Can I Take My Camera Bag on the Plane?

One of the most common questions when it comes to plane travel is whether you can take your camera bag on the plane. The short answer is – it all depends. But before we get into what affects your chances of taking a camera bag as a carry-on, let’s look at why you would want to have one by your side in the first place.

Traveling is a wonderful hobby that allows you to experience new things, and recharge your batteries, all while meeting new people and enjoying time with friends and family.

The reason that traveling has become so popular in the past decades is that plane tickets are pretty cheap, and finding adequate accommodations is not as hard as it once was. Every country is a story in itself, and in the times we are living, the idea of traveling the world is a realistic one.

Still, everything has to come to an end, and so does your travel adventure. Luckily, your memories will always stay with you. Maybe the best way to make your travel experiences timeless is to record them – there is not much you need apart from a proper camera, and a bit of creativity. But are you allowed to take your camera bag on the plane? Read on to find out.

Can a Camera Bag Act as a Carry-On Item?

Apart from investing in a proper action camera or DSLR, getting the right backpack for your travel adventure is a must. There is not much theory to buying the right camera bag as it is all a matter of what you like and what your budget is. Still, if most of your trips will be via airplane, you will need to follow certain requirements.

A fact is that your luggage will be full and there will be no place for your filming equipment, so the only thing that remains is to fit it in the overhead space. But can camera bags act as a carry-on item in the first place? As long as it complies with certain size requirements, absolutely!

While different airline companies may have different regulations, there is a general clause suggested by TSA that most airlines seem to follow. The size requirements for any baggage item (overhead/carry-on) is up to 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height.

Bearing this in mind, it is pretty clear that most camera bags are designed to be fit on a regular plane. Still, this is something you should consider when searching for a proper backpack, as some brands don’t take this into consideration, focusing on capacity instead.

While you can take a camera bag on a plane, it is not the only option to take filming equipment with you. Most airlines allow one carry-on item and one personal item as your baggage, which means that apart from fitting a few DSLRs and lenses in your backpack, you will be able to take another action camera with you as a personal item that will come in handy if you plan on vlogging during the flight.

Things to Consider When Travelling With Your Camera

The requirements for a carry-on item are pretty clear, and as long as your camera bag fits these, you are fine. Still, there is a number of things you should consider in order to keep your filming equipment protected and safe from any damage.

In fact, the airport is one of the most common places where cameras get lost or stolen, so keeping both eyes open is a must during the boarding process and once you land.

First, you want to pack your filming equipment in a way that you maximize space while still protecting separate items (camera body, lenses, flashes) with extra padding. Along with that, unless you plan to use it, it is smart to take the batteries out of your camera, or at least duct tape the on/off button.

One of the common points of concern is whether the X-ray check can damage your camera. The answer is no, it can’t. While people have been claiming that their memory has been erased after X-ray security control, this is not possible.

The best way to stay trouble-free if you are carrying a camera bag full of equipment is to ensure the items you are taking with you. This is especially important when we are talking about professional DSLR cameras and extra lenses. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Conclusion

There are no airline restrictions on taking your camera bag on an airplane, apart from the above-mentioned size requirements for your camera bag. Bearing this in mind, it is just a matter of your choice and packing to get the most out of your overhead space.