Traveling with camera gear takes some planning. Getting your equipment there in one piece is the priority. A lost bag or broken gear before you’ve even started shooting is not the way to kick things off.
Packing Smart: Keeping Your Gear Secure and Organized
Instead of throwing everything into a single case, consider distributing your equipment between multiple bags. If you’re traveling with a team, split essential items among different people. For solo travel, keep the most valuable and fragile items like cameras, lenses, laptops, tethers, and memory cards in your carry-on.
Pro Tip: Attach Apple AirTags or other tracking devices to your cases. If an airline misplaces your luggage or a case goes missing, you can locate it with less effort.
For checked luggage, invest in a hard-shell case with proper padding. Brands like Pelican and HPRC offer rugged, airline-approved cases. Replace your latches with TSA locking ones to avoid needing additional locks that could get caught in the baggage system.
Flying with Camera Gear: What You Need to Know
- Know Your Airline’s Baggage Policies. Each airline has different weight and size limits for carry-ons. Check in advance to avoid unexpected fees or issues at security.
- Arrive Early. Security checks with professional equipment can take longer. Arriving early gives you time to sort out any last-minute complications.
- Carry Batteries Safely. Lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on per TSA and international airline regulations.
International Commercial Travel: Avoiding Customs Headaches
If you’re traveling internationally with a lot of gear, customs officers may ask if you’re importing equipment for sale. To avoid unnecessary taxes or delays, you’ll need a carnet. A passport for your equipment.
- Apply Before You Travel. Carnets must be obtained before departure. In the U.S., they’re issued by organizations like the ATA Carnet System. They can be costly so make sure production has planned for them.
- List Every Piece of Equipment. Include serial numbers and values. Border agents will check your gear against this list when you enter and leave the country.
- Get It Stamped at Customs. When entering and exiting each country, present your carnet for approval. Missing a stamp can lead to fines and delays.
Renting Gear Instead of Flying with It
Sometimes, traveling with heavy equipment isn’t worth the hassle. If your shoot location has a reliable rental house, consider renting some or all of your gear locally. Websites like Lensrentals, ShareGrid, and KitSplit offer local pickup options in many cities.
Final Travel Tips
- Insurance is a Must. Get a specialized photography/ videography insurance policy, not just travel insurance.
- Keep Backup Copies of Documents. Have digital and paper copies of your carnet, rental agreements, and travel insurance details.
- Have a Backup Storage Plan. Always back up your footage to two locations while traveling.
- If you have to travel without a carnet. Travel like a tourist and avoid using anything that looks like a professional case.
Plan ahead, pack smart, and know the rules for wherever you’re going. It makes the whole trip easier.