Tips for Flying with Camera Equipment

If you are carrying something like a DSLR camera with a selection of lenses, make sure that you keep each item separate. You may be tempted to leave one lens attached to the camera body, but both items will be safer if packet separately. The same applies to everything else: pack camera grips, hoods, microphones and any other add-ons safely on their own. Obviously you need to pack each item tightly, ideally with plenty of bubble wrap if you don`t have a fitted case. If you leave anything attached and it comes loose in the bag, you could damage something.

If it is just a single camera and a few accessories then do everything you can to fit it into your hand luggage on the plane. Avoid putting expensive equipment of any kind in the hold if you can avoid it. It might mean missing a few handy items from your in-cabin bag but at least you can make sure your camera stays safe.

Most smaller cameras will pass through customs scans with no problem. If however you are carrying anything large enough to need it`s own separate case, there is a fair change they may ask to x-ray it separately. This is standard, so don`t be alarmed.

Before you even head for the airport, make sure that you have valid insurance for all the equipment you are taking. For professionals this is most likely needless advice, but many holidaymakers forget to check how much cover their standard travel insurance offers for camera equipment. If you are taking a camera worth hundreds of pounds you better make sure the insurance will cover it. Accidents will happen – even if you are super careful.

If you are keeping the tradition of real camera film alive then be warned – airport x-ray machines can and will damage some film. Carry-On luggage scans should be safe for film, but any bags being checked will be in danger of damage. Arrange for separate, specialist delivery back home for any real film you use. Airport scanners are no problem for memory cards, USB sticks or other digital storage, so digital photographers have little to worry about.