The advent of digital photography has led to an explosion of travel photographers. That is why you could always see so many individuals trying to click the perfect snap while on their journey, especially on airplanes. As such, traveling by plane is becoming increasingly popular, and many people find it easier than ever to capture stunning photos with smartphones as wandering with photography equipment can be stressful, especially if you’re forced to gate-check your gear. But with some smart planning, like packing smart, and traveling with proper insurance, you could be able to avoid expensive baggage fees and make the most out of your photography investment.
Pack your expensive camera equipment in your carry-on bag.
Packing for a flight can be complicated and stressful, and with the cost of airline tickets these days, the last thing you need to do is miss your flight or pay a lot more for it simply because you didn’t pack it properly. Packing your photography equipment in your carry-on bag is the best way to ensure you don’t lose your expensive equipment. Moreover, if you’re traveling to a destination with amazing scenery, this could be a great idea as you could unpack anytime you notice beautiful sight. You would not have to really think about clicking with your phone if you consider this tip.
Pack as light as you can.
Airlines are cracking down on large or heavy bags, so you will need to pack as light as possible, so your equipment doesn’t take over your suitcase. This could also help you from paying extra baggage fees. Most airports charge after a certain luggage weight, so be very mindful while packing.
Sign up for TSA Pre-check.
Traveling can be a pain, especially when it comes to journeying with photography equipment. As a professional photographer, I travel often, and packing for trips takes forever, as does setting up equipment when I arrive at my destination. To avoid having to search the entire airport, airport security, and airline baggage claim for your gear, I recommend packing for airline travel like you pack for photography adventures. To make it easier, you need to make sure to enroll in TSA Pre-check whenever you fly, which expedites your security screening.
Take the lenses off your cameras.
If you travel frequently, you know how challenging it can be to bring your camera equipment with you. That unwanted extra weight can add up fast! As said earlier, your checked bags are often presented with strict weight restrictions, because airlines don’t like you bringing too much stuff with you. Here’s my secret, though: you can take the lenses off your camera. The lenses themselves weigh next to nothing, and because they’re small, they’re easy to pack. The cameras themselves can be heftier, and keeping the lens on could add to their weight, which is why it is recommended to remove them prior to a journey.
Label and tag your bags for easy identification.
Traveling with photography equipment can be a hassle. You likely have your camera bag packed with all sorts of different lenses, filters, and other essential equipment. So, the last thing you would want to worry about is whether or not you packed your spare battery and memory card and which ones they are. Finding this tiny gear can be really an arduous task, which is why it’s smart to label and tag your stuff. This way, you don’t have to waste time ripping open your bag to find a lens or battery, or even worse, forgetting something important.
Pack spare Lithium Batteries in your Carry-On
If you’re traveling by plane, you’ll want to be sure to pack enough spare batteries to keep your photography equipment charged. Travel with spare batteries that are of the same brand and type. You want to avoid potential problems from incompatible batteries.