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Skyward Bound: Unleashing Your Drone's Adventure on Airplanes

Updated: May 10, 2023

Embark on an extraordinary journey with your drone and capture breathtaking aerial footage. But before you take flight, it's vital to navigate the regulations and policies that govern drone travel on airplanes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll equip you with the knowledge to ensure a smooth and exhilarating experience as you explore the world from above.

photo of an airplane from below


Know the Rules and Unleash Your Drone's Potential


Did you know that drones are generally allowed on airplanes? However, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and restrictions that apply to your travel itinerary. From country-specific regulations to airline policies, arming yourself with information will make your drone travel seamless and hassle-free.


We've described each country's drone regulations here for you.

world map drone laws

Battery Regulations: Powering Up the Skies:


Fun Fact: Did you know that drone batteries are subject to specific safety regulations? As you embark on your epic adventure, ensure your drone batteries comply with airline guidelines to avoid any setbacks. Stay powered up and ready to soar while adhering to the rules.


Generally speaking, most airlines will follow the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidance & rules. When it comes to drones, your main component to worry about is the battery(ies) it uses to fly as these will be under the eye of your airline carrier.


TSA identifies & recommends 3 main categories based on your drone battery's power:

  • Up to 100-watt-hour = usually allowed (up to 20 items).

  • From 100 to 160-watt-hour = usually airline approval is required (up to 2 items).

  • From 160-watt-hour = usually forbidden.

This is exactly what most airlines will apply, such as the example below from KLM.


💡 If your drone battery power is written in milliamp hour (mAh) & voltage (V); then the formula to convert is (mAh)*(V)/1000 = Watt-hour (Wh). For example, if you have a 500mAh battery rated at 5V, the power is 500mAh * 5V / 1000 = 2.5Wh.


✅ In every case, all airlines & the TSA would recommend to place spare batteries in a fireproof bag while travelling and to always keep them with your carry on bag. If you need some fireproof bags, check some out now & get them before taking off!


Preparing for the Journey: Unleash Your Inner Explorer:


Fun Fact: Did you know labeling your drone is essential? Personalize your aerial companion and ensure its safe return in case it goes on its own adventure. In addition, pack essential accessories such as spare batteries, propellers, and a sturdy protective case. By preparing adequately, you'll be ready to unleash your inner explorer, capturing stunning aerial shots effortlessly.


young girls at an airport

Airline Policies: Find Your Perfect Match:


Discover a world of drone-friendly airlines that embrace your airborne companion. Some airlines permit drones as carry-on items, allowing you to keep your gear close. Others require you to check in your drone as part of your luggage. Uncover the drone policies of different airlines, ensuring compatibility with your travel plans and maximizing convenience.


Get ready to embark on an extraordinary drone travel adventure with this ultimate guide. By understanding airline regulations, researching drone-friendly carriers, and preparing meticulously, you'll soar through the skies with confidence. Unleash your drone's potential, capture breathtaking footage, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the thrill of drone travel while complying with regulations, and let your imagination take flight!


You can either find them by entering your airline name on this page or continue to scroll down until your airline carrier appears. If it is not listed, we're very sorry for not having had the time to do it yet but your feedback will be immediately put into action. You can do such via the Forum anytime.


Safe flights! 🛫

 

Aegan Airline Drone Policy ✅ Aegan Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Aeroflot Airline Drone Policy ✅ Aeroflot should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard

Aeromexico Airline Drone Policy ✅ Aeromexico should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.


Air Astana Drone Policy ✅ Air Astana should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Air Canada Drone Policy ✅ Air Canada should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Air China Drone Policy ✅ Air China should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Air France Drone Policy ✅ Air France should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.


Air India Drone Policy ✅ Air India should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 100-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Air Macau Drone Policy ✅ Air Macau should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. You will need to ask for permission ahead if your batteries are over 100Wh.

Air New Zealand Drone Policy ✅ Air New Zealand should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard

All Nippon Airways Drone Policy ✅ All Nippon Airways should allow you to carry your drone on their planes. There might be a limit in the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Amaszonas Linéa Aérea Drone Policy ✅ Amaszonas Linéa Aérea doesn't forbid you to carry your drone on their planes. Your drone's batteries should ideally be placed in a fireproof bag during transport. You can only carry it within you cabin bag, not in the checked luggage. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

American Airline Drone Policy ✅ American Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Asiana Airline Drone Policy ✅ Asiana Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Avianca Airline Drone Policy ✅ Avianca should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

British Airways Drone Policy ✅ British Airways should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.


Brussels Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Brussels Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. You will need to ask for permission ahead if your batteries are over 100Wh.

Bulgaria Air Drone Policy 🚨 We did not find any information linked to drones &/or batteries on their website. We've contacted them in January 2019 & are pending for some answers. We recommend you contact the airline prior boarding time.

Cathay Pacific Drone Policy ✅ Cathay Pacific should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

China Airline Drone Policy ✅ China Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.


China Eastern Airlines Drone Policy 🚨 China Eastern Airlines link to drone & lithium batteries policy was broken at the time of our research. We've contacted them & will update this part as soon as we receive an answer.

China Southern Airlines Drone Policy ✅ China Southern Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

COPA Airlines Drone Policy ✅ COPA Airlines allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Croatia Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Croatia Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. You will need to ask for permission ahead if your batteries are over 100Wh.

Danish Air Transport Drone Policy ✅ Danish Air Transport allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. You will need to ask for permission ahead if your batteries are over 100Wh.

Delta Air Lines Drone Policy ✅ Delta Air Lines allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.


EasyJet Airline Drone Policy ✅ EasyJet allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Etihad Airways Drone Policy ✅ Etihad Airways allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Emirates Airline Drone Policy 🚨 Emirates Airline has communicated that they will not accept any drones within carry on bag for safety reasons. To travel on Emirates Airline with your drone, you will need the drone's batteries to be removable & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport.

💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro in the checked luggage.

EgyptAir Drone Policy 🚨 We did not find any information linked to drones &/or batteries on their website. We've contacted them in January 2019 & are pending for some answers. We recommend you contact the airline prior boarding time.

Eva Air Drone Policy ✅ Eva Air allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Hainan Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Hainan Airlines allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Hong Kong Airline Drone Policy ✅ Hong Kong Airline allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.



Iberia Airline Drone Policy ✅ Iberia should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard


Indigo Airline Drone Policy ✅ Indigo Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. Drone controllers should be in carry on too.


Iraqi Airways Drone Policy ✅ Iraqi Airways should allow you to carry your drone on their planes ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Japan Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Japan Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 100-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireroof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Jet Airways Drone Policy ✅ Jet Airways should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. You will need to ask for permission ahead if your battery is over 100-watt-hour.

JetBlue Airways Drone Policy ✅ JetBlue Airways allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireroof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Jetstar Airline Drone Policy ✅ Jetstar should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. (Note that for batteries over 100Wh, you will need to ask permission to dg@qantas.com.au)

💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard

Korean Air Drone Policy ✅ Korean Air allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.


KLM Airline Drone Policy ✅ KLM should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Kuwait Aiways Drone Policy ✅ Kuwait Airways allows you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

LAM Mozambique Airline Drone Policy ✅ LAM Mozambique Airline seems to allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should not be licking or wet & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

LATAM Airline Drone Policy ✅ LATAM should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 300-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Lao Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Lao Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.


Lufthansa Airline Drone Policy ✅ Lufthansa should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 300-watt-hour. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Luxair Airline Drone Policy ✅ Luxair Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. You will need to ask for permission ahead if your batteries are over 100Wh.

Maldivian Aero Drone Policy 🚨 We did not find any information linked to drones &/or batteries on their website. We've contacted them in January 2019 & are pending for some answers. We recommend you contact the airline prior boarding time.

Mongolia Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Mongolia Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Norwegian Airline Drone Policy ✅ Norwegian Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Oman Air Drone Policy 🚨 We did not find any information linked to drones &/or batteries on their website. We've contacted them in January 2019 & are pending for some answers. We recommend you contact the airline prior boarding time.

Philippines Airline Drone Policy ✅ Philippines Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Qantas Airline Drone Policy ✅ Qantas Airways should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard

Qatar Airways Drone Policy ✅ Qatar Airways should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Royal Jordanian Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Royal Jordanian Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Ryanair Airline Drone Policy ✅ Ryanair should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

💡 At least one of our Members reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard

Saudia Airline Drone Policy 🚨 Saudia link to drone & lithium batteries policy was broken at the time of our research. We've contacted them & will update this part as soon as we receive an answer.

Singapore Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Singapore Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

SriLankan Airlines Drone Policy ✅ SriLankan Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 100-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireroof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

South African Airways Drone Policy ✅ South African Airways should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Southwest Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Southwest Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.


Surinam Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Surinam Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Swiss Airline Drone Policy ✅ Swiss Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 100-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. You will need to ask for authorisation for batteries between 100 & 160-watt -hour & there might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

TAP Air Portugal Drone Policy ✅ TAP Air Portugal should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. You can only carry it within you cabin bag, not in the checked luggage. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. 💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard

TAROM Airline Drone Policy ✅ TAROM Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireroof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Thai Airways Drone Policy ✅ Thai Airways should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

TunisAir Airline Drone Policy 🚨 We did not find any information linked to drones &/or batteries on their website. We've contacted them in January 2019 & are pending for some answers. We recommend you contact the airline prior boarding time.

Turkish Airline Drone Policy ✅ Turkish Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

United Airlines Drone Policy ✅ United Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Vietnam Airlines Drone Policy ✅ Vietnam Airlines should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. 💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard

Vueling Airline Drone Policy ✅ Vueling Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 300-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard

WestJet Airline Drone Policy ✅ WestJet should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 300-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size.

Wizz Airline Drone Policy ✅ Wizz Airline should allow you to carry your drone on their planes but your drone's batteries should be less than 160-watt-hour & ideally placed in a fireproof bag during transport. There might be a limit on the number of drone's batteries you can carry based on their power size. You will need to ask for permission ahead if your battery is over 100-watt-hour.

💡 At least one Dronemade Member reported being able to carry a Mavic Pro onboard


Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about airline drone policies.

✅Please leave a comment or update when you receive news and/or gain experience taking your drone on any airline! Have fun & safe flights!

 

2 Comments

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Dronemade
Dronemade
Feb 14, 2019

Hey man, you're going to have an epic time over there! When it comes to registration, Cambodia doesn't need it, just avoid flying near the temples and in the capital city of Phnom Penh. For Thailand, if you're in a rush, the best guys out there I've found are https://www.phantomthailand.com/product/Drone-Insurance that could do it in 3 days for you. For Laos, the best recommendations are on the post http://www.drone-made.com/blog/laos-drone-laws but I do not know anyone that successfully obtained one yet. In none of these countries should your drone be confiscated but please share your feedback once done on the forum for all to learn from your travel experience with your drone.

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tjpetro77
tjpetro77
Feb 12, 2019

Hey, last minute crisis here. Hoping you can help me out. I am traveling to Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. I did not have time to register/insure. I figured I would take it and see about registering it locally at each. If I cannot register, then I would not fly there.

But, I don’t want to go to a country only to have it confiscated in customs, simply for having it in my possession and no plan to fly. Can I safely travel with it unregistered through these locations?

Leaving very soon,

Greatly appreciate any reply!!

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