Traveling With Your Drone

Avoiding airport surprises and more

- Gus Calderon

If you are thinking about taking your drone with you when you travel, there is a lot to consider. Factors range from the obvious, such as deciding which type of carrying case you should use, to the more complex, such as knowing the rules for carrying lithium batteries onboard a commercial aircraft.

I was recently faced with these considerations when I took a trip from my home in San Diego, California, to visit my family near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Choosing a case for my new Mavic Air would turn out to be the easiest part of the trip preparation. And since I knew that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airlines had specific rules for carrying lithium batteries onboard commercial aircraft, I researched those rules and familiarized myself with the process.

I also researched the area in advance to locate potential flying sites and to review any local drone regulations. With many public parks putting restrictions on operating drones, it is important to research the rules and regulations for your potential flying sites before arriving at your destination.

This article details my experience throughout this trip.

Type of Case to Buy

Just throwing your drone into any backpack or suitcase can easily result in damage, even if you are extra careful when packing. Drones are aircraft and have many delicate parts that may easily break if not handled properly. Buying a specific case for your drone is highly recommended and is especially important if you are planning a hiking trip or will be traveling to several destinations. A variety of cases meet the size limitations for carry-on luggage and will ensure the drone will arrive in working order.