Drones are ubiquitous. Not only are they used in cutting edge ways for business purposes but people are also enjoying them for personal use. Because they help us capture so many amazing things on film, many people like to hit the road with their drones.
Depending on the size, however, taking them with you isn’t always easy. Don’t give up, though, as there are ways to make it happen. Read on for five travel knowledge tips for trekking with your drone. If you’re still in the market for a drone, visit a site like BestlyProducts.com to find the best one for your journey.
1. Don’t Check The Drone On Your Flight
As with everything, a checked bag is a risk, as bags do get lost. Always bring your valuables with you in case that happens, so carry these with you along with any expensive jewelry and other items. This is probably the biggest piece of travel advice any road warrior will give you. Of course, a drone can be sizable, so packing one can take a bit of preparation.
Just like with camera gear, you can search for bags that are specifically made to carry your drone. If it is small enough to carry on, you’ll want it to be durable but come with a soft shell so you can store it with overhead baggage without it getting damaged. According to this article on PremiumBeat.com, there is an official soft bag for drones, but there are plenty others you can find online as well.
Unfortunately, some drones are too big to carry on so, if that pertains to you, you’ll want to pack it in a case with a hard shell. If you’ve ever watched the guys who unload your baggage from the plane, you understand why this is so! The most important component of either choice is that the bag has adequate padding on the inside.
2. Research the Policy On Lithium Batteries
Because the FAA often restricts travelers to two lithium batteries over 100 watt hours maximum, you’ll want to confirm this with your airlines and obviously be compliant. There is no limit for lithium batteries under 100 watt hours.
Avoid packing your batteries with your drone. Also, be sure to protect the battery terminals, even if this just means covering them with tape. Although the rules are constantly changing and evolving, it’d be a good decision to look over the list of drone regulations by country.
3. Be Transparent About The Batteries
Don’t try to conceal the batteries, as it won’t work and could obstruct your progress through the security line. Put them in their own bin, as they will almost certainly be inspected anyway. This will keep you moving along and get you to your gate.
4. Consider Insurance
Because things can—and do—often go wrong during trips, it’d be wise to think of insurance. Some conventional plans might cover accidental damage to a drone but, to be absolutely sure, it’s best to go through an actual drone insurance broker. This agency will give you bespoke cover for the flights you’re planning on taking, whether it’s commercial or recreational. Better to be safe than sorry!
5. Bring Your Repair Kit
Whether you’re planning on using your drone for business or pleasure, you definitely don’t want to get caught in a situation where you arrive at your destination and it has been damaged.
Something could also happen to it once you arrive—as accidents do happen—so you want to be sure to pack your drone tool kit and extra propellers. As the PremiumBeat.com article note`s, take advantage if the propellers are new and keep them safe in their original packaging.
If you’re a true drone-lover, you likely want to bring it with you wherever you go. It’s always an adventure, and we get that. Follow these tips and you and your trusty drone should be free to fly.
