Owais Crawford
Taking a camera through airport security can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially given the cost of camera equipment and the potential for damage or theft. However, with the right preparation, you can ensure your camera stays safe as you travel. Here are some tips to help you navigate airport security with your camera.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to pack your camera | The TSA states that digital cameras can be transported in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage. However, it is recommended to pack them in carry-on luggage to avoid potential damage. |
| How to pack your camera | Pack your camera tightly in protective wrapping, ideally in a padded camera bag with separate compartments for lenses, camera body, flash units, and other accessories. Alternatively, repack the equipment in its original box and padding. |
| Batteries | Keep batteries in a separate, smaller pocket in your camera bag and use tape to secure the plastic terminal covers. Lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage and must be transported in carry-on bags. |
| Tripods | Tripods can be transported in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, it is recommended to put them in checked luggage as they are not delicate and can take up space in carry-on bags. |
| Cleaning kit | Put any cleaning products in your checked luggage due to restrictions on liquids in hand luggage. |
| Camera film | Film should be transported in hand luggage as x-ray machines used to scan checked baggage can damage film. Request a hand-check if possible. |
| Drone cameras | Flying with a camera attached to a drone may be subject to further rules. |
| Selfie sticks | Selfie sticks can be transported in both carry-on and checked baggage. |
| Camera monopods | Camera monopods are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. |
| DSLR cameras | DSLR cameras can be transported in both hand and checked luggage. However, it is recommended to carry them in hand luggage and ensure they fit in the overhead bin. |
| Disposable cameras | Disposable cameras can be packed in both carry-on and checked baggage. Cover them to avoid any damage. |
What You'll Learn
Keep camera in carry-on luggage
Keeping your camera in your carry-on luggage is a great way to ensure it stays safe and secure. Here are some tips to help you navigate airport security with your camera:
Firstly, it is recommended to always pack your camera in your carry-on luggage. Checked luggage in the aircraft hold is often thrown around and damaged in transit, which could damage your fragile camera. It is best to keep your camera close by and stored safely in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Secondly, make sure you have a suitable bag for your camera. A padded camera bag with separate compartments for lenses, the camera body, flash units, and other accessories is ideal. If you don't have a camera bag, you can use the original box and padding, stored inside a backpack or another carry-on. If carrying the box separately, consider placing it in a simple paper bag to avoid attracting thieves.
Thirdly, detach your lens from your camera. This will help to avoid damage to the delicate threads that connect the two. Pack them separately, using the proper caps to protect the camera's sensor and internal electronics.
Next, be mindful of the size of your camera bag. Verify that it will fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat. If your bag is too big, you may have to pay an additional fee to check it in. Keep in mind that some airlines allow a small personal item, such as a small camera bag, in addition to your regular carry-on.
Additionally, be prepared for security screening. TSA officers may require you to scan your camera separately, so keep it easily accessible. They might also request to inspect it more closely after the X-ray procedure, so don't lose sight of your equipment to prevent theft. It is recommended to keep a fresh battery handy as you may be asked to turn on your camera during screening.
Lastly, be mindful of any batteries you are travelling with. Lithium batteries, in particular, are not allowed in checked baggage and must be included in your carry-on. Keep them protected from damage or short circuits by storing them in a separate container or securely in your bag.
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Remove the lens
Detaching your lens from your camera is a good idea when going through airport security. This is because the threads that connect the lens to the camera body are delicate and can break if the lens housing is subjected to force. This can happen if the camera bag is dropped or knocked, or if the camera is placed in a plastic tray for inspection and slides around, banging against the sides. Removing the lens from the camera body will also make it easier to fit the camera into the tray for inspection. When you have removed the lens, use the camera body cap to cover and protect the camera's sensor and internal electronics.
If you are travelling with multiple lenses, consider which ones you will need for your trip and only take those. Lenses can be heavy and you may find yourself going over your bag limit. Try to find a lens that is versatile and will work for different types of shots. Pack each lens separately using the proper caps to protect them.
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Preserve batteries
- Do not carry loose batteries together. If their terminals come into contact during the flight, they could short-circuit and start a fire.
- All batteries should be securely and separately stowed during the flight.
- Pack batteries so they will not be crushed or punctured. Chemicals in lithium and Li-ion batteries can be dangerous if their outer casings are compromised.
- Lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage, so they must be transported safely in your carry-on bags.
- Consider taping your DSLR's power toggle switch into the 'Off' position. This will prevent the camera from accidentally turning on inside your bag if you leave the battery attached.
- Keep a fresh battery handy while going through the security line. Security personnel might ask you to turn on your camera during screening.
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X-ray won't damage camera
X-rays used to inspect carry-on baggage at airport security are a low-level form of radiation that will not damage your digital camera. The X-ray procedure will also not affect your memory card or erase any stored data.
However, if you are travelling with unprocessed film, you should know that X-rays can damage it. The more sensitive your film is to light, the more prone it is to damage. ISO 100 film is less prone to damage compared to ISO 1600 film.
If you are travelling with film, you can request a hand search of your carry-on baggage instead of passing it through the X-ray machine. According to the FAA, air travellers in the US have the right to request a non-X-ray inspection of photosensitive products. However, this may not be honoured at non-US airports.
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Keep an eye on your gear
As you go through security, you'll need to keep a close eye on your camera gear. While the risk of losing your equipment is low, it is still a possibility, especially as you go through the security checkpoint, where you and your gear will be separated as it goes through the X-ray machine. Other travellers could accidentally grab your gear, so make sure you keep it in sight.
If you do lose your camera equipment at the airport, contact the TSA group at the airport where you lost it. You can find the right phone number by searching for "lost and found" on the TSA website. If you lost your camera elsewhere in the airport, contact the airport directly.
To avoid losing your gear, get into the habit of storing your camera in the same place as your bag, so you always know where to check before exiting security or boarding the plane.
If you're a frequent traveller, you can avoid much of the security inspection process by signing up for TSA Precheck. It costs $85 for a five-year membership, and allows you to go through security without removing your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. You can also consider Global Entry, which includes TSA Precheck and other expedited entry benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring your camera in your carry-on baggage, and it is recommended to do so to avoid potential damage. However, your camera must meet the airline's size and weight policy.
It is recommended to pack your camera in a padded camera bag with separate compartments for lenses, camera body, flash units, and other accessories. If you are packing a DSLR camera, make sure to remove the lens and pack the body and lens separately using the proper caps.
Camera accessories such as lithium batteries and tripods can be packed in checked luggage. However, batteries should be packed securely and separately to avoid short-circuiting and becoming a fire hazard. Tripods should be labelled as "fragile" to ensure extra care.
