Can you bring a drone on a plane? TSA rules, battery limits, and expert tips

If you’re planning to travel with your drone in 2025, you’re not alone. Whether you’re heading to Hawaii for epic waterfall shots or traveling for work, the question remains: Can you bring a drone on a plane? And more importantly, what are the TSA and FAA rules for flying with drone batteries?

Here’s your up-to-date, comprehensive guide to traveling with drones — covering TSA regulations, airline-specific baggage rules, battery safety requirements, and international travel tips.

Can you bring a drone through TSA in your carry-on?

Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows drones through airport security checkpoints in the United States. That applies to both carry-on and checked baggage, though carry-on is preferred for most drone equipment.

However, while TSA gives the green light, individual airlines may have their own policies. Always check with your airline before flying.

Should you pack your drone in carry-on or checked baggage?

While most airlines allow drones onboard, the batteries are the limiting factor. Lithium and lithium-ion batteries are often banned from checked luggage due to fire risk. In general:

• Drones can go in either carry-on or checked baggage
• Batteries must go in carry-on baggage only

For example:

• Delta Air Lines requires lithium batteries to be removed from any drone that’s checked at the gate or ticket counter. The batteries must travel in the cabin.
• Southwest Airlines allows drones in either type of luggage but mandates that spare batteries remain in your carry-on bag.

Pro tip: Always check the airline’s restricted items list and baggage rules before flying.

Flying with drone batteries: FAA regulations

The FAA restricts spare lithium batteries in checked luggage, and the rules are specific:

What’s allowed (in carry-on only):

• Spare drone batteries
• Power banks
• External chargers
• Cell phone and laptop batteries

What’s prohibited in checked baggage:

• All of the above

Battery watt-hour (Wh) limits:

• Up to 100Wh: No limit on quantity (unless your airline says otherwise)
• 101–160Wh: Limited to two batteries, with airline approval
• Over 160Wh: Prohibited from passenger flights

Check your drone’s manual or battery label for its Wh rating. Most consumer drones (like DJI Mini or Mavic series) fall under 100Wh. Industrial drones like the DJI Matrice 350 RTK use 263Wh batteries—which are not allowed on commercial flights.

Smart battery safety tips for air travel

1. Use fireproof battery bags

While not required by TSA, Lipo-safe battery bags are highly recommended, considering Lipo batteries have been known to cause fires. They contain any combustion or fire risk in case a battery malfunctions mid-flight. Most cost under $20 and add peace of mind for you and your airline.

Plus, they’re not too big anyway. Most fireproof battery pouches for individual batteries aren’t too large and can easily tuck in an existing carry-on bag.

2. Limit battery quantity

Even if your batteries are under 100Wh, some airlines cap how many you can bring beyond TSA limits:

• Southwest Airlines: Max 20 spare batteries per passenger
• Others: May have no formal limit, but use discretion

If you need to bring more, ask your travel companion to carry some of the extras in their bag.

3. Label your gear clearly

Some TSA agents are unfamiliar with drone tech. To avoid delays:

• Place a printed copy of the FAA/TSA battery policy inside your drone case
• Label your Lipo bags with battery capacity (Wh) and chemistry (Li-ion, Lipo, etc.)
• Be prepared to answer basic questions about what your drone is

Tips for going through TSA with a drone

Although TSA allows drones, here’s how to make your security screening smoother:

• Inform the TSA agent that you’re carrying a drone.
• Keep batteries in their own Lipo-safe bag.
• Don’t bury the drone deep in your bag—make it easy to remove if asked.

Pro-tip: If you’re traveling frequently, create a travel checklist for your drone gear, including FAA-legal battery storage, labeled cases, and charging accessories.

Can you fly with a drone internationally?

This is where things get complicated.

Unlike the U.S., drone laws vary dramatically by country. While TSA and FAA rules apply to U.S. airspace, other countries may:

• Require drone registration on arrival
• Confiscate drones at customs (especially in restricted nations)
• Impose steep fines or deposits to “guarantee” export

Real-world example:

I talked to one drone pilot who was flying to Bali. He was required to pay a $2,000 deposit to bring in a drone, which would not be returned if the drone wasn’t brought back out. Other travelers have had drones confiscated on arrival despite proper paperwork.

How to avoid international drone travel issues

• Check the drone laws of your destination in advance. UAV Coach offers an excellent global drone laws directory.
• Review the website of that country’s aviation authority for the most up-to-date rules.
• Print out confirmation of registration and import permissions, if applicable.

If you’re traveling with expensive drone gear, consider drone insurance. If you do purchase a policy, verify what’s covered in case of confiscation or delay.

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