Should film cameras be in carry-on or checked bags?

We recommend that you put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on bags or take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask for a hand inspection. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.



People Also Ask

We recommend that you put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on bags or take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask for a hand inspection. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'

MORE DETAILS

Never put film in a 'checked' bag The scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used in carry-on luggage and will very likely fog your film. Film and loaded cameras should always be taken in carry-on luggage.

MORE DETAILS

However, a lot of people are unclear as to whether or not cameras are permitted past airport security. Yes, cameras can pass through airport security, to give the quick answer.

MORE DETAILS

According to the TSA, digital cameras can be transported in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage. However, because cameras are fragile items, we recommend you always pack them in your carry-on luggage.

MORE DETAILS

Maximize Under the Seat When Flying with Camera Gear Fit your stuff under your seat when flying with camera gear! Overhead compartment availability and regulations are just too wildly different to be trusted, in my experience. Your absolute best move, your most powerful ally, is your under-seat bag.

MORE DETAILS

Yes! Firstly, not all airports have CT scanners. And traditional x-ray scanners only affect films with an ISO of 800 or upwards. Secondly, you can ask airport security to check your rolls of film by hand. Keep your rolls of film in your hand luggage and carry them through security yourself.

MORE DETAILS

Take your film out of all its packaging and wrappers and store it in a transparent, ziplock bag (the same way you would for all your liquids in your hand luggage). This way you can easily show it to airport security for hand inspection! Airport security is certainly not the most thrilling part of any trip.

MORE DETAILS

In fact there is nothing to worry about. Just make sure that your camera is off. You'd probably get a completely saturated sensor from sending your camera through a scanner in a long exposure. So that's a big no.

MORE DETAILS

USE A SHOULDER BAG OR MESSENGER BAG There are some really great shoulder & messenger bags out there made specifically for camera gear. This option works especially well if you only plan to travel with one camera/lens and would like something a bit lighter or just more discreet.

MORE DETAILS

For security, you'll need to be able to put it in a bag. They won't want it loose. You certainly can't where it around your neck when you go through security, It might be a different issue for the airlines.

MORE DETAILS

Checked Bags: No Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.

MORE DETAILS