Travelling abroad with an FPV drone and batteries can be an exciting yet challenging, but with a little preparation it’s really easier than it seems. Drawing from my experience, I will share some tips and insights on how to travel with FPV drones and LiPo batteries on an airplane smoothly.
If you are not travelling on plane, check out these this spacious backpacks designed for FPV I recently reviewed which is great for hiking.
Here’s my portable setup for travelling: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-travel-setup/
Country-Specific Drone Restrictions
Some countries prohibit drones entirely (or have a limit on drone weight). Before traveling, check the local requirements for drones to avoid unwelcome surprises at customs. Don’t assume you’ll be able to bring your drone without prior research.
Separate Your FPV Drone Related Stuff
Keep your FPV stuff separate from other essentials.
Place items likely to be checked or confiscated, like batteries, in a single bag. This minimizes the risk of losing important belongings. Batteries must be in carry-on luggage, while sharp tools should be in checked baggage.
If you’re carrying the drone in carry-on, remove the props to prevent damage. I normally travel with the drone in my carry on, but I have also been asked specifically to put the drone in my checked baggage before, so prepared for that (leave enough room in the suitcase for the drone).
Equipment with batteries, like radios, should also be in carry-on unless the battery is removed.
How Many LiPo Are Allowed On Plane?
Airline and airport regulations on LiPo batteries vary. Large and well equipped airports seem to be fine usually (probably because they deal with it all the times), but smaller airports can be more nervous about LiPo’s. Check both the airline and airport’s websites or contact them directly for clarity.
For example, the FAA calculates battery allowance by watt-hours:
Watt hours (Wh) = 3.7V (Nominal Voltage) x Cell Count x Capacity (Amp hours Ah)
FPV drone batteries are generally measured in mAh (milliamp-hours), where 1000mAh is equivalent to 1Ah. For instance, a 6S 1000mAh battery calculation would be:
3.7V x 6 x 1000mAh/1000 = 22.2 Wh (Watt hours)
According to FAA rules, there’s no limit on the number of batteries as long as no single battery exceeds 100Wh, making this 6S 1000mAh LiPo permissible for travel.
Typically, FPV drone LiPo batteries are well below this watt-hour limit, so there shouldn’t be a restriction on the quantity you can carry. However, be mindful that security may become apprehensive if you have an excessive number, so exercise discretion!
Battery Preparation and Security Before Travelling
Batteries are only allowed as carry-on baggage.
Personally, I always cover the battery terminals (XT30/XT60 and balance connectors) with caps to prevent shorting during transportation. Although the design of the XT60 connector inherently protects against short-circuiting, it’s always better to be prepared.
Get XT60 caps here:
Get XT30 caps here:
Place batteries in as many separate “LiPo safe” bags as you see necessary. Get some LiPo Safe bags from here: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-tools/#LiPo-Safe-Bags
Ensure all your batteries are labeled clearly, showing their nominal voltage, capacity, and watt-hours. This is important, as security might check the labels to verify they meet the requirements.
It’s also good practice to store your LiPo batteries at storage voltage (3.80V – 3.85V per cell). While I’ve never had my batteries checked for storage charge, erring on the side of caution is advisable.
Print out the airline’s regulations regarding LiPo batteries and keep it with your batteries. In case of any issues, you can then present the documentation for clarification.
Once you’ve boarded the plane, you can place your FPV drone and batteries in the overhead locker.
Be Transparent and Patient
Consider this tip a cardinal rule for drone travel: the words you use to describe your FPV drone to travel officials have the power to ruin your trip.
Personally, I avoid insider terms like “5-inch”, “quadcopter”, “multirotor”, “mini quad”, or anything else that might sound cool. It is, for the duration of your trip, a “camera drone” or a “remote-controlled toy helicopter”. This will save a lot of explaining.
If using a LiPo bag, consider removing or covering words like “explosion” and “fire” to avoid drawing unnecessary attention at checkpoints.
With everything you do, you want to give the impression that you have nothing to hide (after all, you don’t!). For example, if you plan to pack your FPV drone as carry-on, proactively take it out and place it in the tray at the Airport security checkpoint.
The key is to convey transparency. For instance, if you’re carrying your mini quad in your carry-on, proactively take it out and place it in the tray at the airport security checkpoint.
Expect some suspicion – it’s part of security agents’ job. Make sure your quadcopter is easily accessible in case agents need to inspect it.
If you find yourself in a situation where someone has the power to make the call whether or not to confiscate your drone for good, your kind words and friendly demeanor might mean the difference between keeping or losing it. Expect and be prepared that you will likely be hassled at the airport for traveling with a drone and especially lots of LiPo batteries. And remember that those hassles serve the purpose of keeping us all safer in the skies.
Dealing with Security Issues
Even with all precautions, you might encounter security personnel who are not familiar with the regulations. I had a friend who once had to discard all his batteries when returning from a foreign country despite having the regulations printed out. Sometimes, you might face someone determined to make your day challenging, and there’s little that can be done in such situations.
Conclusion
Traveling abroad with FPV drones and batteries requires preparation and understanding of both international and country-specific regulations. Always carry documentation regarding battery regulations, be prepared for security checks, and research drone laws in your destination country. While most experiences should be hassle-free, always be prepared for the unexpected and remain adaptable. With these tips, you can enjoy your FPV drone adventures around the world without major setbacks.
Lastly, while these tips have been serving me well personally, you should always check with your particular airline and airport to make sure you’re aware of any specific rules they may have.
Edit History
- Jul 2016 – Article created
- Mar 2019 – Article re-written
- Dec 2022 – Shortened URL
- Dec 2023 – Updated article
