Ruth Haines
Flying with your camera is usually allowed, but there are some restrictions and guidelines to follow. The security process varies across airports, but you will typically need to remove your camera from your carry-on bag for X-ray screening or a hand inspection. It's important to protect your camera and its accessories, such as lenses and batteries, by using padded cases or pouches. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, may need to be stored separately and accessible during security checks, and some airports may require you to remove the battery from your camera. Additionally, undeveloped film should be kept in carry-on baggage and inspected by hand to avoid potential damage from X-ray machines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allowed in carry-on baggage | Yes |
| Allowed in checked baggage | Yes |
| Batteries | Must be stored in carry-on baggage, unless they are inside a camera |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion batteries are limited by the TSA |
| Battery storage | Store batteries securely and separately to avoid short-circuiting and fire hazards |
| Camera storage | Store the camera in a soft case with padding to protect it during travel |
| X-ray inspection | Remove the camera from the bag and place it in a separate tray for X-ray screening |
| Lenses | Wrap lenses in foam or soft covers and store in separate compartments; use lens pouches for extra protection |
| Accessories | Filters, shutter releases, memory cards, and chargers can be stored in side pockets of the camera bag |
| Laptop/tablet | Bring in carry-on luggage and be prepared to remove them for X-ray inspection |
| External storage | External hard drives, SSDs, and other storage devices can be brought in carry-on luggage |
| Country-specific rules | Each country has its own version of the TSA, so check the regulations of the country you are traveling to/from |
| Additional screening | Cameras and lenses may be flagged for additional screening, and security personnel may swab the gear |
| Undeveloped film | Keep in carry-on baggage and ask for a hand inspection at the security checkpoint to avoid damage from X-ray and CT machines |
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What You'll Learn
Camera batteries and airport security
When travelling with a camera, it is important to be aware of the specific rules enforced by aviation authorities, like the FAA or EASA, which are in place to ensure the safety of flights. While cameras are usually allowed on flights, batteries are subject to certain restrictions.
Firstly, standard batteries such as AA, AAA, C, and D can be freely taken onboard an aircraft without any restrictions. There are no quantity limits, and they can be stored in either carry-on or checked luggage. However, they must be protected from damage and the creation of sparks or excessive heat.
Secondly, lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in cameras, have specific regulations due to their potential for rapid combustion. The FAA has set limits for these batteries, with a maximum of 2 grams of lithium per lithium metal battery and 100-watt hours per lithium-ion battery. With airline approval, passengers can carry up to two larger spare lithium-ion or metal batteries, but these must be protected from short circuits by using the original packaging or covering terminals with tape. It is also recommended to separate these batteries from other items and store them in individual bags.
When travelling with camera batteries, it is advisable to keep them in carry-on baggage. This is because loose lithium batteries in checked luggage can pose a fire hazard without anyone in the cargo hold to intervene. Additionally, some airlines may require batteries to be included in carry-on luggage. However, if you choose to keep your camera in checked luggage, you can leave the batteries inside, as advised by the TSA. Nevertheless, it is essential to turn off the camera and protect it from accidental activation.
To ensure a smooth security process, it is recommended to place small items like batteries in the smaller pockets of your bag, making them easily accessible during security checks. At some airports, you may be asked to remove all electronics, including cameras, from your carry-on. However, this varies, and there is no standardisation. In some cases, security personnel may only swipe the outside of your camera bag for explosives without opening it. It is also worth noting that security checks may flag your camera for additional screening, which could involve a hand search or swabbing the gear for explosives.
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Camera accessories and packing tips
Firstly, it is important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through airport security rests with the TSA officer. That being said, there are several steps you can take to ensure your camera equipment is safe and secure when travelling.
It is recommended to always carry your camera equipment on your person, rather than checking it in. This is because checked luggage has a high chance of being lost, and airlines are not able or willing to offer insurance for expensive gear. If you do have a lot of gear, consider investing in a good rolling camera bag, which can hold a lot of equipment and fit under the seat in front of you. Ensure that your camera bag is well-padded to protect your equipment.
When going through security, you will likely be asked to remove your camera from your bag. To avoid having to repack, keep your camera easily accessible in your bag. If you are carrying multiple cameras, place them in a plastic bin for scanning. It is also recommended to keep your memory cards on your person at all times, rather than in your camera bag.
When packing your camera equipment, consider using a camera cube or small padded case to protect your camera and lenses. If you are travelling with a tripod, lightstands, or umbrellas, ensure you research your destination's policies on travelling with professional equipment, as you may need documentation or insurance.
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Camera film and X-ray machines
While cameras are generally allowed through airport security, camera film is more complicated. Most cameras rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are allowed in checked bags according to official advice from the TSA. However, some airlines and staff may expect you to include them in your carry-on luggage. When in doubt, check with your airline and keep them accessible. Also, if you are taking along spare batteries, those are always prohibited from checked bags, so they will need to be in your carry-on luggage.
Airport X-ray machines come in two types: those used to scan checked luggage and those at the security checkpoints for scanning personal items and carry-ons. The scanners for checked luggage are much more powerful and very well may damage your film. The checkpoint X-rays are less powerful and usually will not damage film (800 ISO or slower), even with multiple passes. However, there are no conclusive data on the impact of X-ray machines on films.
CT scanners, on the other hand, are a different story. These new scanners are significantly more powerful than traditional X-ray machines and have been shown to damage film with a single pass, regardless of the film speed. If you have undeveloped film in your camera, it is recommended to ask for a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. Security personnel may not always be willing to hand-inspect your film, but it is worth asking politely.
To avoid any potential damage to your film, you can also consider mailing exposed rolls directly to a film processing company using prepaid mailers or developing your film before travelling.
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Camera gear and carry-on luggage
You can take your camera through airport security and cameras are typically allowed with few restrictions. However, it is worth noting that each country has its own version of the TSA, and while the same is usually true for other countries' airport security agencies, it is always a good idea to check the regulations of the country you are travelling to and from.
When it comes to camera gear and carry-on luggage, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your camera gear fits within the carry-on size and weight restrictions of your airline. The carry-on size limit is typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and the weight limit is often 50 pounds (23 kg) for standard economy class.
It is recommended to use a padded camera bag to protect your gear from bumps and scratches. Place your camera body at the back of the bag, and wrap your lenses in foam or soft covers, storing them in separate compartments. Small accessories like batteries, memory cards, and chargers can be kept in the smaller pockets of your bag, but make sure they are easily accessible during security checks.
It is important to note that you may be asked to remove your camera from your carry-on bag at the security checkpoint. This is to allow for X-ray screening or additional screening of your camera gear. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your camera easily accessible and well-protected during transport.
Additionally, if your camera uses lithium-ion batteries, there may be specific regulations to follow. Some airlines may expect you to keep the batteries in your carry-on luggage, while other airports may require you to remove the battery from your camera. It is always best to check with the relevant authorities to ensure you adhere to the regulations and avoid any issues during security screening.
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Country-specific camera security rules
While cameras are generally allowed in hand luggage or checked baggage, each country has its own rules and restrictions. Here are some country-specific camera security rules to consider:
United States (TSA)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US allows cameras in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, TSA agents may ask you to remove all electronics, including cameras, from your carry-on during security checks. They may also swab your camera for explosives or drugs. Lithium-ion batteries in cameras can go in checked bags, but spare batteries must be in carry-on baggage. Undeveloped film and cameras with film should be hand-inspected to avoid potential damage from X-ray and CT scanners.
Canada
Travellers have reported not being required to remove their camera from their carry-on bag when flying within Canada. However, it is always a good idea to check with the specific airline and airport regulations.
Europe
European airports are generally less strict about electronics in carry-on luggage. However, each country and airport may have its own rules, so it is essential to check before travelling.
Asia
Airports in Asia can be more stringent about electronics in carry-on luggage, including cameras. Some travellers have reported that all electronics must be removed from bags, and batteries must have their capacity clearly printed on them. Power banks without clear capacity labels may be confiscated.
Turkey
Travellers have advised complying with all requests from Turkish airport security and remaining polite. Turkish security may involve multiple bag checks and can be strict.
China
Chinese airports are described as being particularly thorough when checking luggage, and travellers should be prepared for their bags to be searched.
It is important to research the specific regulations of your destination country and any countries you may be transiting through. Checking with your airline is also crucial, as they may have their own rules and restrictions regarding cameras and related equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take your camera through airport security. However, it's important to check the specific rules of the country, airline, and airport you're travelling to and from.
Camera equipment such as tripods, selfie sticks, and lenses can be transported in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, it's important to consider the size and weight of your equipment. For example, tripods are usually best transported in checked baggage.
It's recommended to pack your camera in a soft case with padding to keep it safe. Place your camera body at the back of the bag to protect it from bumps and impacts. Lenses should be wrapped in foam or soft covers and stored in separate compartments.
Batteries, memory cards, and chargers can usually be stored in the side pockets of your camera bag. However, it's important to check the rules of your airline and destination country, as some have specific restrictions on batteries.
Yes, you will likely need to remove your camera from your bag at the security checkpoint. It's also possible that your camera will be flagged for additional screening, which may include a hand search or swab test.
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