From weight restrictions to carry-on limits to fears over checking fragile photo equipment, flying with photography gear can be a stressful experience. International travel, with often even more strict requirements, has always been more complicated for photographers.
Now, transporting photography equipment has become even more challenging for international travelers.
The TSA’s new travel order bans large electronics from being carried on to direct flights from nine airlines operating out of the following cities: Amman, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Casablanca, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Jeddah, Kuwait City, and Riyadh.
The new ban states that all electronics “larger than a cell phone/smartphone will not be allowed to be carried onboard the aircraft in carry-on luggage.”
The Department of Homeland Security states that prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- E-Readers
- Cameras
- Portable DVD players
- Electronic game units larger than a smartphone
- Travel printers/scanners
Traditionally, carrying on camera gear has been the first and best advice to photographers. Between unkind baggage handlers to outright theft, carrying on one’s cameras has always been the safest option for flying with gear.
With these new travel restrictions, photographers flying to and from the affected cities will have to check their photography gear.
Here are three rolling camera cases that are all carry-on approved, but which also make very great options for instances where checking camera equipment is necessary.
The Pelican 1510LFC is a hard-sided rolling case that features customizable foam cushioning that can be custom-fit to your gear. In addition, the 1510LFC features a detachable computer sleeve and accessory pouch, which is key for any photography traveling with a laptop. The 1510LFC. The benefit of the foam inserts allows for maximum customization and also a much more precise fit for photo gear, with minimal change for your gear to shift while traveling. The 1510LFC is also sized for carry-on, so it offers flexibility for the frequent traveler.
The Pelican 1535 Air is from Pelican’s lightweight Air line of hard sided cases, which are up to 40% lighter than standard polycarbonate cases. The 1535 is available in a variety of liner options for ultimate flexibility, depending on the kind of padding you prefer — from Pelican’s TrekPak system of dividers, padded dividers, or pick’n pull customizable foam.
Think Tank Photo Airport International V3.0
The Airport International v3.0 is a soft-sided rolling camera case with padded dividers. While not quite as crush-proof compared to the Pelican offerings, this bag is still a great option for a rolling camera case that can serve double duty as both a carry-on bag that conforms to tighter international standards, as well as a serviceable checked-luggage option. The Airport International comes with an integrated travel lock built in that is TSA-compliant, which is a nice bonus. In addition, it has a built-in security leash, which can be useful when traveling when you need to secure your bag while it’s unattended.
