Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with a camera can be stressful, especially with the added confusion of changing and unclear airport security procedures. While some travellers have reported being able to leave their camera gear in their carry-on bag, others have been asked to remove their camera and place it in a separate bin for screening. This is particularly common at international airports, where security may also swab the camera for explosives or drugs. To avoid confusion, it's recommended that photographers keep their camera gear easily accessible, and be prepared to remove it from their bag if requested.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do cameras need to be removed from carry-on luggage? | Yes, at some airports, cameras need to be removed from carry-on luggage and placed in a separate bin. |
| Do cameras need to be hand-checked? | It is recommended to request a hand-check for cameras and film to avoid potential damage from X-ray machines. TSA agents are usually accommodating of such requests. |
| Are there any risks associated with taking cameras through airport security? | There is a low risk of losing camera gear during the security screening process due to other travelers interfering with one's belongings. |
| Are there any programs that can expedite the security process for photographers? | Yes, photographers can sign up for TSA Precheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR to expedite the security process and avoid removing their camera gear from carry-on luggage. |
| Are there any country-specific variations in camera screening procedures? | Yes, camera screening procedures vary internationally. For example, photographers have reported more stringent checks in Asian airports, while European airports may be more lenient. |
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What You'll Learn
Camera gear and security screening
Travelling with camera gear can be stressful, especially with the added concern of potential damage or loss during security screening. While security screening procedures are subject to change, and there is some discretion left to TSA officers, there are a few things you can do to make the process smoother.
Firstly, it is recommended to keep your camera gear with you as carry-on luggage. This allows you to keep a close eye on your equipment and reduces the risk of loss or theft. It is also advisable to keep your gear in a camera bag or a carry-on bag, as some travellers have reported that certain airports request camera equipment to be removed from luggage for separate screening. This may cause delays and increase the risk of your gear being mishandled or stolen. However, other travellers have mentioned that they have never been asked to remove their camera gear from their carry-on bags, and that some airports do not seem to require this.
Additionally, if you are travelling with film, it is recommended to request a hand-check instead of sending your film through the X-ray machine or CT scanner. X-ray machines and CT scanners can damage film, especially black and white film. To facilitate a hand-check, it is advised to have your film easily accessible in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. This will increase the likelihood of your request being accommodated by TSA agents, especially in the United States.
To streamline the security screening process, you can sign up for TSA Precheck, which costs $85 for a 5-year membership. This allows you to go through security without removing certain items, such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. Alternatively, you can apply for Global Entry, which includes TSA Precheck benefits and offers expedited entry at select airports. The application process for Global Entry is similar to TSA Precheck, but costs $100 for a 5-year membership.
Lastly, be prepared to remove your camera gear from your bag if requested by TSA officers. While this may be inconvenient and increase your stress levels, it is important to follow the instructions of the TSA officers and comply with their requests. They may ask you to place your gear in a separate tray for scanning, so it is beneficial to have your items organised and easily accessible.
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TSA Precheck
It is important to note that security screening procedures are subject to frequent changes, and TSA officers have a high degree of discretion in implementing them. As such, passengers with TSA PreCheck® may still be asked to remove their camera gear for separate screening, particularly when travelling with larger or denser lenses.
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Global Entry
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
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Preparing film for security
Preparing film for airport security checks can be a stressful experience, but there are a few things you can do to make the process smoother. Here are some tips to help you prepare your film for security screening:
- Check the ISO rating of your film: Most airport X-ray machines are safe for film with an ISO rating of 800 or lower. If your film has a higher ISO rating, it may be more sensitive to radiation and could be damaged by the X-ray scanners.
- Request a hand inspection: To be extra cautious, you can always request a hand inspection of your film. This is usually not a problem, especially at U.S. airports. Simply let the TSA agent know that you are carrying undeveloped film and kindly ask for a manual inspection. It is recommended to have your film easily accessible in a ziplock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" film pouch.
- Use film pouches or bags: To make your request clearer to the TSA, consider using film pouches or bags that are specifically designed to protect film from X-rays. These bags are typically made with lead-lining or durable, see-through PVC mesh and labelled with "Do Not X-Ray". While lead-lined bags may trigger a secondary inspection, they offer better protection against stronger scanning machines, such as CT scanners.
- Be polite and patient: Remember that the TSA agents are there for security purposes and may be dealing with multiple stressed passengers. Be patient, polite, and cooperative to make the process smoother for everyone.
- Consider alternative options: Depending on your destination, you may be able to avoid bringing film through the airport altogether. If you're travelling to a big city, you might be able to purchase film locally or have it delivered to your lodgings. Alternatively, consider using mail-order film processing services to send your film for development before you return home.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your film makes it through airport security with minimal risk of damage. Remember to be prepared, cooperative, and flexible, as different airports may have varying procedures and requirements.
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Camera batteries and airport security
When travelling with camera equipment, it is important to consider how you will pack your gear, especially if you have a lot of it. Camera batteries and other accessories can be taken through airport security, but there are specific rules enforced by aviation authorities, such as the FAA or EASA, to ensure flight safety. Standard batteries like AA, AAA, C, and D can be freely taken onboard without restrictions, but they must be protected from damage and kept from creating sparks or a dangerous evolution of heat.
Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, which are commonly found in cameras, smartphones, laptops, and tablets, are subject to different regulations due to their potential for rapid combustion. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), these batteries should be kept in carry-on baggage and turned off and protected from accidental activation if packed in checked baggage. Spare lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage, as loose lithium batteries in the cargo hold pose a fire hazard.
To prevent short circuits, it is important to protect the battery terminals. This can be done by using the manufacturer's packaging or covering the terminals with tape. Some travellers also recommend keeping some camera equipment, such as lenses and batteries, in your jacket pockets, as items on your person are not weighed, and it can help keep your hand luggage within weight limits.
It is worth noting that some airports may request that you remove camera equipment from your bag during security screening, while others may not. Additionally, your camera equipment may be subject to manual searches or rescreening, which you cannot predict in advance. To ensure the safety of your equipment, consider investing in a hard case, such as the Pelican 1510, which fits within carry-on size restrictions. Proper packing can help protect your gear from impact damage if it needs to be placed in the hold.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport and the country. Some travellers have reported that they have never been asked to remove their camera gear from their carry-on bag, let alone the camera bag. However, others have reported that they have had to remove their camera gear from their bags and place them in separate bins for screening.
It is not necessary to inform the TSA agent that you are carrying a camera unless you have film that requires a hand-check.
It is recommended to carry your camera gear in a camera bag that is meant for travel so that your gear is well-padded and protected. Keep your camera gear with you as carry-on baggage instead of checking it in.
It is recommended to request a hand-check for film to avoid damage from X-ray machines. Remove the film from all canisters and packaging and place them in a clear ziplock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" pouch. Keep it easily accessible in the side pocket of your carry-on bag.
