Are drones allowed in carry on luggage

Quick rule: lithium‑ion cells installed in the device can be stowed in cabin baggage, spare lithium‑ion batteries must travel in hand baggage only, and cells above 160 Wh are prohibited from both cabin and checked storage. Batteries between 100–160 Wh require airline approval and are generally limited to 2 spares per person.

Regulatory references: follow IATA Dangerous Goods rules (UN3480/UN3481 for lithium‑ion; UN3090/UN3091 for lithium‑metal). In the United States the Transportation Security Administration permits unmanned aircraft in cabin baggage but requires that lithium batteries be carried onboard. Label watt‑hour ratings on batteries, keep documentation or photos of manufacturer markings available for inspection.

Packing and handling: power devices down, remove or secure propellers, place each battery in a protective case or original packaging, insulate terminals with tape or individual plastic covers, and protect cells from crushing or shorting. Do not transport fuel in tanks or fuel lines; gasoline, nitro or other flammable liquids are forbidden in passenger baggage.

At the airport: expect additional screening and possible removal of the device from its bag. Notify the airline in advance if you plan to bring batteries >100 Wh. Check departure and arrival nation rules and the carrier’s conditions of carriage before travel; carry printed battery specifications and be prepared to present them to security or airline staff.

TSA and major airlines: verify your carrier’s UAS policy before flying

Obtain written confirmation from TSA and your airline at least 48 hours before departure specifying approved stowage (in-cabin or checked) and lithium-battery limits for your UAS.

Quick verification checklist

Step 1: Check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” and the lithium-battery guidance page for federal baseline rules: spare lithium‑ion cells up to 100 Wh typically acceptable in-cabin; 100–160 Wh require carrier approval; > 160 Wh not transportable on passenger aircraft.

Step 2: Open your airline’s official site; search for keywords “UAS”, “UAV”, “unmanned”, “battery policy”, and “prohibited items”. Save screenshots or PDF copies of the specific policy page and timestamp them.

Step 3: Call the airline’s baggage or special items desk. Ask for written confirmation by email or case number. Note agent name, time, and confirmation text verbatim.

What to ask and bring to the airport

Questions to ask the agent: permitted stowage location (in-cabin or checked), maximum weight/dimensions for the airframe, limit on number of spare batteries, required watt‑hour labeling, requirement for batteries to remain installed or be removed, terminal protection methods (insulation, taping), and any oversized-equipment fees or gate-check procedures.

Documentation and packing tips to present: battery watt‑hour rating sheet or manufacturer labels, device weight, FAA registration proof if >0.55 lb (0.25 kg), original battery packaging or insulated terminal covers, and the airline email confirmation. Keep spares in cabin baggage; install main battery in the device if the carrier permits device stowage in checked baggage and batteries meet checked-baggage rules.

Final actions before departure: arrive at least 90 minutes early for domestic flights and 2 hours for international; present policy screenshots and battery specs at the ticket counter and security checkpoint; request a written waiver or approval number if the carrier granted an exception.

Battery rules: permitted watt-hour limits, spare battery handling and labeling for cabin baggage

Keep all spare lithium batteries in cabin baggage; do not place spares in checked baggage.

Lithium‑ion cells and packs: ≤100 Wh – permitted in cabin without airline approval; >100 Wh and ≤160 Wh – airline/operator approval required and commonly limited to two spare units per passenger; >160 Wh – not permitted for passenger transport. Examples: smartphone ≈10–20 Wh, mirrorless camera battery ≈10–20 Wh, laptop packs ≈40–100 Wh, many aerial quadcopter packs >160 Wh (these will be refused).

Lithium metal (non‑rechargeable): up to 2 g lithium metal – generally acceptable; >2 g and ≤8 g – operator approval required; >8 g – not permitted for passengers.

Calculate watt‑hours when only mAh and voltage are printed: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V. Example: 5200 mAh at 3.7 V → (5200/1000)×3.7 = 19.24 Wh. If the result crosses the 100 Wh threshold, treat the cell as requiring approval.

Terminal protection: individually insulate terminals on all spare batteries by using original packaging, manufacturer battery sleeves, or non‑conductive tape covering both terminals. Place each spare in a separate protective pouch or rigid case; avoid loose storage with metal objects or spare tools.

Labeling: any battery >100 Wh should display the Wh rating on the cell or pack. If absent, attach a durable label with the calculated Wh and the cell voltage. Keep manufacturer specifications (spec sheet or purchase info) readily available for inspection.

Device‑installed batteries: where possible remove removable packs and treat them as spares; if non‑removable, ensure the device is powered off and protected against accidental activation. Do not rely on checked baggage for high‑capacity packs.

Quantity limits and documentation: for packs ≤100 Wh many operators accept multiple spares, but some cap the count (common operational limits: 5–10 spares); for 100–160 Wh expect a strict two‑unit limit and written approval. Carry printed spec sheets and any written approvals for batteries >100 Wh.

Inspection prep: place spares in an easy‑to‑access pocket of the cabin bag, keep protective covers visible, and be ready to show Wh calculations and manufacturer labels if asked by security staff.

Operational note: transporting field equipment often involves ancillary tasks such as securing work areas – see how to cover holes in fence for dogs for a quick reference when working near animals or fenced sites.

Size, weight and case selection: fitting a multirotor into standard cabin baggage dimensions

Use a hard-shell case with external dimensions no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and keep total packed mass below 7 kg (15 lb) to maximize acceptance across most carriers.

Foldable consumer models (Mavic-class) typically fit into compact cases; measure the unit folded, add 3–5 cm clearance per side for foam, and allow 4 cm for propeller protection. Fixed-arm prosumer models (Phantom-class) usually exceed standard cabin limits unless disassembled and placed in a rigid case sized at least 50 x 40 x 25 cm.

Choose case type by mission profile:

– Hard-shell, foam-cutout: best protection and predictable external size.

– Padded backpack with rigid insert: better for mobility; confirm outer dimensions, handle and strap bulk may add 2–4 cm to each axis.

– Soft roller bag: lighter but risk of compression; use only if internal foam secures all components.

Disassembly and internal layout tips: remove propellers and place in a padded sleeve; detach gimbal/camera if possible and secure in foam slots; route control cables into small compartments; bundle loose accessories in labeled pouches to speed inspections. Mark fragile areas on the case exterior.

When selecting a backpack, verify external measurements with straps compressed and pockets closed; look for models with customizable foam inserts and a rigid rear panel to prevent side compression – an example product comparison: best umbrella snow backpack.

If packed dimensions slightly exceed a strict carrier’s cabin limit, prepare a compact plan: be ready to gate-check the case or transfer the unit to an approved hard case sized to the stricter limit. Keep documentation of dimensions and a photo of the packed unit on your phone for dispute avoidance.

Security screening procedure: preparing, presenting and documenting your UAV and removable batteries

Recommendation: Remove every removable lithium battery from the airframe and present each cell separately in a protective sleeve with terminals insulated; have printed battery specifications and any airline approvals ready for inspection.

Before you reach the checkpoint

Place the aircraft in an easily accessible compartment or small hard case that opens without full unpacking so officers can inspect the airframe quickly. Remove all spare batteries from the device and give each battery its own non-conductive pouch or zip-lock; do not stack batteries together. Fit terminal caps from the manufacturer or fully cover exposed terminals with a minimum of two layers of non-conductive tape (no foil). Keep propellers secured or removed so the unit fits flat for X-ray.

Label each battery with printed or written Wh and serial number. If only voltage and capacity (mAh) are printed, calculate Wh = V × Ah (for example: 11.1 V × 2.2 Ah = 24.42 Wh) and attach that value to the cell on a white adhesive label.

What to present at screening and what paperwork to carry

Present the aircraft and batteries separately at the conveyer/bin: aircraft on one tray, batteries on a separate tray or in a clear pouch. Power the unit on if requested by the screening officer to demonstrate functionality; keep any removable storage or cards accessible for inspection. Do not tape shut cases or use tamper-evident seals that prevent inspection.

Keep a single printed folder with: (1) battery specification sheets (manufacturer datasheet or product page), (2) Wh calculations and battery serial numbers, (3) proof of airline approval for any cells between 100–160 Wh (print the written approval email), and (4) purchase receipts for aftermarket packs. If screening staff retain or deny an item, request a written confiscation/denial receipt and photograph the item and labels before handing it over.

If a security officer requests additional inspection, open the case while supervising; do not refuse a visual or functional check. If asked to transfer a battery to checked baggage, decline and request supervisor assistance–installed lithium cells are preferred to remain in the cabin area and many operators prohibit checked carriage of spare lithium cells.

International travel checklist: permits, customs declaration and transit airline coordination

Obtain written authorizations and temporary import documentation from every state on your routing at least 21 days before departure; keep printed originals and PDFs accessible.

Permits & operational approvals

• Contact the Civil Aviation Authority (or national aviation regulator) of origin, transit and destination for specific permit types: operation approval, aerial work/filming permit, overflight/airspace access. Expect 7–30+ business days for standard approvals; 4–6 weeks for commercial filming or BVLOS requests.
• Required documents to request in advance:
  • Operator/remote pilot certificate and photo ID
  • Registration certificate for the airframe(s) with serial numbers
  • Operations/flight plan summary (dates, locations, altitudes, purpose)
  • Proof of third-party liability insurance (many states expect ≥ USD 1,000,000 for commercial ops)
• For filming/commercial work obtain municipal permits and landowner permissions in addition to aviation approvals; submit sample shot list and risk assessment when requested.
• When operating in Schengen/EASA airspace verify whether national UAS rules or the EASA framework applies; some EU countries still require a national permit for certain categories.

Customs, temporary importation and paperwork

• Prepare a dedicated packet: purchase invoices, serial-numbered equipment list, operator license, insurance certificate, and the itinerary with arrival/departure stamps requested.
• Use an ATA Carnet to avoid import duties where accepted (more than 80 jurisdictions accept Carnets); obtain from your national chamber of commerce. Carnet validity commonly covers up to 12 months.
• If Carnet not used:
  • Declare equipment at arrival customs and request temporary admission stamp or temporary import bond. Retain the stamped document for departure to avoid fines or duty charges.
  • Carry proof of ownership older than 6 months to reduce risk of assessed import duty as a new commercial import.
• Declare high-value items at entry points when required; undeclared professional-grade equipment can be seized or subject to penalties. Typical duty/VAT on electronics ranges from 0%–20% depending on country.
• If transit involves customs clearance (transfer between terminals or airlines that do not interline), notify the airline and customs in advance so inspections can be pre-arranged without impoundment.

Operational and transit coordination checklist

1. Contact each carrier on the itinerary at least 72 hours before travel; obtain written confirmation of acceptance and any carriage conditions (documentation required at check-in, stowage rules, battery limitations and capacity per passenger).
2. For multi-segment tickets confirm which carrier is responsible for customs clearance at transfer point; if separate tickets are used plan for customs re-entry and re-declaration time.
3. Provide airlines and ground handlers with a one-page cover letter listing: equipment make/model, serial numbers, battery watt-hour ratings, insurance contact, and permit reference numbers.
4. At check-in present permits, Carnet or temporary import papers and copies of airline approvals; request a stamped receipt from airline or customs if equipment is inspected.
5. If a transit country requires advance diplomatic or overflight clearance, secure that clearance before departure; missing diplomatic clearance can result in refusal to proceed or equipment seizure during transit.
6. Keep digital copies of all approvals accessible offline (PDFs) and save airline email confirmations showing route acceptance; present these to customs or security on request.

Final practical steps

• Print three sets of paperwork: 1) keep with the equipment, 2) present to airline at check-in, 3) spare for customs/authorities.
• Label each item with serial number and owner name; attach a short operation/ownership affidavit signed and dated.
• If unsure about a country or carrier, consult a customs broker or specialized UAS logistics service to avoid unexpected seizure or fines.