Taking Drone Gear Through Airport Security

How I pack my bags and manage TSA with mass amounts of FPV drone equipment.
Instagram: @drewcamden
Twitter: @drewcamden
Merch at teespring.com/stores/ledrib
-- Drone Gear --
My Main Freestyle Quad:
GoPro HERO7 Black: amzn.to/2Op6IB7
Skyeliner Airframe: store.rotorriot.com/le-drib-s...
Hypetrain Riot Control FC: amzn.to/2Jm3mbv
DYS Aria BLHeli 32bit ESCs: amzn.to/2xbfK7Z
Hypetrain Le Drib Motor V2: store.rotorriot.com/hypetrain...
WinDancer 5042 Props: amzn.to/2FxlMZX
HQ 5x4.3x3V1S Props: amzn.to/2PIwsJQ
Rotor Riot Swift 2 FPV Cam: amzn.to/2g5XDuC
IRC Tramp VTX: amzn.to/2xaceQ2
Lumenier AXII antenna: amzn.to/2ryO3pK
Spektrum Quad Race Receiver With Telemetry: amzn.to/2nDWgZI
Kwad Skids! amzn.to/2FZgC59
FPV:
Fatshark HDO: amzn.to/2rzhhVs
Immersion RC Rapid Fire: amzn.to/2xXYGEM
Transmitter:
Spektrum iX12: amzn.to/2jOA1fq
Spektrum DX9 Black Edition: amzn.to/2mXuFxI
Antenna mod: amzn.to/2mPNcNr
Tools & Other Gear:
BACKPACK: amzn.to/2s4EYHA
BEST SOLDERING IRON: amzn.to/2qy34cw
Electric Screwdriver: amzn.to/2jLLjkp
My favorite charger: goo.gl/Mrbjgp
DJI Mavic: amzn.to/2lTuZkj
-- Vlogging Gear --
LUMIX G85 w/ kit lens: amzn.to/2ouxV9j
My Daily Lens 12-35 f/2.8: amzn.to/2IbqARN
Cheap prime lens for cinematic shots: amzn.to/2iYIJuO
Rode mic: amzn.to/2iWDXOg
bendy tripod: amzn.to/2iX67ca
-- Contact --
Drew Camden
P.O. Box 80
Clawson, MI, United States 48017
[e-mail]
-- tunes in this flick --
"Take it Easy" by Joakim Karud
/ joakimkarud
"Glamb" by Matty A
/ mattyamusic
"keys lo" by Clueless Kit
/ cluelesskit
"Good Mood" by Andrew Applepie
/ andrewapplepie

[@RudeAnSmellyFPV]

The worst thing that’s happened to me while traveling with my gear is the security guard telling me about his brother-in-law’s phantom.

[@ChrisJohnsoniShootnRaw]

Lol

[@Alphabetbubi]

"Oh dear, yes I fly a Drone my self - got it for fifty bucks at wallmart. How much did yours cost?"

[@MikeLaRock88]

Hahahah yesss! 😂

[@pleiadianpilot5076]

Hahaha, iv been on the other end of this when i only had an inspire.. Now i have a 5" and can fly it well, i understand the laughs i used to get when talking to fpv guys about the inspire 🤣

[@fpfree8821]

Hahahaha. Classic!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

If you have TSA Pre-Check, this goes even smoother. I regularly go through the security line without taking a single thing out of my flight bag. This includes laptop, lipos, tools... it just rolls through and they DGAF. Pre-Check is $85 for five years and if you travel a lot in the U.S. it's well worth it. You skip to the front of the line in most airports and security is a breeze.

[@mountainbikemike]

Jeeze. Thats good, How exactly do they stop dodgy people from making use of this

[@vedde7309]

Yep. TSA is real secure alright.

[@jasonguy1497]

@@mountainbikemike getting pre check involves a very thorough background check and an in person interview.

[@endoracing]

@@mountainbikemike Pre-check is exactly what the name implies - a pre-check into you with a background check. They still scan your stuff and do random screenings. TSA is all for show anyways. People have made it through with plenty of stuff that they shouldn't have even with the "strict" requirements they have now.

[@utspish]

@@endoracing I got stopped in shanghai because there was a souvenir lighter in my checked luggage. I was lead to a room where a guy in protective gear proceeded to go through my bag before getting the lighter out and... handing it back to me saying "NO LIGHTER". So I just threw it in my carry on bag and no one noticed even after scanning my carry on...

[@adamhixon]

Wait, you asked the TSA agent a question and didn't get yelled at for wasting everyone's time? I must be flying the wrong airports.

[@JackHartwig]

That looked like the most peaceful TSA line ever.

[@xjet]

Oh man, I fondly remember the days when you just rocked up to the airport and walked onto the plane. Yeah, I'm *that* old. What a hassle these days -- even transiting through an US airport is a nightmare now.

[@Six2226]

Actually very educational video.... much appreciated 👍

[@thebrotographerscollective6492]

Your transitions in editing are legit! Great flying and very helpful video!

[@KimFusedFPV]

First time traveling with drones in two weeks & I soo appreciate this right now. Thank you! ❤️👍🤞

[@rwdesigner]

Really great video, Drew! Info-tainment at it’s finest.

[@coryvenezia5530]

Drew I must say that I love waking up for work and to watch a new le drib video. Ur a big part of this new fav community and whats great is that I can tell u have a big heart and truly care about helping others. ur videos are the best.

[@EnzoM]

Man the dripper is such a blast! Thanks again for letting me and Eli fly it. Now we now the secret to bumming a charger! :) I just posted my kwad camp freestyle edit and I’m super happy with it. Cheers

[@SeaToSummit1969]

If you go through busy airports, TSA Pre-Check is such a godsend. Makes things so much faster. Though I’ve never traveled with nearly as much gear as you do.

[@diggy2107]

Thank you so much Le drib this is very good to know!,ty

[@orbitfpv7647]

Thank you for this video Drew i have seen sooooo many videos on this recently getting ready for my trip to the Multigp 2019 Nationals and i think this one helped the most

[@Adam-W-]

Thats answered a lot of questions mate thanks for posting this! 😬

[@lamont12373]

I fly at least three times a week all over the us because of my job but I’ve never had to take out that much of my drone equipment and I bring it with me everywhere I fly

[@ElmersFPV]

very useful tips. thanks Drew ♥️

[@alexalex5257]

Man you rock! Nice flying skills:)

[@Mattlogstondiving2024]

You deserve so many more views i love your vids keep it up

[@Zedorek]

i went to Manila, to bangkok and phuket with my 2 racing quads. Never had I a problem only that Torvol bag is big for the overhead compartment. Make sure you are the first in plane to store it. The other thing is that they do always check the batteries but never have I had a problem.

[@amen_ra6926]

And either you or someone needs to keep an eye on your stuff going through x-ray because someone could distract you or get ahead of you while you go through the scanner and scoop up some of your items on the conveyor before you get there. Basically, it's a crime of opportunity. Pre-911 days it was easier because you didn't need to show proof with ID and a boarding pass to go to the gates so groups of thieves had no problems stealing stuff at the checkpoint. Now it's harder but the pros still manage.

[@quikjfpv1665]

Great tips Drib snd flying of course. I'm heading home to Cali in a couple of weeks. Just realized I've flown with my quads quite a few times now. Taking your batteries out of your bag and your props off goes a long way. I also keep my batteries in lipo safe bags, individually separated at storage charge. They've never checked the voltage, but I find it to be a good practice. They only really care about the batteries and my charger/parallel board, in my experience.

[@will450ktm]

Thanks Drew really helpful 👍

[@Yakito666]

Taking my drone to Iceland in a week. You couldn't have timed it better. Thank you.

[@robmulally]

Great video thanks drew

[@PortalFPV]

TSA precheck, just set my whole bag on the belt completely loaded and they didn't even bat an eye. that was in PDX. LAX did the same thing and they only wanted to inspect the batteries for residue

[@Jdogg5343]

I feel as though alot of people needed to see this video to not only know first and foremost to cooperate with TSA. But also for peace of mind that one can travel with quads without freaking out that they will be taken or you will be tagged a terrorist in today's traveling debacles. Great short awareness vid! What were you flying in the beginning of the vid?

[@dronereviewman9580]

Fpv makes me so happy!!

[@richardaffonso]

Excellent!! Good dude.

[@RCDUDEFPV]

GREAT TIPS DUDE !

[@jacobscoville2044]

Really informational! I used to be so afraid of taking my gimbals and drone gear through TSA but now I just feel bad for holding up the line behind me.

[@pauldwheeler]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time. Few questions (sorry if they've already been asked): Regarding Lipo batteries, do you put them in storage charge for air travel? Do you cover the XT60 connectors to prevent shorting? Regarding your bag, looks like (and link is to) the Lowepro Quadguard BP X3. An older vid of yours features the X2. The Quadguard/Droneguard line looks excellent. Have you tried or seen all the other Lowepro sizes/configurations? What makes the X3 the best in your book? I'm trying to decide which is the best size/configuration for my needs. Thanks again! Something to think about when traveling with the Mavic Pro and it's smart batteries. . .If one travels with a Mavic battery IN the quad, it can accidentally get turned on in your bag (it's not impossible to do that double-tap by accident). A Mavic turned on in an enclosed space = overheating as well as potential gimbal damage. Anecdotally, I heard about a guy who realized he'd made this error when smoke started coming from the overhead bin. True? Who knows. Plausible? Definitely! Fly safe!

[@DavidOwensuk]

Great video!

[@somberjp]

holy shit, the whoop flow at the beginning is fire

[@quadsquadfpv2476]

Thanks Drew👍🏼

[@dolbyac3]

Should use a lipo (fire) safe bag and tape the connectors so there is zero chance of shorting the leads when you carry-on lipos when traveling. If you have more than one lipo in the bag those XT30 connectors could fine a way to short since many times those bullet connectors stick out past the yellow plastic or aren't too far from the edge.

[@KingFPV]

Thanks buddy!

[@Rootahh]

Wish I had of seen this 24hrs ago 😂 I had a bit of problem with my tools they recommend checking in my drivers, Great Video Thankyou 🙌

[@mfpv_detroit8182]

Missed you Drew

[@MrTimmyGT]

I am planning to head down to Atl. around February or March for work and I have to bring my fpv stuff, I mean how could I NOT! So I will follow your lead on this one since I have never flown with my stuff before, hopefully it will go as smooth for me as it did for you, although TSA here in NY always seems more uptight than anywhere else lol

[@winder6]

Thanks great vid no more anxiety awsome

[@endoracing]

According to tsa.gov tools have to be under 7" overall length; not 6. My Allen Drivers are ~6.5" so that extra inch makes a big difference.

[@air-headedaviator1805]

I couldn’t ever imagine traveling about as much as you do Drib.

[@hygrometer]

the remodel on your house looks really nice

[@faisalhozzen]

Flying from Norway to Bangladesh transit in Dubai via Emirates Airlines. Just read that Emirates Airlines does NOT allow drones as carry on/cabin luggage and will ONLY allow as checked in baggage. The rules also applies even if ur flight is connecting from anairlines that allow drones as carry on/cabin luggage. Else than that the rules about batteries are same as mentioned in this video. Now I have to invest in a hard briefcase so that the drone arrives save after a 17h flight.

[@pierricksepulchre9459]

i have had my favorite tools taken from me at the airport security from now i always pack pretty much only batteries in my carry on.

[@MikeLaRock88]

Cant help but feel you were doing a last minute check during the vlog lol. Nice information Mr. President

[@jeffdelano5084]

Good tips

[@jellifpv735]

This was the first Le Drib video I ever watched.

[@hammeredforge4326]

thanks!

[@pleiadianpilot5076]

Uk flights wont allow any tools, soldering irons or anything metallic

[@jpfpv287]

Thanks for letting me know, I am thinking about taking my quad over from the UK to Turkey

[@13ahab]

Put your tools in your main case you check in in the uk

[@calummacfarlane8476]

Correct. Only people taking tools through are engineers working at the airport with tools of the trade permit.

[@Timberjagi]

they allow it in the check-in baggage

[@OriginalGingaNinja]

I fly from the UK to various European countries and the US with my drones, never had a problem, but I do put all my tools in checked luggage, I also remove the props and put all the props in checked luggage as well. I'd read somewhere about someone having an issue with props previously so just don't take the chance.

[@syntheticmedic3140]

Its always been a super hassle at SEATAC unless you have TSA pre-check

[@acidfpv7243]

James Douglas I’ve had no problems at SeaTac (so far). I don’t even take any gear out of my bag.

[@bentsound]

This video is giving me back pack envy!

[@DASwealth]

What bag do you have ! It looks so organized ! Wow

[@bwest0179]

I knew I seen you somewhere. You're on the Rotor Riot channel. Man great content! Love all the information. I got the DJI Mavic Mini! :)

[@nintendude7cubed]

This might help me if i go crazy enough. I'm new-ish just getting good at flying, but am on the other side of the pond (lake Michigan), stuck in the midwest like yourself, where we've had like 10 minutes of good sunlight in the past week... But seriously Wisconsin sucks and i'm gonna need to use this advice to roll out to someplace sunnier. Flying is so much more fun when the ground isn't shadowy overcast darkness.

[@flwoods1]

Just flew thru Hong Kong and Manila, 8 screenings, Don't carry on TOOLS and PROPS. No prob with 15 batts. I checked in 3 quads though. Props and tools can be considered a weapon.

[@JimBob-wy7tl]

Do LiPo batteries need to be in a smart bag? I have mine in a battery charging hub, and the hub is in my DJI drone carrying pouch.

[@skyman6936]

I know people shit on DVR but i actually like the OSD and the grainy footage. Reminds me of the Impirial Probe Droid.

[@kyleswehla785]

I’m flying to Arizona in a few weeks and I’m just planning on bringing my tiny whoop so I think I should be okay

[@jordancoulthard771]

This is great seeing now. I am headed to Peru and Chile for our honeymoon. Was wondering if you’ve had any experience traveling to South America with drones? I only plan on taking my mavic though. Appreciate you vids!!!

[@minkorrh]

Hey Drew.......If you see this...what are you using for a receiver? xm+? I want to be able to fly outside my apartment from inside but have always been afraid of failsafing because of the brick wall.

[@anilbaksh9962]

Leaving to NY in 7 hours and have my HS720E packed to go in my personal piece and hopefully have no issues.

[@elevatedimaging3740]

How’d it go

[@anilbaksh9962]

Thanks for the tip. TSA just wants the batteries seperated from the drone @@elevatedimaging3740 Its illegal to fly in NY, but in Vermont got some amazing footage. Off to Boston and Connectcut but its raining. Hopefully it clears up soon..

[@magicpigfpv6989]

Interesting, was this the first video sneak peek at the driblet?

[@HutchFPV]

Perfect timing. Going to Phoenix area from Va for x-mas. 1st time airport travel with drone stuff. Wish me luck. Hey more info on the micro stuff. Is that a 2” 3s?

[@elmattbo2540]

Batteries out is the key, they shield the view of everything else in the x-ray, the same as laptop/iPads do.

[@muriaticfpv2328]

What are the actual dimensions in cm? According to Lowpro's site it's a little too big as carry-on. I'm just worried I'll get a security guy that's had a bad day and decides to pull out a measuring tape.

[@devashishraverkar]

Awesome video... Which bagpack do you have? please share the link..

[@HyDroneFPV]

I'm getting ready for my first trip with my quads. Is there a limit on lipos? I only plan on taking 4 or 5 lipos with me, they are just 850mah 4s.

[@theHDRflightdeck]

How can you get video signal from behind the house??

[@northernflyer5311]

Drew, nice overview! I travel a lot, and always keep an eye on my stuff in the bin, your legal right in the US. Some people stupidly put their wallet, cash etc there, open to all, where anyone could easily grab, when your back is turned.

[@James-hn6hl]

Nice thank you

[@MrJoelmur]

Thank you for helping me realize i have OCD about people zipping their double zipper bags all the way around one way rather than mating the zippers in the middle/at the top 🤣... Thanks for the helpful tips though!

[@frostydev3017]

Last Year heading to Kentucky for an archery trip, I brought my micro quad and transmitter. The TSA confiscated my laptop, can they do that?

[@KittFPV]

Can't wait to get me a Driblet :D I pull the batteries, radio, and goggles and throw them in a bin. Unclip the quads from the bag and they go in a bin as well. Haven't tried bringing any tools yet, always just checked them. No issues or even a single talking to from TSA so far :)

[@MaxBeamer]

What’s up with the wind dancers? 4.2 pitch from your cyclone 4.6 what gives?

[@Smt_Glaive]

watched it...closed chrome...had forgotten to like..came back to like.

[@FPVish]

is there a list somewhere of countries that dont let you even enter w a drone? and/or a list that does? i have heard that Nicaragua doesnt let you bring one into that country

[@DroneMaverick]

I’ll keep up to date with FAA LiPo laws but overall, thank you for sharing this information Drew! 👍😎

[@nyclassic4ever130]

That airport he left from looked peaceful serene and empty....where the hell does he live? 🤣🤣

[@metoo3918]

Do they ever check the overall capacity of batteries and quantity of batteries since there are rules for that?

[@nickmcbride1208]

If i lipo was to spontaneously combust while on a plane in the air what would you do and yes i know its highly unlikely but just curious how you would put it out or what would happen cause that seems like it could cause a big problem lol

[@lilk6353]

6:46 voice crack :D

[@mohamednedal]

If you removed the motors and fans from the drone, Can it be considered as a "digital camera" and can it cross through airport security without problems, especially in the countries that don't allow drones?

[@shellbournian]

is it recommended to fly with lipos at storage or doest it not really matter?

[@blackmennewstyle]

I'm pretty sure there is a weight limit for carry-on bag from an airline company to another...

[@Flying90]

Gainer to start the video off?! So gnarly! 🤙🏼

[@Bertoquest]

What's the name of the drone that is out side of the back pack purple one

[@chaotiix]

So the lipos do not need to be in a fire resistant bag?

[@V1ZFN]

Nice tips

[@jjj25313]

Woah what quad is this. How's the video so good through the house? TX and rx on your video?

[@justinshrack5435]

Ha, I'm sitting at Sea-Tac right now with my drone bag next to me. Killing time while waiting for my flight.

[@BluegirlXhin]

Justin Shrack how was it ?

[@peterzingler6221]

i wonder if the xray Maschine can kill an FC since they have like no Protektion

[@ThePurplePupUwU]

ok gotta ask are you flying spirit airlines or what airline is that because spirit is the only one I know of that has fully yellow painted planes

[@MumonkanVII]

gotta get TSA precheck homie! i board 30-40 flights a year and maybe 5 of those times do they pull a bag to inspect anything. everything stays in a bag, my shoes stay on, no time wasted waiting for a train of 50 people that dont listen to the rules.

[@JoeKunsch]

I have TSA pre✅. It’s like 80 bucks for three years. Skip that tsa stuff every time you fly. It’s worth paying to skip the harassment.

[@Propstew]

i've been saying i'm going to get that for the longest time and never have. it works with all our drone crap too?

[@marsrover001]

That's called a mafia.

[@petwog]

Go for “Global Entry”. It’s $100 and includes “TSA precheck”. Makes Customs coming back into the US much easier!

[@Timberjagi]

The US customs is the easiest of the world. so no need

[@avgvstvs96]

​@@marsrover001 It's not mafia, it's legal and is government. Enjoy the benefits and don't complain 😂

[@Azuller]

Dude your eyeliner is poppin

[@NsaneZX14]

What is the case/bag you have the batteries in?

[@Zackbrooks737]

Where in CA? must be LA since Spirit doesn't fly into SFO. Would love to come and see you guys fly.

[@DillonSmith1]

Yeahhhh so I’m going to need my micro quad to get here already. It’s 20 freaking degrees out. Also, was sort of hoping to see some plane-whoopage