Little Known Fact on Air Travel and Camera Bags
During a trip to Columbus last year I was stopped by a TSA agent in Dulles Airport prior to entering the security line. My bags consisted of my overnight roller bag (to check at the counter), a laptop in a slip case (to work on during the flight), and my camera bag (to store in the overhead or under the seat). The agent informed me I could only bring two bags into the line. I ended up putting the laptop into the overnight and proceeded through, somewhat annoyed but without being a jerk about it.
I now find out that the TSA rules allow for camera bags in addition to the standard two. From their website:
“You may carry one (1) bag of photographic equipment in addition to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. The additional bag must conform to your air carrier’s carry-on restrictions for size and weight.”
It is important to note that this rule applies to the TSA security checkpoints. Individual airlines may or may not follow this policy on their aircraft. Contact your airline to determine their policy.
I’ve included the customer service number of some of the major US airlines below:
| American | 1-800-433-7300 |
| Continental | 1-800-523-FARE
(1-800-523-3273) |
| Delta | 1-800-221-1212 |
| JetBlue | 1-800-JETBLUE
(1-800-538-2583) |
| Southwest | 1-800-I-FLY-SWA
(1-800-435-9792) |
| United | 1-800-United-1
(1-800-864-8331) |
| US Airways | 1-800-428-4322 |
| Virgin America | 1-877-FLY-VIRGIN
(1-877-359-8474) |
Photo credit: Ryan Linsdey on Flickr.
Related posts:
April 21st, 2010 at 11:26 am
You should be aware that the government sometimes stands by the gates (anonymously–in plain clothes) to watch how many bags people bring onboard, and then levy a several-thousand dollar fine on the airline, if the gate agent allows someone to pass through with more than the airline says it will allow.
May 3rd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
[...] Marc Benton has Little Known Fact on Air Travel and Camera Bags [...]
May 10th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Don't forget this clause:
"It is important to note that this rule applies to the TSA security checkpoints. Individual airlines may or may not follow this policy on their aircraft. Contact your airline to determine their policy."
Just because TSA lets you bring it does not mean the airline will
May 30th, 2010 at 10:41 am
[...] Little Known Fact on Air Travel and Camera Bags | Marc Benton dot Com [...]
May 31st, 2010 at 5:40 pm
[...] Little Known Fact on Air Travel and Camera Bags | Marc Benton dot Com [...]
June 15th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Ocean Spray…
“We took the best of what we do for the cranberry and brought it to a new superfruit,” said Larry Martin, Vice President of Marketing for Ocean Spray. “Now consumers can enjoy the refreshing taste of summer-ripened blueberries year round.”…
August 20th, 2010 at 10:37 am
I’m loving my messenger bag. I can carry my books and gadgets and stuff. It really looks good and classy too.