- HanJin
Cameras are popular items for travel, and many people like to take their cameras with them on flights to capture memories of their adventures. However, with increased security measures at airports, it’s natural to wonder if it’s allowed to bring a camera on a plane. The answer is yes, cameras are generally allowed on planes, but there are some rules and regulations that must follow.
In this article, Lucidcam will discuss can you bring a camera on a plane, and the best ways to pack and carry them for air travel.
Table of Contents
Where To Pack Camera Gear
Digital Cameras
Digital cameras, according to the TSA, can be transported in either carry-on or checked luggage.Because cameras are fragile, we recommend packing them in your carry-on luggage.
Any fragile cameras may be damaged or shattered since bags in the hold can be smashed and pushed around during transportation.
However, be certain that your camera is properly covered in protective wrap.You should make certain that your camera luggage is not too compact to be checked at the airport. This increases the risk to your equipment.
Tripod and Cleaning Tool
We recommend that you put any cleaning products in your checked baggage due to the restrictions on liquids being carried in hand luggage.
You can also put tripods in this section as they are not fragile and large enough to fit in your hand luggage.
Camera Batteries
Extra batteries are necessary to be able to use your camera at your destination. There are specific regulations that airlines, airports, and countries have about batteries.
Make sure you verify these rules with the authorities, so your camera and batteries don’t get confiscated. The TSA limits lithium batteries.
Some airports, like those in India, may require that you remove the battery from your camera while you travel. So, you should verify the rules and regulations for the country you are travelling to.
You should also ensure that the batteries are firmly packed so that they do not come into touch together and short circuit. This can cause fire hazards and make them unsafe.
Checked baggage is prohibited from carrying lithium batteries, so they must be safely transported in carry-on bags.
Lenses
Take only what you need.You may find yourself carrying more lenses than you need.
You don’t need different lenses for different shots, so make sure you have one lens that can do it all.
To avoid any damage to your equipment from the stress of transporting it, you can remove your lens from your camera and store it separately.If you want to bring more equipment, you can buy additional baggage.
Drones
Additional rules may apply if you fly with a camera attached. Learn more about flying with drones here.
Film
You may have noticed that security x-rays can cause damage to camera film when you fly with it. TSA states that films less than 800 ISO will not be affected by x-rays at airport security.
It is best to transport your film in your hand luggage since checked baggage is subject to higher-energy X-rays. If you are still worried about your film being processed by the x-ray machine at airports, you can opt to have it hand-inspected.
You Can Skip The Inspection
Although you cannot bypass security at airports completely, you can get a TSA Precheck pass that allows you to fast back through them. This service is worth it if you’re a frequent flyer. Click the link to learn more about this service.
You can also purchase a Global Entry Pass, which focuses more on customs upon arrival at the airport but also includes TSA Precheck.
How To Master Airport Security And Airline Regulations
Checked or Carry-on Luggage
You should not check any film, lenses, or cameras in your checked luggage. Most airlines allow carry-on luggage as well as an additional personal item. Your camera bag is usually allowed to be checked on board. You should be prepared to remove your carry-on items from the airport security personnel.
Can Airport Screening Equipment Damage Camera Film?
TSA/airport security cannot use the screening equipment for carry-on items to compromise digital photography equipment. However, repeated scanning (i.e., Unprocessed film could be damaged if it is subject to more than five x-ray inspections.
You can ask the airport staff to inspect your baggage instead. If you have checked your film before you travel, you can keep it in a lead-lined bag.
Are you allowed to bring additional batteries aboard a plane?
Numerous airlines limit the number and type of lithium batteries that you can take on board your plane. Air Canada, for example, prohibits lithium batteries in checked baggage and allows two in carry-on bags if they exceed 160 Wh.
When Traveling, Protect Your Camera
Always be aware of what is around you.
Particularly in areas that are more crowded. To avoid unwanted attention, some travel photographers cover brand names with black tape.
Make use of the in-room safes
For your security, you can keep your camera gear safe in-suite safes at many resorts and hotels. You should know the exact dimensions of the safe so that you can request a larger one. Your Expert Traveller will help you plan.
Tips for Flying With a Camera on an Airplane
Below are some tips when flying with a camera
Get informed
To ensure that you are familiar with the rules, make sure you check both the airline and the TSA(Transportation Security Administration) to ensure you know the rules.
Electronic equipment regulations can affect the way you pack it, regardless of whether you are carrying it onboard or bringing it along with you.
Remove the Lens
Do not pack your DSLR camera with the lens attached. The delicate threads connecting the two can be damaged if the lens housing is compressed by the packaging. Use the appropriate caps to separate the lens and body. If possible, keep the caps in the original box.
Smaller Is Better
Check that your camera bag fits under the seat or in the overhead compartment. You might be charged an additional fee to check your bag. TSA allows you to take your camera with you in both carry-on and check baggage. However, it is worth checking with your airline as they may have different policies.
Keep it All Together
TSA may ask you to scan your camera individually. If your device is screened, any portable electronic device such as a digital camera can be carried in a bag. TSA agents may request a more detailed inspection of the camera after the X-ray procedure. These regulations can change at any moment, so check TSA.gov for the most current information.
Get Extras
While you go through security, make sure to have a spare battery. During the screening, security personnel may ask you to turn on the camera. Although it is not often, this follow-up is always possible.
Preserve the Batteries
Do not carry multiple batteries. Their terminals could come into contact with each other during flight. This could cause a short circuit or even ignite a fire. Contact with any metal such as keys or coins is a similar problem. During a flight, all batteries must be secured and kept separate.
Carry-on bag
Make sure your carry-on is neatly and orderly packed. If the TSA officer requests that your carry-on contents, in addition to your laptop or camera body, be inspected, a well-organized bag will make it easier and faster to unload those goods for screening.
The TSA officers will be able to see your carry-on contents more easily if the bag is less stuffed. They will be able to identify your bag more quickly, so you won’t have to worry about the additional inspection.
Turn It Off
Tape your DSLR’s power switch to the Off position. You might need to use duct tape for strength. If you don’t have the battery attached, this will prevent the camera from accidentally turning off inside your bag.
Don’t Fear the X-Ray Machines
An airport X-ray will not damage your memory card or erase any data.
Keep an Eye On It
Keep your equipment safe at all times. If you lose your camera during security checkpoints, contact the TSA at the airport. TSA maintains a list of lost and found contacts for each airport in the United States.
Contact the airport if you have lost your camera at another airport.
Use Extra Padding
Use a hard-sided, lockable case that has padding inside if you have to check your camera equipment.
Make sure you buy a TSA-approved bag lock. This will ensure that security personnel has the right tools to open and remove it. After inspection, agents relock the bag.
FAQs
1. Do you have to take your camera out at airport security?
At the security checkpoint, you must remove your camera from your backpack and place it in a separate container.
All electronic gadgets bigger than a smartphone must be taken out of the carry-on bag. These things have the potential to block screening.
Take your camera out of your backpack and set it on a tray until you approach the x-ray machine if it is larger than a cellphone.
2. Is it possible to bring your camera with you in checked luggage?
Although you can carry a camera in your checked luggage, it is not recommended to bring valuables or breakables in checked bags.
There is the chance that your entire checked bag could be lost or delayed. Your entire bag may be lost or delayed. Baggage handlers could also throw your luggage around, causing damage to your equipment.
Even worse, your camera might be taken by TSA or airline personnel. It will be very difficult to get compensation. You might also lose any photos stored on your camera.
It is better to take your expensive DSLR camera with you than to carry it in hand luggage. It is not worth the risk of bringing digital cameras with you in checked baggage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can usually take your camera on a plane, but you have to follow some rules. Before you fly, check with your airline to ensure your camera is allowed and that you know the limits for how many cameras or accessories you can bring. You should also pack your camera carefully to keep it safe during your trip.
