Digital cameras are usually high on packing lists when traveling, but if you will fly you could put your precious digital camera at risk for loss, theft or damage. Find out what you should do before flying with your digital camera, including getting the right case, airport regulations on flying with cameras, insurance for cameras, saving your pictures and avoiding other digital camera perils when flying.
Know the Regulations for Flying with a Digital Camera
Technically, most airlines allow camera bags as carry-on items and cameras are not prohibited from entering airports by the FAA. That sounds great on paper. In reality, any airport security or airline can force you to check your camera bag. They might ask to inspect it. If you have an especially large camera bag with lots of lenses, you may have to check it. Checking it is probably the worst thing you can do, and unfortunately you can't predict whether this will happen. Be prepared by having your camera as secure, protected and perhaps as insured as you need to.
Get a Hard Case for Your Camera
Since you have to be prepared to check your camera, you should be sure you have a hard case that will best protect it from baggage handlers. A soft case really could leave your camera too vulnerable. Look for a hard case that can hold everything that is delicate, like the camera and lenses, and features dividers and foam to secure your camera and accessories as tightly as possible. Of course, the best camera case in the world can't protect your camera from loss or theft while in the hands of other people.
Consider Insuring Your Camera
If you just have a little $200 point and shoot, this probably isn't necessary. If you have an advanced digital camera or a digital SLR camera, however, you might consider this. There are a few options. For one thing, you could check out a general travel insurance policy to see what coverage it provides for a lost, stolen or damaged camera (both in airport handling and while you're at your destination). You could also check your renters' insurance or homeowners' insurance to see what is covered. You will probably need to add scheduled coverage for your camera.
Protect Your Camera When You Get There
Even if your camera survives the flight, it isn't safe yet. While at your destination, it could get stolen from your hotel room or even from you while you're out sightseeing. It could get damaged in bad weather, or you could drop it. Be aware of these threats, and do what you can to protect your camera from accidents, thieves and the elements. You will also probably want another camera case better suited for walking around your destination, such as a soft backpack or waist pack camera bag.
Secure Your Travel Pictures
More than anything, you probably want to be sure you protect your pictures. Otherwise, you wouldn't bring that camera at all. It isn't always an easy proposition, especially when traveling overseas. The best way to do it is by bringing along a portable storage device to back your pictures up. Another option is bringing along a couple high-capacity memory cards that can hold all your pictures. If you will travel with a film camera, be sure you protect your film by enclosing it in a pouch designed to protect it from x-rays and ask airport security to hand-examine your film instead of running it through the x-ray.
