Amazon Expands Drone Delivery to Nearly 500 Cities by Year's End

Amazon is expanding its drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities and towns across the US by the end of this year.

The online retail giant currently offers the service in fewer than 100 cities, but plans to increase accessibility as part of its Amazon Prime membership benefits.

Items weighing up to five pounds or less can be delivered via drone, with most orders arriving within 60 minutes after purchase.

Prime members will receive free delivery on orders over $50, while customers without a Prime membership will pay $4.99 for the service on orders under $50.