What are some tips to take the P3S on the airplane? Also, is it possible?

Tip 1. Do not fly it in the cabin.  You will most likey break props if you try.

Tip 2. Be discreet about it. In some countries one aircraft entering another aircraft can violate the public decency laws.

You always want to check with our airline or where you're going for any restrictions. In general, domestic flights have only reallly acquired that the LiPo batteries are carry on.

Cabansail Posted at 2017-2-16 17:44
Tip 1. Do not fly it in the cabin.  You will most likey break props if you try.

Duh, I am just taking to for one flight..lol

Also, should I buy a DJI Phantom Series hard case for my P3S?  https://store.dji.com/product/mu ... ?from=menu_products

KevDrones Posted at 2017-2-17 10:13
Also, should I buy a DJI Phantom Series hard case for my P3S?  https://store.dji.com/product/multifunctional-backpack-for-phantom-series?from=menu_products

Seriously the airlines should not have an issue with taking it as hand luggage, any problem will be with batteries. There can be restrictions and procedures surrounding batteries which contain lithium due to fire hazards. It would be best to check their policies before you book or fly.

Expect some interest when you put it through the X-Ray as it will be an unusual item. They may want to just have a look to make their day a bit different. I have had the same thing when bringing my cameras through security, sometimes one of the officers wants to have a look at the lenses. Have been asked how I find various items to use etc.

The hardcase would make it easier and safer.  It also makes it look like you are used to traveling with the aircraft.

Discharge the batteries down to 30 percent and package them in separate .platic bags if you don't have lipo bags. This prevents any chance of battery contacts shorting.
Also a good idea to label thar bags with the battery capacity (w/h) in case there are any questions

I went on an international flight in September with my P3S with no issues at all.  They were more interested in my laptop than my drone.

Philly Phantom Posted at 2017-2-18 07:13
I went on an international flight in September with my P3S with no issues at all.  They were more interested in my laptop than my drone.

Which airline? How did you pack the drone, did you check the drone in to cargo or take it with you. How many batteries?

KevDrones Posted at 2017-2-18 09:07
Which airline? How did you pack the drone, did you check the drone in to cargo or take it with you. How many batteries?

I bought this:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/produc ... 0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jet Blue.  Carry on with 2 batteries and my 10" tablet in the bag.  No issues at all.  Didn't even make me open the bag.

KevDrones Posted at 2017-2-18 09:07
Which airline? How did you pack the drone, did you check the drone in to cargo or take it with you. How many batteries?

Go to your airline's website and search for Lithium or batteries in their dangerous goods section.
They all have the same info which is: you must carry your batteries on and cannot put them in checked luggage.
No-one will care or be particularly interested in the Phantom.
They see them every day of the week.
You always gety comments on forums suggesting you should discharge batteries but this is just a myth.
No airline or TSA person will ever ask about this and no airline mentions it on their website.

It's a bit like taking dangerous items on board. No way would they allow me to carry a club or asp on an aircraft but I routinely fly with a Manfroto Monopod.



Top one is fine the lower one is not allowed. Both would make quite a dent in a skull.

I took my P3S on a trip to Thailand a few weeks ago. I bought a backpack for the drone and simply carried it on the flight. No one blinked an eye.

Cabansail Posted at 2017-2-19 17:40
It's a bit like taking dangerous items on board. No way would they allow me to carry a club or asp on an aircraft but I routinely fly with a Manfroto Monopod.

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It's all about whether or not it's on the list.

A Qantas pilot friend told me about trouble he had getting through security with his First Officer who had a pair of nail clippers in his bag.
The security person said to him with a straight face .. Sir, I cannot allow you to board the plane with anything that may assist you to take over control of the plane.

In Dublin it was revealed that after going through the security check and X-Ray, where items like nail files etc. would be confiscated, you could then go into the gift shop and buy a Swiss Army Knife. Not only with various blades but also that tool to remove stones from a horses hoof.

I did get into trouble there once. Had a particularly rude and hostile operator in the security. I had taken my laptop out etc. She then barked at me to take off my jacket. I complied. Next it was snarled that I had to remove my belt (even though it never beeped) and shoes. I was a bit shocked at her tone but did as ordered. I then took off my shirt too. She got VERY angry at that point and demanded to know what I was doing. I said I was continuing to get undressed as I did not want to be yelled at any further. Quite a few giggles from the others in the queue, which annoyed  her further. I was then taken aside and had to speak to her supervisor. Apparently my bare chest had offended her. I said I hope she never goes to the beach or a pool then. The supervisor was trying to look stern but also found it to be ridiculous. I had to sincerely apologise to be allowed to continue to my flight.

Cabansail Posted at 2017-2-19 20:18
In Dublin it was revealed that after going through the security check and X-Ray, where items like nail files etc. would be confiscated, you could then go into the gift shop and buy a Swiss Army Knife. Not only with various blades but also that tool to remove stones from a horses hoof.

I did get into trouble there once. Had a particularly rude and hostile operator in the security. I had taken my laptop out etc. She then barked at me to take off my jacket. I complied. Next it was snarled that I had to remove my belt (even though it never beeped) and shoes. I was a bit shocked at her tone but did as ordered. I then took off my shirt too. She got VERY angry at that point and demanded to know what I was doing. I said I was continuing to get undressed as I did not want to be yelled at any further. Quite a few giggles from the others in the queue, which annoyed  her further. I was then taken aside and had to speak to her supervisor. Apparently my bare chest had offended her. I said I hope she never goes to the beach or a pool then. The supervisor was trying to look stern but also found it to be ridiculous. I had to sincerely apologise to be allowed to continue to my flight.

The public humiliation of having to meekly comply with the orders of a random power-tripping employee isn't enough. They want you to LIKE it. And she was offended at your humour? It's as if hurt feelings are as bad as crimes in the west these days.

I should not do it but sometimes I cannot help but challenge authority

They need to protect the airplanes so if I can't bring the drone for safety I am okay.