Electronics require some special care when traveling. and the same will be applied when you bring your precious camera on a plane.
In addition of how to pack your camera when traveling you will need to have a basic understanding of the TSA and the FAA rules.
Here is a quick answer.
You are permitted to pack your camera and it accessories in both carry-on and checked luggage, however; you will be required to remove your camera from your bag at the security checkpoint for further screening.
As a rule of thumb
Never pack your camera on checked baggage, unless you don’t have other choices.
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In this post, we will answer your all your question about traveling with cameras and learn how to protect your camera while flying.
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TSA Camera Rules
According to the TSA digital cameras are allowed through the security checkpoint without any restrictions
Digital cameras are not considered dangerous because they are small so their rules are pretty clear about them.
Here is what the TSA has to say on their website.
Do You Have To Remove The Camera At Airport Security Checkpoints?
Make sure that you pick a checkpoint friendly bag, so when you are at the airport your camera will be screened easily when it goes under the X-ray.
You don’t need to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from your bag but not all your camera equipment unless the security agent asks you to do that.
You will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening.
Common examples of these devices include laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.
TSA
How To Pack a Camera In Carry-on?
Whether it is a DSLR camera, a GoPro or any other type of camera, you can take it in carry on luggage.
The best and secure way to travel with your camera is to take it on board with you inside a carry-on bag.
Most airlines won’t advise you to place your camera on your checked baggage, unless you want that or you have to transport multiple cameras, however you will be advised to protect them and secure them.
Mia asked the TSA on Twitter if she can bring her DSLR camera , camera battery and charger in her personal item or carry on bag.
The TSA customer service replied that a camera, battery and charger are good to go in carry-on bags.
Most airlines will allow two bags as carry-on baggage, so you can have a personal item and a carry on bag. The personal item is a smaller bag that goes under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must be placed in the overhead compartment.
The easiest way to pack your Camera is by Placing it in your carry on bag , it can be a backpack, or a small carry on bag.
If you are traveling with a budget airline they may not allow you to take two items on board due to the limited space on small airplanes , thus, you will have to fit your camera and your other items on the allowed single carry-on.
A simple and easy to reach bag can be worth its value if you invest on it for your precious camera, otherwise if you are not willing to put your camera on your carry camera bag or backpack can be a life saver, as it can be placed easily under the seat in front of you.
Can I Put Camera In Checked Luggage?
Cameras are generally permitted in checked luggage, you can place your camera inside a checked bag but you will need to tale some precautions to ensure that it is packed well, however we do not advise you to put your camera or any expensive electronics in your checked baggage.
Do airlines Compensate camera or electronics damages?
Most airlines will not take responsibility for any damaged item in, like electronics, cameras or jewelry, even when crashed with their staff.
Checked baggage are handled in a much more carless way.
For instance Delta Airlines stated this on their website.
Unfortunately, we cannot assume liability for jewelry, cash, camera equipment or other similar valuable items contained in checked or unchecked baggage on domestic flights.
Delta Airlines
So make sure to take your camera with you on board the airplane to avoid any possiblities.
What Other Camera Equipment You Can Bring With You?
You can bring your camera body, lens, flash and tripod or any other accessories on a plane.
If you’re traveling light and with less carry- on items, You can bring whatever gear you can fit in your carry-on suitcase, in addition to the personal item.
Does A Camera Bag Count As Carry-On?
If you are traveling with a Camera Backpack Bag and is within the airline carry-on size and fits under the seat in front of you.
So Yes, it will be counted as your personal item,otherwise if you are traveling with some large camera bag that will not fit under the seat in front of you so it will be considered as your main carry on.
But if you just have a small camera that can be placed inside your carry on bag or personal item, or be taken on your hand.
don’t worry most airlines will not force it as your carry on bag, as many airlines allow some additional items free of charge, and that include electronics.
Final Thoughts
Most airlines allow you to bring a camera on carry-on baggage, and traveling with your camera or any other gear must be fun and easy not complicated.
Please make sure that you review your airline baggage policies about traveling with camera and electronics, before bringing your camera on carry-on baggage.
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