Traveling with a drone has become quite common. It’s opened up opportunities for photographers to take photographs and video footage from vantage points not seen before.
Are you considering traveling with a drone locally or abroad? Are you confused about what is allowed and what isn’t? Traveling with a drone isn’t difficult, but there are restrictions that should be aware of before you board a plane.
Just keep in mind not all airlines or travel destinations are drone friendly, plus they all have their own rules and restrictions.
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Here Is A Guide For Traveling With A Drone
So let’s get started with the ins and outs…
Traveling With A Drone
Can you travel with your drone? Absolutely! Taking a drone along with you on a trip is actually quite common and becoming more popular each day. Check out our guide The Best Drones for Photography in 2021 if you need help deciding which drone would work best for you and accessories to go with it.
Bringing A Drone On A Plane
Can You Bring your Drone On The Plane? Yes, but make sure to check with your airline to see if they have any restrictions. Airline policy can vary between carriers. In most cases, you are allowed to carry your drone on the plane. I would avoid checking in your drone unless the airline requires it. The last thing you need is your drone case being thrown around as it’s getting loaded or unloaded from the plane.
Traveling With Drone Batteries
Can you bring drone batteries on a plane? Check the rules of the airline regarding the batteries. Most require that batteries are packed in your carry-on luggage.
Drones are powered by lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery can present a potential flight threat, due to the amount of heat and energy it can release should it short-circuit.
According to the FAA’s website, if your batteries are below 100 Wh, you can carry on as many as you like. If they’re between 101 and 160 Wh, you’re allowed to carry on at most two batteries.
So, if you plan on getting onto an airplane with your drone, a battery-safe bag is highly recommended. It is the safest way to transport drone batteries and can lessen any damage from combustion and reduces the chance of igniting another object.
Appropriate Bags And Cases For Your Drone
What kind of bag should your drone be packed in? When traveling with a drone, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality bag. A dedicated backpack for drones is great for staying organized. Most of them have room for drones and other essential equipment such as your laptop, tablet, camera, and other electronics. Many feature a TSA lock, which makes it easy for security to access in the event they need to inspect your items.
You’ll also want to bring a smaller bag for when you are carrying your drone around your actual destination. There are plenty of good options from the sling bag to smaller backpacks which are great for daily use.
Airport Security And Your Drone
Can you take your drone through airport security? Yes, in most cases there shouldn’t be any problems. I’ve had my bags searched, but once TSA saw it was just my drone and other photography equipment, they let me on my way.
Know And Respect Drone Regulation Laws Around The World
How do you know what the international drone laws are? When traveling abroad, it’s essential that you research the drone laws in the counties you will be traveling in. Laws vary from country to country and it’s always a good idea to check their aviation authority’s official website for details of any drone restrictions.
It’s your responsibility to know and follow the local drone laws wherever you are traveling. You may face huge fines for not following local drone laws in some places. Some countries do not even allow you to bring a drone into the country and will confiscate your drone if you attempt to bring it in. And, it may not be returned to you when you leave the country.
A good site for checking worldwide drone laws is here, but make sure to check for any updates to laws before you travel to make sure nothing has changed.
Registering Your Drone
Depending on the country you are traveling in you may also have to register your drone with the local aviation authority. It’s always a good idea to check before flying your drone.
Know And Respect Local Regulation Drone Laws
How do you know what the local drone laws are? A great resource that is worth checking out is the Know Before you Fly website. It has a lot of information about where you can fly and where you can’t. Download the BFUFLY app on Google Play or Apple App Store, to get current information on regulations and restrictions for USA locations. It’s an easy-to-use tool that includes interactive maps for finding a safe fly zone.
Drone Insurance
Some countries require you to have drone insurance if you are going to be flying for a commercial purpose but not for recreational purposes. If you are a drone pilot and have any intention of selling your drone photography or video footage, that is considered commercial drone usage.
There are dedicated insurance plans for drones and if you fly commercially, I recommend researching some companies for more comprehensive coverage. Many policies have liability coverage available that covers property damage or bodily injuries that have been caused by the drone.
No matter if you fly your drone recreationally or commercially, you should consider some type of drone policy to protect your investment. If you have a DJI drone, consider their DJI Care Refresh Program. It is a 12-month service plan that provides complete and comprehensive coverage should your DJI drone be damaged during normal use. Normal product warranties don’t cover accidental damage.
Bring A Repair Kit, Extra Propellers, And Batteries
It’s a good idea to bring a repair kit with you. Unfortunately, sometimes drones crash and you’ll need some tools for repairs. Make sure to have extra propellers since they are usually the first thing damaged. And, last but now least, don’t forget to pack extra batteries. The battery life at best is 30 minutes, so a spare battery will make the difference of whether or not you can keep flying or have to pack it up for the day.
Conclusion
Flying a drone is a lot of fun, however, it’s important to stay up to date on the rules and regulations so you have a safe flight when traveling with your drone.
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