Traveling with a Drone
Thanks to drones, appreciating the world from above has never been easier. These small, remotely operated aircraft, typically fitted with cameras, have changed the world of photography, allowing people to capture stunning aerial shots of landscapes, cities, people, and events.
As of February 2024, there were nearly 800,000 drones registered in the United States by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). More than half of those are registered for recreational purposes, meaning a whole lot of people are having fun flying their toys all over the place. But before you travel, it's wise to familiarize yourself with the rules about bringing a drone on a plane and using it at your destination. Here's everything you need to know about traveling with your drone.
Can you bring a drone on a plane?
Yes, you can travel with a drone in your carry-on or checked luggage, depending on its size and the airline you're flying with. According to the FAA, drones containing lithium batteries, fuel cells, and certain parachute systems may be classified as dangerous goods, so contact your airline if you have any doubts. Keep in mind that spare lithium batteries aren't allowed in checked luggage, so you'll have to pack these in your carry-on baggage. While you can bring your drone and batteries in your carry-on baggage, the batteries must be under a certain size. If your drone's batteries come in below 100 Wh (watt-hours), you can carry as many as you want on the flight. However, if your batteries are between 101 and 160 Wh, you can only bring up to two spares per flight in your carry-on.
Can you bring a drone on a cruise ship?
There is no consistent answer by cruise line. Each has their own rules and regulations, but here is a current breakdown by cruise line. Always check with your specific cruise line before packing your UAV. Please note, flying a drone from the cruise ship is strictly forbidden at all times. Please don’t break this rule and ruin it for everyone. Now, on with the current status:
Carnival Cruises: Permitted by must be stored safely in your cabin at all times when the ship is at sea.
Disney Cruises: Not Permitted. All drones will be immediately confiscated by security when going through screening.
Princess Cruises: Not Permitted. All drones will be immediately confiscated by security when going through screening. The only exception is by pre-approved permit for company sponsored events.
Carnival Cruises: Permitted by must be stored safely in your cabin at all times when the ship is at sea.
Norwegian Cruise Lines: Not Permitted. All drones will be immediately confiscated by security when going through screening.
Cunard: Not Permitted. All drones will be immediately confiscated by security when going through screening.
Carnival Cruises: Permitted by must be stored safely in your cabin at all times when the ship is at sea.
Check out all the local drone flying laws before you depart.
There's nothing worse than diligently packing up all your gear, getting it on a plane, and arriving at your destination only to be told: "no flying allowed." Some places require a permit for the recreational or professional use of drones and may even confiscate your equipment if you don't have the necessary paperwork.
Before traveling, review the local flying and photography laws. For example, the National Park Service prohibits the "launching, landing, or operation of unmanned aircraft" in most national parks, unless approved for administrative purposes such as research or rescue operations.
Outside the U.S., things can get even more strict. For example, if you're caught bringing a drone into Morocco without a permit, it will likely be seized at the airport. The same goes for attractions and theme parks like Disney World, which includes drones under its list of prohibited items.
You can apply for a recreation drone permit to fly over or around historical sights as long as your drone is under 250 grams. You’ll need to apply for a commercial drone permit if your drone is heavier than the 250 gram threshold.
It’s also wise, and sometimes mandatory, to carry drone insurance. You’ll need to provide this when applying for a permit to fly over most historical sights. A great choice for Europe is FPV UK. You can obtain the minimum $5 million dollar policy for just $28 by signing up for a one-year membership.