Ruth Haines
Yes, you can take your DSLR camera through airport security and on a plane, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check the weight and size restrictions for carry-on luggage with your airline, as these vary and you don't want to be forced to check your camera due to weight restrictions. It is generally recommended to keep your camera with you as carry-on luggage, as checked luggage goes through stronger X-rays that could damage your equipment. You should also be prepared for security screening, where you will likely need to take your camera out of your bag and put it in a separate bin for inspection. Some airports may require you to remove the battery from your camera, while others may ask you to keep it in to prove that it is a working camera. Finally, consider investing in a sturdy case with padding to protect your camera during travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I put my DSLR through airport security? | Yes, you can put your DSLR through airport security. |
| Where should I put my DSLR? | It is recommended to put your DSLR in your carry-on luggage. |
| Do I need to take my DSLR out of my bag? | Yes, you will need to take your DSLR out of your bag and put it in a separate bin or tray for inspection. |
| What about batteries and other accessories? | Lithium batteries and other accessories like lenses, filters, memory cards, and chargers should be packed securely and separately in your carry-on luggage. |
| What if I have a lot of gear? | Consider using a wheeled camera case that fits carry-on size rules or a hard shell case with custom foam padding for valuable equipment. |
| Are there any concerns with X-ray screening? | X-ray machines can damage undeveloped film. Some airports may allow you to skip this step and opt for a hand inspection instead. |
| Are there any weight and size restrictions? | Yes, check with your airline for specific restrictions. Typically, carry-on luggage should not exceed 7-8 kg, and cases should not be larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. |
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What You'll Learn
Packing your DSLR in carry-on baggage
Yes, you can put your DSLR through airport security. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when packing your DSLR camera in your carry-on baggage. Firstly, check with the airline to ensure that your camera equipment will fit in the overhead bin or under the seat of the plane. Different airlines and aircraft types have varying storage dimensions, so it's important to plan ahead.
Secondly, while you can pack your DSLR in both carry-on and checked baggage, it is generally recommended to keep it with you in your carry-on luggage. Checked baggage goes through higher-energy X-rays, which may damage your equipment. If you're worried about X-ray damage, some airports will allow you to opt for a hand inspection instead. However, this isn't always available, and you may need to purchase a TSA Pre-check pass to expedite this process.
When packing your DSLR in carry-on baggage, use a dedicated camera bag designed for travel. These bags provide adequate padding to protect your gear. Additionally, consider the following tips:
- Keep your camera batteries with you in your carry-on. Lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage due to fire hazard concerns.
- Pack camera batteries securely and separately to prevent short circuits.
- Be prepared to remove your camera from your carry-on bag at security checkpoints. This is a common request, especially in the US and at Heathrow.
- If you have multiple cameras and lenses, consider weight limitations. You may not be able to bring all your equipment due to weight restrictions.
- If travelling with undeveloped film, pack it separately in your carry-on to avoid potential damage from X-rays.
- Familiarize yourself with the specific rules of your destination country regarding batteries. Some countries, like India, may require you to remove the battery from your camera.
- Be prepared for potential swabbing of your camera for explosives or drugs.
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X-ray screening
It is important to note that the X-ray dosage and intensity used in airport scanners are typically low and have been lowered over time as the technology has improved. While the risk of damage to your DSLR camera from X-ray screening is generally considered small, it is not non-existent. Some travellers have reported issues with their camera's CCDs, SSD cards, and lens motors after passing through airport security. In rare cases, X-ray screening may cause white horizontal lines to appear on camera screens or pictures, red dots on images, or damage to the lens motor that results in the lens only functioning in manual mode.
To minimise the risk of damage to your DSLR camera during X-ray screening, some travellers suggest not wrapping your camera in aluminium or lead foil, as this may draw unnecessary attention from security personnel and increase the risk of damage during unwrapping and inspections. Instead, a decent camera bag that provides good physical protection should be sufficient. Additionally, try to avoid checking your camera in with your hold luggage, as this will give you more control over how it is handled and reduce the risk of theft or mishandling.
While the risk of damage to your DSLR camera from X-ray screening is generally considered low, there are alternative options if you want to be especially cautious. Some travellers suggest purchasing a clear camera bag specifically designed for travel, which can help speed up the screening process and reduce the risk of damage. Additionally, you could consider shipping your camera equipment to your destination in advance or purchasing a travel insurance policy that specifically covers camera equipment.
Ultimately, the decision to put your DSLR camera through X-ray screening at airport security is a personal one. While the risk of damage is generally considered low, there are alternative options available if you want to take extra precautions. By taking sensible precautions and being prepared for the screening process, you can help ensure that your camera equipment remains safe and secure during your travels.
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Lithium batteries
Storage and Protection
Proper storage and protection of lithium batteries are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure their longevity. Lithium batteries should be stored in their original packaging or a protective case specifically designed for battery storage. This helps prevent damage and protects the battery terminals from short circuits. It is also important to isolate battery terminals from metal objects and cover them with insulating tape or ensure they are not in contact with any conductive material.
Size and Quantity Limits
Airlines and regulatory authorities have specific size and quantity limits for carrying lithium batteries. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these limits and comply with them. As per TSA guidelines, spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. With airline approval, passengers may carry up to two spare larger lithium-ion batteries (101-160 Wh) or lithium-metal batteries (2-8 grams).
Damaged or Defective Batteries
Damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries should never be carried in either carry-on or checked baggage. These batteries pose a serious safety risk due to the potential for overheating or catching fire. Proper disposal or returning them to the manufacturer for safe disposal is essential.
Devices with Installed Lithium Batteries
For lithium batteries installed in devices such as laptops, cell phones, or cameras, refer to the FAA regulations for "portable electronic devices containing batteries." These devices should generally be kept in carry-on baggage, allowing you to maintain control and reduce the risk of mishandling or accidental damage.
Additional Screening
Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or raises security concerns. TSA officers may ask you to power up your electronic devices, and powerless devices will not be permitted onboard.
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Weight and size restrictions
The standard carry-on luggage size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including the handle and wheels. However, some domestic airlines, such as Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines, permit 24-inch luggage as a carry-on. It's important to ensure that your carry-on luggage will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the plane. Some planes, such as regional flights on American Eagle®, have limited overhead bin space, and you may need to valet your bag before boarding.
While some carriers, such as JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and Delta, don't impose a specific weight limit for carry-on luggage, others have varying weight restrictions. For example, Hawaiian Airlines has a carry-on weight limit of 25 pounds, while Frontier allows up to 35 pounds. International airlines may have stricter weight restrictions, such as British Airways, which allows carry-ons up to 23 kilograms (51 pounds), and Lufthansa, which permits luggage up to 8 kilograms (approximately 17 pounds).
In addition to weight and size restrictions, there are also regulations on what you can pack in your carry-on luggage. Prohibited items include firearms, lithium batteries, and other potentially dangerous items. Liquids, pastes, aerosols, gels, or creams are also restricted and must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces.
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Country-specific rules
Lithium batteries, which are commonly used for cameras, have specific rules. They must not be bigger than 100 watt-hours (Wh) and must be carried in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage. If you need to take bigger batteries, you may need to seek special approval. The TSA also states that film under 800 ISO will not be damaged by the x-rays in airport security, so it is recommended to transport film in your hand luggage.
In India, some airports may require you to remove the battery from your camera when travelling, whereas other airports may ask you to keep the battery in to prove that it is a working camera. At Beijing Airport, travellers have reported having to remove their DSLR, lenses and speedlight at security. At Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), travellers have reported being asked to put every item in their bag, including their camera, in a separate bin for inspection.
Some countries have restrictions on certain equipment. For example, when travelling with camera film, it is important to note that X-ray machines in security can damage the film. Therefore, it is recommended to transport film in your hand luggage. Some airports will allow you to skip the X-ray machine and have your film hand-inspected instead, but this is not always available.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put your DSLR through airport security.
It is recommended to put your DSLR in your carry-on luggage, as checked luggage goes through higher-energy X-rays that may damage the camera. However, make sure to check your carry-on luggage complies with the airline's size and weight restrictions.
Yes, you will need to take your DSLR out of your bag and put it in a separate tray for X-ray screening.
Lithium batteries have specific rules. They should not be bigger than 100 watt-hours (Wh) and must be carried in carry-on baggage. Do not put them in checked luggage. Make sure to pack them securely and separately to avoid short circuits and fires.
Yes, make sure to pack your DSLR in a soft case with padding to protect it during travel. Keep lenses in a padded camera bag or wrap them in microfiber cloths or soft pouches to avoid scratches or breaks.
