Where should I pack my camera when flying?

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.



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Some viewers questioned if it was illegal to place a camera on your bag and record the baggage process. However, according to Flyertalk.com, surveillance cameras to protect your own property are not illegal in the US. This article was originally published on 09 May 2023.

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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.

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While many airports' X-ray machines aren't strong enough to cause damage to film with one pass, the damaging effect is cumulative, meaning that if you're going to go through multiple airports, you could end up with foggy film by the end of your trip.

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When I'm traveling with my camera, I always carry a shoulder bag, even if I'm only using one camera and lens. I can hide my camera discretely and it's always at my side, so I've always got an eye on it. The bag I use is the UNDEFIND One Bag, with the leather cover, and camera insert.

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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.

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In the past, older models of X-ray scanners were even more damaging to film, particularly high ISO films. However, most current machines used for carry-on luggage scanning use a very mild dose of X-rays that is unlikely to cause any damage to your film if it's under 800 ISO.

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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.

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They are designed to detect “metallic and nonmetallic threat items,” according to the TSA. Those are things like explosives or knives made out of materials other than metal, like ceramics, says Malvini Redden.

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Taking liquids through security
  • all drinks, including water.
  • liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups.
  • cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss.
  • sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants.
  • pastes, including toothpaste.


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Corrosives such as acids, alkalis, mercury and wet cell batteries and apparatus containing mercury. Explosives, munitions, fireworks and flares, ammunition including blank cartridges, handguns, fire works, pistol caps.

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