I have just returned from a trip to Hungary flying out from Stansted London having taken my P4 there to film. This was my first visit abroad with my Drone. I was concerned that I would be stopped going through the security check at the airport and that they would have an issue with my Li-Po batteries. I had the batteries in a Li-Po bag. Although they are rated as being 81.3Wh and permissible as a carry on you never really know how they (security) will react. I carried my Drone in my backpack as a ‘carryon’ bag (rotors removed of course and packed in ‘checked in’ luggage) and had no problems going through security at Stansted Airport. My problem was the return journey through Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. To my surprise the issue was not the batteries but the P4 drone. The Hungarian Aviation authority have apparently now in their wisdom directed Budapest Airport to refuse any drones to be taken on board flights and that they must be ‘checked in’ baggage. Despite my protest and instance that the drone would be damaged if it went through ‘checked in; luggage I was forced to check my backpack into ‘checked in’ luggage………...and yes when it arrived back in the UK the bag was crushed and my drone damaged.
The Hungarian Aviation Authority have ruled that a drone could be used as dangerous weapon on an aircraft………. I enquired as to what part of the smooth lightweight aerodynamic body they felt was a particular hazardous but that fell on deaf ears.
I had searched the internet prior to leaving to see what issues people had had travelling on planes with drones and all the issues I have read centred around batteries. I have written to Ryanair regarding this as they appear to be completed oblivious to the ruling as I am sure other airlines are too – for anyone interested you can see my letter of complaint here.
Dropbox - Ryanair - Letter 1.pdf
So be warned if you are travelling with your drone abroad you could be refused permission to take it on board and it may have to be checked in.
The Hungarian Aviation Authority have ruled that a drone could be used as dangerous weapon on an aircraft………. I enquired as to what part of the smooth lightweight aerodynamic body they felt was a particular hazardous but that fell on deaf ears.
I had searched the internet prior to leaving to see what issues people had had travelling on planes with drones and all the issues I have read centred around batteries. I have written to Ryanair regarding this as they appear to be completed oblivious to the ruling as I am sure other airlines are too – for anyone interested you can see my letter of complaint here.
Dropbox - Ryanair - Letter 1.pdf
So be warned if you are travelling with your drone abroad you could be refused permission to take it on board and it may have to be checked in.
I've had the same problem last time at Budapest. They didn't let me take my Phantom 3 Pro because of "new rules". Last time I flew in may it was ok but now in december suddenly it wasn't anymore. I left it at the baggage storage facility for 37 euros until I came back a week later. Bummer.
