🛸 Can you bring Drone / gimbal on a plane?
Cabin only (batteries must come out)
As of 2026-08-21
The rule in detail
Drones and gimbals follow the lithium-ion battery rules, which means cabin only. Take the battery out of the airframe and insulate the terminals with tape or an individual pouch. Up to 100Wh needs no approval; above 100Wh and up to 160Wh, airline approval gets you two. Carrying one is not the same as flying one — in many countries an unregistered flight means the aircraft is confiscated, so check the local registration rules before you go.
Why the rule is written this way
It is classified as Carry-on only because if it travels in the hold, no one can react when something goes wrong down there. In the cabin, crew can see the first sign of trouble and act on it.
Do not put it in your suitcase — move it into your cabin bag. The safest moment to do that is before you hand the suitcase over at the check-in desk.
What actually happens at the airport
- Check-in desk — this is the point of no return for your suitcase. Anything that may only travel in the cabin cannot be retrieved after this step.
- Security screening — if the X-ray flags a shape, the bag is opened. Most problem items are caught here.
- Extra check at the gate — on some routes there is one more inspection.
Confiscated items are rarely returned. If you are unsure, confirm the specification before you leave home.
Checking the airframe while carrying the batteries on board is fine — it is the batteries in the hold that are prohibited
Other items in the same class
The items below are also classified as Carry-on only. Quantity and volume limits differ per item, so check each rule separately.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| 🔋 Power bank / lithium-ion battery | Cabin only (never checked) |
| 🔥 Lighter / matches | One in the cabin, on your person (not checked) |
| 🚬 E-cigarette (vape / heated tobacco) | Cabin only (not checked) |
| 💻 Laptop / tablet / camera | Cabin by default (conditions if checked) |
Frequently asked questions
- Drone / gimbal — can I take it in the cabin?
- Cabin only (batteries must come out). Drones and gimbals follow the lithium-ion battery rules, which means cabin only. Take the battery out of the airframe and insulate the terminals with tape or an individual pouch. Up to 100Wh needs no approval; above 100Wh and up to 160Wh, airline approval gets you two. Carrying one is not the same as flying one — in many countries an unregistered flight means the aircraft is confiscated, so check the local registration rules before you go.
- Is there anything else to watch out for with Drone / gimbal?
- Checking the airframe while carrying the batteries on board is fine — it is the batteries in the hold that are prohibited