Owais Crawford
There are no standard rules for carrying a camera at an airport, and the process varies depending on the airport and the TSA agent. While some airports require you to remove the camera gear from your bag, others allow you to keep it inside. Digital cameras are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, but it is recommended to carry them in hand luggage to avoid damage. Lithium batteries, commonly used in cameras, are prohibited in checked baggage and must be transported in carry-on bags. It is also important to detach the lens from the camera to avoid damage and pack it separately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I wear a camera at the airport? | Yes, cameras are approved by the TSA in both carry-on and checked bags. |
| Camera gear/lenses | It depends on the airport and the TSA agents. Some airports require you to remove the gear from the camera bag and place it separately in a tray. |
| Lithium batteries | Allowed in carry-on bags. Prohibited in checked baggage. |
| Camera film | Allowed in both hand and checked baggage. However, x-ray machines can damage undeveloped film. TSA suggests keeping undeveloped film in your carry-on and asking for a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. |
| Camera monopods | Allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. |
| DSLR camera | Allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA rules for cameras
Cameras are approved by the TSA in both carry-on and checked bags. However, the rules are subject to change and vary from port to port. It is recommended to always carry cameras in carry-on luggage as suitcases in the hold are prone to damage. Additionally, some airlines have different rules, so it is important to check the regulations of the country you are travelling to and the specific airline you are flying with.
Most airlines allow you to carry on camera bodies, lenses, and small tripods, but the weight of lenses can easily add up, and you may exceed your bag limit. It is recommended to detach the lens from your camera to avoid damage and pack it separately. If you are flying with a camera attached to a drone, you may be subject to further rules.
All electronic devices, including cameras, need to go through X-ray screening. However, X-ray and CT machines can damage undeveloped film. The TSA suggests keeping your undeveloped film and cameras with undeveloped film in your carry-on and asking for a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. However, security personnel may not always be willing to hand-inspect your film or camera.
The TSA limits lithium batteries, and you are allowed to transport a camera with 2 lithium batteries that are between 101 and 150 WH and as many batteries as you want, providing that each battery is less than 100 WH. However, some airports may require you to remove the battery from your camera when travelling, while others may ask you to keep the battery in to prove that it is a working camera. Therefore, it is important to check the rules and regulations of the specific airport and country you are travelling to.
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Camera batteries in checked luggage
Camera batteries can be taken on planes, but there are specific rules in place to ensure safety. Standard batteries such as AA, AAA, C, and D can be freely taken onboard an aircraft without restrictions and can be placed in carry-on or checked luggage. However, lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in cameras, have different regulations.
Spare lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked luggage and must be kept in carry-on baggage. This is because lithium batteries have the potential for rapid combustion, and if placed in the hold, there would be no way to mitigate a fire. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that devices containing lithium batteries should be kept in carry-on baggage. If these devices are packed in checked baggage, they should be turned off, protected from accidental activation, and packed to avoid damage.
It is recommended to place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package, or to tape across the battery's contacts to isolate the terminals and prevent short-circuiting. Additionally, battery chargers can be packed in both carry-on and checked bags, but if they have an electrical cord, it should be wrapped tightly around the charger.
It is worth noting that different airports and TSA agents may have varying levels of strictness when it comes to enforcing these rules. Some travelers have reported being asked to remove their camera gear from their bags, while others have not. To avoid delays, it is advisable to allow enough time for exceptions and to follow the recommendations for packing camera batteries safely.
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Camera gear in carry-on luggage
Cameras and camera gear are allowed in carry-on luggage, and it is advisable to keep them there to avoid potential damage. However, the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents.
Camera Equipment
Cameras, lenses, and other accessories are generally permitted in carry-on luggage. It is recommended to keep them in a separate camera bag with padding and dividers to protect them from damage. If you have a large amount of gear, consider a wheeled camera case that fits within the carry-on size restrictions.
Batteries
Lithium batteries have specific restrictions. The larger batteries used for cameras should not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh) and must be carried in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage. Batteries smaller than 100Wh can be carried in checked baggage but must be in a device. It is important to check the voltage and capacity requirements for batteries, as some airports may have specific rules.
X-Ray Screening
All electronic devices, including cameras, must undergo X-ray screening. You may be asked to remove your camera from your bag and place it in a separate bin for inspection. Smaller lenses and accessories can usually remain in your camera bag, but larger lenses might need to be removed for individual checks.
Additional Tips
To maximise space and protect your equipment, consider the following:
- Unmount lenses from camera bodies to prevent damage and reduce space.
- Fill the bag completely so that nothing can move inside. Use clothing items like socks and t-shirts to fill any gaps.
- Keep batteries and chargers in a clear bag for easy screening.
- Always allow extra time in case you need to remove or rearrange your gear during security checks.
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Camera film in hand luggage
There are no standard procedures for cameras and camera gear when passing through airport security. It depends on the airport and the TSA agents. Some travellers have been asked to take all their camera gear out of their bags and place them in a bin, while others have been told to leave everything in their backpacks. Some have even had their cameras swabbed for explosives.
When it comes to camera film in hand luggage, it is recommended to ask for a hand check of your film to avoid potential damage from the X-ray scanners. You can do this by removing your undeveloped film from the canister and packing it in a clear plastic bag. It is also suggested to leave the film in the unopened manufacturer's packaging.
Even with these precautions, there is still a risk of damage to the film when passing through security scanners. This risk is higher with checked baggage, as the scanners used are stronger than those used for carry-on luggage. The damage may depend on the position of the roll in the bag, the strength of the X-ray machine, and the individual ISO of the film. Higher ISO film is typically more susceptible to damage.
To minimise the risk of damage, some travellers choose to carry their camera film in a clear canvas zip-up bag within their hand luggage. This allows screeners to easily inspect the film without removing it from the bag.
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Camera gear screening experiences
When travelling with camera gear, it is important to keep your equipment safe and follow airline rules. Most camera equipment can be taken on a plane, but there are some rules to keep in mind. Firstly, all electronic devices, including cameras, need to go through X-ray screening. This means taking your camera out of your bag and placing it in a separate bin or tray for inspection. Some airports may ask you to remove all camera gear from your bag, while others may only require you to remove the camera body and laptop. It is a good idea to allow extra time at the airport in case you need to unpack and repack your gear.
To protect your camera gear during travel, consider using a camera backpack with good padding that meets the airline's carry-on size limits, typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). If you have a lot of gear or heavier items, a wheeled camera case might be a better option, as long as it also fits within the carry-on size rules. For valuable equipment or checked baggage, a hard shell case with custom foam padding can provide extra protection. Keep in mind that checked baggage often has weight limits, typically around 50 pounds (23 kg) for standard economy class.
When packing your camera bag, smaller items like lenses and other accessories should be secured in your camera bag. Larger lenses may need to be taken out for individual checks at security. It is recommended to keep lenses in a padded camera bag, using padded dividers to protect them from bumps. Always use lens caps and wrap each lens in a microfiber cloth or soft pouch to avoid scratches or breaks.
Another important consideration when travelling with camera gear is batteries. Lithium batteries have specific rules, and those used for cameras should not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh) and must be carried in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage. This is because lithium batteries can catch fire, especially if they are large. If you need to take bigger batteries, you may need to seek special approval.
Overall, when travelling with camera gear, it is crucial to be prepared, pack carefully, and follow the rules and regulations of the airport and airline. Each airport may have slightly different procedures, so it is always best to allow extra time and follow the instructions of the security agents.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wear a camera at the airport. However, it is likely that you will be asked to remove it from around your neck/shoulder for the security screening process.
It depends on the airport and the country. Some travellers report that they have never been asked to remove their camera from their bag, while others say they always have. It is recommended that you keep your camera in a bag within your bag, so that it is protected and easily removable.
Yes, lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage, so they must be transported in your carry-on luggage. It is also recommended that you pack your camera batteries separately to avoid them coming into contact with each other and causing a fire. If you are travelling with camera film, you should be aware that x-ray machines can damage undeveloped film.
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