Airline Travel with Drones?

Robert P Stenerson PLS · Nov 13, 2016

I would like to bring my P4 with me on my next vacation. What are airlines allowing? I ask because of the recent concerns/prohibitions of the Samsung's Note7 problems, and these P4 Intelligent batteries are LiPo, hence could have similar unstable characteristics? Is there any special procedures/declarations required like for carrying firearms?

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MacCool · Nov 13, 2016

The airline you're flying has specific recommendations. Look it up. From a TSA standpoint, loose LiOn batteries can go in carry on baggage. Tape the terminals. Send the drone itself through checked baggage only if you're feeling particularly lucky.

Meta4 · Nov 13, 2016

Robert P Stenerson PLS said:
I would like to bring my P4 with me on my next vacation. What are airlines allowing? I ask because of the recent concerns/prohibitions of the Samsung's Note7 problems, and these P4 Intelligent batteries are LiPo, hence could have similar unstable characteristics? Is there any special procedures/declarations required like for carrying firearms?

Your airline will have rules based on these: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_or...fo/media/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf
Go to their website and search for batteries
No special declarations but you can not put the batteries in checked luggage.

Samsung Note 7s and Phantoms aren't the only devices with lithium batteries.
Just about everyone's mobile phone, iPad or tablet, camera, laptop etc has lithium batteries and there will be plenty of them on your flight.

cruz_ctrl · Nov 14, 2016

just flew United from US to Mexico with a P4 (plus two extra batteries) as carry on. no problems...

Unmannedsky · Nov 14, 2016

Let me know if your airline isn't listed here and I'll add it!

Robert P Stenerson PLS · Nov 14, 2016

Thanks guys, I'm thinking about the Azores next April, I'll also be checking their UAS/UAV rules, regs, and local laws as well. I don't want to schlep something along that I cannot use. Again thanks for the tips.
RS

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