find it. Print this page and take it with you when you fly.
There are likely to be limits on the amount of LiPo batteries you can fly with - at one stage I checked and it was three for my specific model on that particular airline, based on size.
Your LiPos always have to be carried as hand luggage.
It's advisable to discharge your batteries to around 1/3 for safety reasons. Take a look here for other handy LiPo battery handling tips: http://thedronegirl.com/2015/02/07/lipo-battery/
It's advisable to store your LiPo batteries in a LiPo bag (available on Amazon, ebay, etc).
Some countries don't allow drones to be imported and this could apply to passengers in transit. There's a pretty good list of applicable laws, by country, here: https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws/
I've never had a problem, other than a couple minutes delay at security as they looked over my drone (I've flown with a Phantom 4, Mavic Pro and Mavic 2 Pro) and on only one occasion did I need to nudge their approval with production of the printed "can I take my drone on __airline name____" page.
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Can you take drone in checked 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.How do you carry a drone on an international flight?
They can be carried either in hand or checked-in luggage depending on the size. Major airlines allow drones in check-in baggage. \u201cIf drones are asked to be mandatorily checked-in, it is because of individual airline policy and not a regulatory requirement,\u201d said a ministry official, who did not want to be named.Can you pack drone in carry-on?
Drones are allowed through the checkpoint. Please check with your airline prior to traveling for their policy. Drones containing lithium batteries, fuel cells, and components of certain parachute systems may be prohibited in baggage.Can I carry drone to Canada?
All drones that weigh between 250 g and 25 kg must be registered with Transport Canada. Pilots must mark their drones with their registration number before they fly. All pilots of drones that weigh between 250 g and 25 kg must get a drone pilot certificate.How to Travel with Your Drone Like a Pro
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Answer 2
As long as the remote control and the drone are off (they would probably consider those as radios/remote controlled vehicles, which are not allowed to be used in flight) I don't see an issue.
You will need to register the drone with the FAA in order to fly it, and I might be wrong, but you may need an address inside the US as part of registration.
I have also checked the TSA website's tool "What Can I Bring?" for "remote controlled helicopter" and it said it could be in your carry-on or checked baggage.
However, I would avoid calling it a drone in the airport, because it says that drones might not be allowed and groups them with hoverboards/self-balancing scooters because of the battery.
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Images: Joshua Welch, Kelly, Kelly, Enric Cruz López