Having a drone in your suitcase is now as essential as taking suncream with you.

HOWEVER

There are several things you need to consider before taking your drone for a holiday.

Batteries – You may or may not know but transporting Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries is classed as ‘Dangerous Goods’ which inevitably comes with restrictions and measures which need to be adhered to.

Over the recent years there has been several media released of batteries bursting into flames – the Samsung Galaxy 8 was a huge one. Obviously this will be less than ideal for all those onboard at 40,000ft.

You will only be allowed up to 2 spare batteries and they will have to have a limit rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery, this can be found on the packaging or on the battery itself.

TB50 battery example:

The spare batteries must be carried in your carry on luggage and during this transit they must be protected, terminals protected, free from damage / swelling or on a recall list. To ensure they are protected and that if, for some freak reason, do decide to combust, it is highly advised they are transported in a LiPo bag.

These bags are designed to contain the battery so that nothing else burns as a result as once they light, there is no stopping them.

Lipo bag with 2 TB50 batteries:

If you can – pop all your drone and batteries together in your hand luggage as it will be safer and you can keep an eye on it and not risk it getting smashed when your hold luggage is thrown underneath…

So, you’ve got through customs, made the flight, checked in and off to get those influencer style shots… but have you checked the local law?