Flying with camera gear: weight, batteries and film
Your camera should never go in checked luggage. That makes the cabin bag the hardest part of packing. Here's how to get through check-in and security with everything you need.
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Airline and airport rules change and vary. Use this guide to plan, then check your airline's current rules before you fly.
Carry-on weight: know your limit
Many airlines in Australia and Asia allow around 7 kg in the cabin, and that usually includes the bag itself. Some allow more, some allow a small personal item on top, and budget airlines are often the strictest at the gate.
- Weigh at home. A small luggage scale costs little and saves stress at the airport.
- Use your personal item. If your airline allows one, a camera crossbody or tote often counts. Check the size rules.
- Wear the heavy things. Your heaviest shoes and jacket travel on you, not in the bag.
- Choose a light bag. A heavy bag eats into your allowance before you've packed anything.
The packing list builder estimates your carry-on weight, including the bag.
Batteries and power banks go in the cabin
Spare lithium batteries, including camera batteries and power banks, must travel in your carry-on, not your checked bag. Batteries fitted inside a camera can generally stay in it.
- Keep spare batteries in their covers or a small case so the contacts can't touch metal.
- Most airlines allow power banks up to 100 Wh without approval. A typical 20,000 mAh power bank is around 74 Wh. Larger ones may need airline approval, and some airlines limit how many you can carry.
- Some airlines don't allow power banks to be used or charged during the flight. Follow the crew's instructions.
Film at security
Film belongs in your carry-on; checked baggage scanners are stronger. Newer CT scanners at some airports can also fog film, so the safest option is to ask for a hand inspection.
- Take film out of its boxes and put it in a clear bag, ready to hand over.
- Ask politely and early. Hand checks are at the security staff's discretion.
- Higher-speed film (ISO 800 and above) is the most sensitive.
- An X-ray pouch can help, but may lead to a bag search anyway.
Tripods, drones and other extras
- Tripods: most airports allow a travel tripod in the cabin, but a few don't. If yours is large or you're unsure, check your airport or pack it in a checked bag.
- Drones: carry them in the cabin with their batteries, and check the rules at your destination. Some countries restrict or ban them.
How to pack the bag
- Camera and lenses go in the padded section, with lens caps on.
- Batteries, cards and chargers go in one small pouch you can find quickly.
- Liquids go in a clear 1 L bag near the top, ready for security.
- Clothes fill the gaps and add padding.
- Keep passport and phone in a pocket you can reach without unpacking.
Insurance
Check whether your travel insurance covers camera gear, and the limit per item. Many policies cap individual items at a low amount unless you list them separately, and some won't cover gear left unattended.