What you need to know before flying with your RC car, drone, or model aircraft
As we get into the travel season, I thought it would be useful to share my research on how to safely travel with your radio control items. I have successfully traveled on commercial domestic US flights with two of my RC crawlers before. This information applies to any class of radio control model – there is no distinction from the FAA or TSA. So this information applies to cars, drones, boats, model aircraft, etc. when traveling domestic in the US (please check with your airline when flying international).
I took this information from some trusted hobby sites and also TSA and FAA, however this is not formal legal advice so please do read up and understand all the regulations associated with your airline.
Can you fly on commercial airlines with lipo batteries?
Yes! And while these are likely the most hazardous item that you’re going to be traveling with, they are allowed on commercial airlines. However – they need to be carried with you in your carry-on luggage, i.e., walked onto the aircraft. You cannot check them in your checked bag. This includes any lithium batteries that are in any transmitters or battery banks. They will need to be removed from any checked bag, even if you have to check your bag at the gate.
A few people have suggested storage charging your batteries. Don’t take them on fully charged. Also make sure to travel with them stored in a liposafe charge bag. It’s also important to ensure the battery terminals (the end part that you plug into stuff) is covered. You can do that via electrical tape by taping the ends, or plugging them with aftermarket silicone caps. That with make sure that they can’t accidentally come into contact with metal (arcing) which can cause sparks.
There are no quantity limits (surprisingly) so you can take on as many as you want. However, they must be for personal use only (not for resale or redistribution). For example, if you’re traveling to an RC event and selling batteries, that is not allowed.
What about cell count limits to your batteries? Can you take on 6s batteries?
There are no cell count limits for traveling on a commercial airline with lipo batteries. However they do limit it to batteries that are rated to 100 watt hours or less. To find the watt hour rating, you can check on your battery label – sometimes it’s listed. You can also calculate the watt hour rating yourself. Luckily, most RC batteries fall below the 100 watt hour. However, if they are above 100 watt hours, you are limited to two.
Flying with your RC Transmitter
Your transmitter can be taken with you in your carry-on or in your checked bag. If it’s powered by a lithium battery, you will need to remove that and take it with you in your carry-on as I mentioned previously. Because transmitters can be pricey, I usually travel with mine in my carry-on.
Some have suggested refraining from calling it a ‘transmitter’ when you’re walking through the TSA security line since it may raise some unnecessary red flags. Instead, call it an RC controller.
I also remove the AAA or AA batteries from my transmitters so that it’s not accidentally turned on while it’s shuffling around in your bag. I’ve had that happen before, and when you go to use it you have a dead transmitter. So now I remove that and put them back in when I get to my location.
Flying with your RC car, drone, boat etc.
You can carry on or check your RC models. I’ve done both just fine, but I prefer to travel with the actual models with me as a carry on so I know that they are well protected. For vehicles, I take the wheels and body off since it’s usually the most compact storage option. I can fit those nicely in a duffel bag and it can be stored in the overhead bin (or you even in front of the seat, depending on the size).
It’s also helpful to bring any instructions manuals for your electronics with you. You can also download digital copies and have those easily accessible on your phone. If there’s any issues whatsoever you can easily pull up the instructions manuals and reference them.
Can you bring on RC tools?
In some, tools like hobby blades can be considered weapons so out of an abundance of caution I would put those in a checked bag.
Can you bring RC chargers?
RC chargers can be in your carry-on or in your checked bag.
Can you fly with nitro RC?
I don’t have any nitro RC myself, but it is suggested to not travel with nitro RC. If the model is brand new – never come into contact with nitro fuel, and you’re not traveling with any fuel – you can probably safely travel with it. However, if it has been used, it is not a good idea to be traveling with any nitro RC on a commercial airline. Please double check this information with your airline.
