Can I bring spare GoPro batteries in my checked luggage?

No — spare lithium batteries, including GoPro batteries, must travel in carry-on luggage only. They cannot be placed in checked bags. Keep spare batteries in a protective case in your carry-on.

Are selfie sticks and GoPro poles allowed on planes?

Yes — selfie sticks and monopods are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage on commercial flights. Note that some tourist attractions, concerts, and venues prohibit their use on-site, but airlines do not.

Can I bring multiple GoPros on a plane?

Yes, there is no limit on the number of GoPro cameras you can carry. Each uses a small lithium battery well within carry-on limits. Multiple spare batteries are also fine in carry-on — just not in checked bags.

Do I need to remove my GoPro at airport security?

In the US, TSA requires electronics larger than a phone to be removed from bags and placed in a separate tray. A GoPro is small enough that TSA officers often do not ask for it to be removed, but removing it proactively speeds up screening.

Can You Bring a GoPro on a Plane? Yes, Easy

Yes. GoPros and all action cameras are fully allowed in carry-on and checked bags on all commercial flights worldwide. There are no restrictions on the camera itself. The only rule to remember is about batteries: spare GoPro batteries must travel in your carry-on, not in your checked luggage.

GoPros Are Allowed Everywhere

GoPro cameras — including the Hero series, GoPro MAX, and older models — face no restrictions from airlines or airport security agencies. The camera body can go in carry-on or checked luggage.

The same applies to all similar action cameras: DJI Osmo Action, Sony RX0, Insta360, and any other compact action camera. These are all straightforward electronics with small lithium batteries, and they raise no concerns at security.

A GoPro with its battery installed can travel in checked luggage if needed. But like any valuable and fragile electronics, carry-on is the better choice: it protects the camera from the impacts and handling that checked bags receive, and it eliminates theft risk.

The One Rule: Spare Batteries in Carry-On Only

This is the single important rule for GoPro travelers.

Spare lithium batteries — batteries that are not installed inside a device — are banned from checked luggage on all commercial flights. This is a universal aviation safety rule, not an airline-specific policy. It applies to every spare lithium battery you own, including GoPro batteries.

GoPro batteries are small. The standard GoPro Hero battery (ADBAT-001) is approximately 6.7 Wh. This is well within any carry-on limit (the cap is 100 Wh per battery without approval, and 160 Wh with airline approval). You can carry as many spare GoPro batteries as you need in your carry-on — there is no quantity limit that will affect most travelers.

The rule: spare GoPro batteries go in your carry-on bag, in a protective case or the original packaging, not in your checked suitcase.

If you accidentally pack spare batteries in your checked bag, airport staff may open the bag and remove them, or the bag may not be accepted.

GoPro Accessories: All Allowed

Every GoPro accessory travels freely in carry-on and checked luggage:

Mounts and hardware — Suction cup mounts, chest harnesses, head straps, helmet clips, handlebar mounts, adhesive mounts, screws, and tools: no restrictions in carry-on or checked bags. The metal components do not cause any concern at security.

Selfie sticks and extension poles — Allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. Airlines do not restrict selfie sticks or monopods. Some venues (concerts, sports events, theme parks) ban them on their premises, but this is a venue rule, not an aviation rule.

SD memory cards — No restrictions whatsoever. SD cards can go in carry-on or checked luggage without limit. X-ray does not damage data on flash memory cards.

Underwater housings and dive cases — Typically clear plastic or acrylic. No restrictions. These pass through security without issue.

Charging cables and external chargers — No restrictions. USB-C cables, dual battery chargers, and wall adapters are all allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

Protective cases and carry cases — No restrictions.

GoPro vs. Drone Batteries: Understanding the Difference

A common point of confusion is comparing GoPro batteries to drone batteries. The rules are the same — spare batteries in carry-on only — but the sizes are very different.

GoPro batteries are tiny: approximately 6–7 Wh. Drone batteries are much larger: DJI Mini 4 Pro is around 18 Wh, DJI Air 3 is around 34 Wh, and larger drones can have batteries of 100 Wh or more. Drone batteries approaching 100 Wh are approaching the threshold where you need to count them carefully; GoPro batteries will never be an issue.

If you are traveling with both a GoPro and a drone, remember: all spare batteries for both go in carry-on.

Tips for Flying with a GoPro

Pack spare batteries in a protective case. A small hard-shell battery case or the original plastic packaging protects terminals from short circuits. Battery terminals in contact with metal objects (keys, coins) in a bag can cause a short — always protect the terminals.

Charge everything before flying. Arrive at the airport with your GoPro and spare batteries fully charged so you're ready to shoot immediately on arrival.

Pack the GoPro in a hard case. GoPro protective cases are compact and absorb impacts well. Your GoPro is durable, but a dedicated case prevents scratched lenses and accidental power-on during travel.

Format SD cards before your trip. Starting fresh with a formatted card means you know exactly how much space you have. Transfer footage from previous trips to your laptop before you leave.

Remove the GoPro from your bag at US security if asked. TSA requires electronics larger than a phone to be removed and placed in a tray. A GoPro is borderline on size — proactively remove it if you see the security lane asking passengers to remove cameras.

Spare batteries not in a device must be loose in carry-on, not inside equipment bags in your checked luggage. The rule is specifically about spare batteries in checked bags — not batteries installed in a device.