Helpful Tips To Travel With A Drone
Travelling with a drone has opened up so many new possibilities for photographers and travel writers and has given them the ability to take videos and photos from new and unique angles. If you’re in the dark about what you can and can’t take with you, or where you can and can’t fly, we’ve provided a guideline for both international and domestic travelers.
A checklist is very necessary
Make a list of the equipment you need for your drone, including tools and spare parts. Include any necessary drone and camera gear on your list, like filters, lens hood, lens wipes, charge cables, remote controller, spare batteries, props and parts, and any other accessories important to your mission.
Once the list is complete, go though it again and ask yourself for each item, "do I really need this?" It’s important to be prepared, but not burdened by your gear. Take only what you need.
Learn about the local drone laws
If there’s a place you want to fly a drone, chances are someone already has and likely got in trouble for it. To avoid a similar experience, start your research with an online search of where you’re going, and specifically the exact spots where you want to fly. A quick Google search will provide resources to check the rules and regulations for UAVs in your local area, and also in the area that you’re traveling to.
Find a perfect drone bag
The first dilemma of traveling with a drone is figuring out the best way to pack it. If you choose a bag that does not fit your drone, it may cause damage. You can buy the drone bag from the store or site where you bought your drone. I believe they have tailored bags for drones they sold.
Travel with your drone as carry-on luggage
Drones are expensive and fragile so we avoid checking in our drones unless the airline rules require it: Emirates, for example, require drones to be transported in check in luggage. The lithium polymer batteries are a legitimate fire risk so be sure you follow the airline rules regarding their transportation as there are typically restrictions on the number of batteries and where they should be stored in your luggage.
Never fly near military bases or airports
No matter where you are, you may NOT fly on or around military bases, or within 5 miles of an airport. Also, certain resorts will have a strict no-fly policy for the privacy of their guests, and historical/religious sites may also restrict drones.
My last advice is to take a portable drone with you, like the Autel EVO Nano or Nano+, because the smaller your drone, the less paperwork and process it takes to take off.
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