Are you heading on your first holiday this summer with your drone? Drones make excellent travel companions and are a fantastic way of getting amazing and unique photos and videos. However, in your pursuit to get this type of content, don’t risk fines or getting your drone confiscated! Below we have outlined practical drone travel tips so that you can travel safely and smartly and with peace of mind.
Keep Batteries In Your Carry-On Bag
When you’re travelling by plane, you can either check your drone in or carry it on the plane with you. If you’re flying with a larger drone, you’ll probably need to check it in, as the cases can be relatively large and may exceed the airline’s size requirements for carry-ons. If you’re flying with a smaller drone, carrying it on the plane is certainly a possibility.
However, regardless of whether or not you check your drone in, do not put batteries in a checked bag! This is due to the fact that bags aren’t stored in a pressurised environment, and temperatures won’t fluctuate as strongly in the passenger cabin.
Getting Through Security
The advancement of drone technology has made them more common. A few years ago, if you were travelling with a drone, you were sure to draw some attention. However, these days it is not problematic at all to fly with a drone. They are currently classified as consumer electronics.
What will draw attention is the extra batteries that you are carrying. When you are going through security, ensure that you put your batteries in their own tray, just as you would with a laptop for example. Don’t be surprised if you get asked what the batteries are for. Some airport security may insist upon inspecting your drone and may give it a bit more scrutiny while screening, but’s unlikely you will have any issues. However, your experience will differ when you are flying internationally.
Practice Before You Travel
With the increased number of smart features on drones, they are becoming easier to fly. However, that does not mean that they are not completely reliable. It is important that you know how to fly your drone properly before you decide to take your new piece of tech on your next trip. Even if you have drone flying experience, it wouldn’t hurt to practice a few flight paths that are similar to how you would fly whilst on holiday.
Research Local Laws & Your Specific Location
Laws vary from country to country, and laws where you live don’t necessarily apply elsewhere. Respect the regulations in the country your visiting and check their aviation authority’s official website for details.
Also, it’s a good idea to have an idea of where you are going to fly before you get there. Google Maps is a great tool for planning your drone flight path. This will give you an idea of the scenery, hazards, and what you want to capture as images or video.
Furthermore, our insurance coverage is only in full force if the pilot is complying with local rules and regulations, and have the relevant permissions to fly in that area – another important reason to research this prior to your holiday!
Insurance
Whilst flying your drone in another country, there is a chance that things may not go your way and your drone suffers damage or loss, or even injury somebody or potentially damage their property. It’s good to insure your drone in case of such an event and you will have fewer worries in case something happens to your drone.
Our drone insurance policies provide worldwide cover; therefore, you can operate your drone anywhere in the world (subject to certain excluded territories). Also, fully policy cover is in force whether you are flying your drone, transporting it, or storing it.
With a bit of planning and research, taking your drone on holiday can provide you a fantastic opportunity to turn your trip into a mini documentary! Instead of a few pictures to show, you can share stunning videos and images with your friends about your drone travelling adventures.