Hey everyone,
I’m flying within the USA soon (domestic flight) and I’m trying to figure out the TSA rules about travelling with a drone. I’ll have just my carry-on and backpack (flying Delta). The drone is a DJI Mini 3 with its battery and controller.
I’ve read some conflicting info online and wanted to see if anyone here knows the real deal. I bet this gets asked a lot, but searching for it just brings up random videos and blogs.
I’ve flown with my drone in my carry-on before. They actually prefer it in carry-on because of the battery. Safer that way.
Jamie said:
I’ve flown with my drone in my carry-on before. They actually prefer it in carry-on because of the battery. Safer that way.
Yep, they prefer and sometimes require batteries to be in your carry-on for safety reasons.
@Clove
Lithium-ion batteries must always go in carry-on bags. That’s the rule.
Yes, you can. Even if the drone itself goes into checked luggage, the batteries must be in your carry-on.
Ash said:
Yes, you can. Even if the drone itself goes into checked luggage, the batteries must be in your carry-on.
If the battery is installed in the drone, isn’t it fine to check it?
@Reagan
No, it’s not fine. Stop giving advice if you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Kai said:
@Reagan
No, it’s not fine. Stop giving advice if you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Actually, installed batteries are allowed in checked luggage. See my earlier comment.
@Reagan
I used to work on the ramp for American Airlines, and batteries are never allowed in checked luggage for safety reasons. Even for smart luggage, you have to remove the battery first. Some cargo areas aren’t well-ventilated, which can make things worse if there’s an issue.
@Noe
The cargo holds are pressurised on most passenger planes since they share the same pressure compartment as the cabin. The real problem is that fires in the hold can’t be spotted or handled quickly.
@Luca
Interesting. I worked in areas marked ‘no live animals,’ so I assumed they weren’t pressurised. Thanks for clarifying. It does make sense about the fire risk.
Noe said:
@Luca
Interesting. I worked in areas marked ‘no live animals,’ so I assumed they weren’t pressurised. Thanks for clarifying. It does make sense about the fire risk.
It’s probably colder down there, which explains the restrictions for animals. But yeah, it’s all part of the same fuselage area.
@Luca
Got it. Appreciate the info! Always good to learn something new.
@Reagan
Not true.
@Reagan
For what it’s worth, I’ve travelled with drones for TV work and regularly check drones with installed batteries. I’ve never had an issue.
Try searching for ‘travelling with a drone.’ The key thing is the batteries. They must go in your carry-on. The drone itself is fine wherever, as long as the batteries are handled correctly. The controller should also stay in your carry-on because of its battery.
The main concern is fires caused by batteries in the baggage hold.
@Sam
Aren’t fires in the cabin bad too?
Yes, but in the cabin, a fire can be noticed and dealt with quickly. In the hold, you won’t know until alarms go off, which could be too late.
@Mal
This is why they have fireproof bags for small items. There are size limits for what you can bring because of this.
