Traveling provides a great opportunity for capturing memorable photos, but it poses risks to that expensive gear.

Use these tips to pack your camera bag for travel to ensure that your photography equipment arrives safely.

Jostling and bumps can tear off or break loose parts.

Close-Up Of Camera By Bag On Wooden Table At Home

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Shifts during the flight can stress or damage the threads that hold the lens to the camera.

Carry it separately, and confirm all lens caps are tightly secured on both ends.

Power Out

Remove the battery and memory card from the camera for travel.

Camera lenses arranged on a wooden table

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If you must check it, consider purchasing a specialized protective case to secure it.

Confirm details with your airline before your flight, but check the camera equipment only as a last resort.

Film is a different story, though.

Airport security imaging equipment

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X-ray imaging can damage both exposed and unexposed film, so keep that in your carry-on bag.

The screening equipment for carry-on bags shouldn’t damage it.

If you’re nervous about carrying film through security, ask the personnel to inspect the film by hand.

Altura Photo Camera Case for DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

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Choose the Right Bag or Case

Consider purchasing a hard-sided case with ample padding.

Keep in mind that such cases can be expensive.

If you still have the original packing and box for your camera, consider using that while you travel.

Cameras In Plastic Bags

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Double-Check That You’ve Packed Everything

Don’t forget your battery charger.

And Just in Case

Protect expensive equipment with insurance before you travel.

Contact your insurance company or agent for a quote.