If you intend to bring a digital camera on your next flight, plan ahead of time. This is to ensure that you packed all the necessary equipment and you will be allowed to get pass airport security without any problems. Bring your electric plug adapter and/or converter if you are going to use a digital camera battery charger.

Instead of putting your digital camera in your suitcase, pack it on a well-padded carry-on. It is easier to take it out during inspection and you can be sure that it will not be damaged or broken.

Insurance for your camera equipment

Most airports usually take no responsibility for damaged or stolen digital cameras. If you want to take extra precaution for expensive camera equipment, each item must be insured separately. There are standard homeowner or renter policies that provide coverage against fire and theft when you are travelling.

Sometimes, a main insurance policy can cover camera equipment for non-commercial photography using a “rider” or a “floater” which is more practical. But you have to determine what are included in the policy and what are not – damage, fire, theft, loss. Do not forget to keep the list of all the serial numbers.

Customs declaration of camera equipment

Declare all your camera equipment with the customs officials before your departure. This way, you will not prove your ownership again when you get back from your trip. It is a good thing to bring receipt copies of your digital camera and all other equipment.

The rules in the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States can give a go-signal for the hand inspection of photo equipment and film.

Film packages and other photographic equipment shall be inspected without exposure to an X-ray machine upon request of passengers. This is according to the Code of Federal Regulations of FAA.

It would be best to put your films in clear canisters or plastic bags. This would speed up the screening process. On the other hand, similar policies cannot be found in other airports. Your airline or travel agent can give you detailed information about rules for hand inspections of digital cameras and other equipment. Alternatively, request a manual inspection from airport security.