Amazon is preparing a major expansion of its Prime Air drone delivery service, with plans to reach nearly 500 cities and towns across the United States by the end of 2026. The expansion will increase Prime Air’s current footprint about sixfold and bring drone delivery to tens of millions of customers.
Prime Air currently operates from 11 locations across 10 US metro areas, including Phoenix, Tampa, Kansas City, Baton Rouge, Detroit, Omaha, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Waco. Amazon plans to launch the service next in Chicago, Syracuse, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Boise, with additional communities expected later this year.
Amazon Prime Air can deliver millions of eligible items
Amazon says Prime Air can deliver millions of products, including groceries, electronics, cosmetics, medications, AirPods, AirTags, smartphones, and household items. Most products weighing five pounds or less and small enough to fit inside a large shoebox qualify for drone delivery.
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Orders can arrive in as little as 30 minutes, although Amazon says most deliveries reach customers around 60 minutes after checkout. Prime members receive free drone delivery on orders worth $50 or more, while smaller Prime orders carry a $2.99 fee. Non-Prime customers pay $4.99.
Prime Air uses autonomous drones equipped with cameras, sensors, obstacle detection, and Amazon’s Detect-and-Avoid technology. Before dropping a package, the drone checks the delivery area for people, pets, vehicles, and other obstacles.
Amazon also says each Prime Air site covers roughly 175 square miles, although availability still depends on the customer’s exact ZIP code and delivery location. Eligible customers will see the drone delivery option while shopping or during checkout.
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