If this is your first time planning to travel with a gimbal on an airplane or a stabilizer, you might be wondering if you can bring a gimbal on a plane?
You can bring a gimbal on an airplane, but it is highly best to pack your gimbal in your carry-on luggage. Because gimbals contain lithium-ion batteries and delicate electronic components, taking them in the cabin will prevent them from damage from rough baggage handling and complies with aviation battery safety rules.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about taking gimbals on planes in carry-on and checked bags in both domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring a gimbal on a plane.
- You can bring most camera and phone gimbals in both carry-on and checked bags.
- Carrying them in your hand luggage is usually the safest option.
- If your gimbal has removable lithium-ion batteries, keep those batteries in your carry-on bag and make sure they comply with airline battery limits.
- Because gimbals are electronic devices, the security officers will ask you to remove them from your bag during TSA screening.
- Large or heavy gimbals could receive extra scrutiny, and airport security officers always have the final say.
Can You Bring a Gimbal Through TSA?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for overseeing security screening on flights within and from the U.S.
This ensures that passengers do not take any prohibited or dangerous objects on board airplanes.
Even though the TSA does not specifically mention gimbals on its prohibited items list, they are generally allowed.
When traveling with a small gimbal, TSA screening and airline carry-on size restrictions usually won’t be a problem.
However, some types of gimbals are large and made of solid materials, so they could potentially be used as bludgeons or weapons that could harm someone.
Therefore, the final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.
I checked their social media to find more information.
Jake asked the TSA and Southwest Airlines about taking his small DJI Mobile 2 stabilizer gimbal in carry-on luggage.
SouthwestAir replied that gimbals are allowed in hand luggage, but lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100 watt-hours. The DJI Mobile stabilizer appears to have less than 100 watt-hours, which makes it acceptable for carry-on baggage.
The AskTSA team also confirmed that gimbal stabilizers are good to go in carry-on bags.
A gimbal is considered an electronic item, so you will need to take it out of your bag when going through airport security and place it, along with other electronics larger than a cell phone, in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
Can You Take a Gimbal In Checked Baggage?
There are some important things you should keep in mind if you are planning to place your gimbal or other electronics in a checked bag.
Most airlines and airport security authorities do not advise sending valuable or expensive electronics in checked luggage.
However, items like large and heavy gimbals often need to be placed in checked baggage because of their size and weight, so using a sturdy suitcase will help protect your electronics.
Also, if your gimbal operates with a spare (removable) lithium battery, ensure that you remove it and take it with you on board the airplane because it may activate and present a security risk when transported in checked baggage.
In general, there are some downsides to placing camera gear in cargo baggage because you don’t know what will happen to it or whether it will be handled carefully.
Most airlines will not compensate for lost or damaged electronics.
One reader shares, “I always travel with my $1200 large portable gimbal inside my checked bag, and I’m always afraid that it will get damaged, but thankfully it has never happened.”
| Gimbal type | Typical size | Best place to pack |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone Gimbal | Small (Foldable, 8–12 in / 20–30 cm) | Carry-on baggage |
| Action Camera Gimbal | Small (6–10 in / 15–25 cm) | Carry-on baggage |
| Mirrorless Camera Gimbal | Medium (12–18 in / 30–45 cm) | Carry-on baggage |
| DSLR Camera Gimbal | Medium to large (16–24 in / 40–60 cm) | Carry-on or checked |
| Professional Cinema Gimbal | Large (24–36+ in / 60–90+ cm) | Usually checked |
| Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal | Small to medium | Carry-on baggage |
Can You Take Gimbals On International Flights?
The rules are similar on most airlines when traveling with gimbals.
You will need to ensure that your gimbal complies with your airline baggage size requirements.
If we didn’t mention the country you are flying to in the table below, you can conduct some research on the country you plan to visit.
Here is some of the rules for different countries:
| Countries | Luggage rules |
|---|---|
| Canada | Gimbals aren’t specifically mentioned with the Canadian authorities, but they have the same rules as in the United States so they are allowed in both carry on and checked baggage, and their lithium ion batteries need to not exceed 100 watt-hours. |
| United kingdom and Europe | The same rules as those in the US, if you are traveling with a small gimbal you will be good to pack it in hand luggage, on the other hand if you’re traveling with an edged gimbal that can be used to harm someone you will find it hard to pass through the security checkpoint. |
| Australia | The airport authorities do not specifically mention gimbals but they do not allow similar items like tripods in carry-on baggage so apparently gimbals will be subject for checked baggage. |
Final Thoughts
In general, camera and phone gimbals are permitted on planes within the United States in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Even though the TSA has informed some passengers that large and heavy gimbals are more likely to raise concerns during airport security screening, the agent at the checkpoint will have the final say.
For international flights, you will need to review your airline’s baggage rules to ensure that your gimbal complies with its carry-on standards.
The gimbal must fit either in your carry-on bag or in the overhead compartment.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
FAQs On Bringing Gimbals On Planes.
Can I Bring More Than One Gimbal on a Plane?
You can bring more than one gimbal on a plane as long as they fit within your airline baggage limits. Just make sure any lithium batteries follow the airline and TSA battery rules.
Does a Gimbal Count as a Carry-On Item?
A single gimbal will not count as a separate carry-on item if it is packed inside your carry-on bag or personal item. If you carry it separately, your airline may count it as an additional item.
Can You Use a Gimbal During a Flight?
You can generally use a smartphone gimbal during a flight when electronic devices are permitted. However, always follow the airline instructions and your airline’s policies regarding electronic devices.
Do Gimbals Show Up on Airport Scanners?
Gimbals may show up on the airport X-ray scanners just like other electronics. This is normal and usually does not cause any issues during security screening.
Can TSA Confiscate a Gimbal?
The TSA officers can stop any item from going through security if they believe it could pose a safety risk. Most standard camera and phone gimbals are allowed, but the final decision is always up to the officer at the checkpoint.
Can I Bring a DJI Osmo Mobile or DJI RS Gimbal on a Plane?
Yes, DJI Osmo Mobile, DJI RS, and other DJI gimbals are generally allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked baggage. If the device uses lithium batteries, make sure you follow the airline’s battery requirements.
Do I Need to Remove My Gimbal During TSA Screening?
The security guys may ask you to remove your gimbal from your bag during security screening because it is an electronic device. Airport security officers will let you know if it needs to be screened separately.
Are Gimbals Allowed on International Airlines?
Most international airlines permit gimbals in both carry-on and checked bags. Just double check your airline’s baggage and battery rules before traveling, especially if your gimbal uses lithium-ion batteries.
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