Many people like to travel with their GoPro cameras, but carrying one through the airport can be a tricky affair. Electronic gadgets are subject to extra security measures at the airport, so it’s important to be prepared before you go through security with your GoPro.
A GoPro can be carried in a checked or carry-on bag, but all spare (uninstalled) batteries must be in your carry-on. Since the TSA restricts lithium-ion batteries, electronic devices must be screened separately. That means taking your GoPro out of the bag and placing it in a bin.
The last thing you’d want is to have to leave your GoPro behind just as you’re departing on the next adventure. So let’s take a closer look at the rules regarding GoPro cameras and where it’s best to keep yours during flights.
Can GoPros Go in Checked Luggage?
The TSA has no explicit rules about carrying a GoPro in checked luggage, but they have published guidelines about lithium-ion batteries. All spare batteries must be carried in your carry-on bag, and devices containing lithium-ion batteries must be placed in a bin for x-ray screening.
That means that you’ll need to take your GoPro out of your bag and put it in a bin with any other loose items you carry. The good news is that you can leave the GoPro’s protective housing on during screening, so you don’t have to worry about removing it and putting it back on again.
While the TSA doesn’t explicitly prohibit GoPros in checked luggage, they do have the authority to refuse any item from being carried onto an aircraft. So it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case your GoPro isn’t allowed on the plane.
If you’re planning to check your GoPro, we recommend packing it in a hard case or another type of protective container. This will help to keep it safe from damage during transit.
And note that for larger electronics like game devices, we have a dedicated article on how to fly with a PS5, and the ideas it covers apply to pretty much all gaming consoles. Not the Gopro, though.
TSA Restrictions
Since the GoPro is an electronic device, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has restrictions on how you can bring one onto an airplane. You can carry on a GoPro camera and its accessories, as long as they all fit in your carry-on bag.
If you’re carrying your GoPro in a larger bag, such as a backpack, you’ll need to take it out and put it in a security bin with your other carry-on items. The TSA also requires that all lithium-ion batteries be placed in your carry-on bag, so if your GoPro has a removable battery, take it out and put it in your carry-on bag.
You can check your GoPro camera as long as it’s in a hard case or its original packaging. The TSA recommends placing all loose batteries in a clear plastic bag so security agents can easily see them. This will help speed up the security process and get you on your way to catching your flight.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
The TSA introduced tighter lithium-ion restrictions after a Galaxy smartphone caught fire on a plane a few years ago. The TSA now requires that all lithium-ion batteries be placed in your carry-on bag. This includes any batteries not built into devices, such as your GoPro.
There are also restrictions on the number of batteries you can bring on board. The TSA is lenient on batteries under 100 watt-hours (Wh), including the standard AA or AAA batteries — you can carry as many as you require, as long as you convince the TSA officers that you need them all.
The issue now becomes what to do with bigger batteries. You may, in fact, bring two batteries on the plane that have a capacity greater than 100 watt-hours but less than 160 watt-hours.
These must also be placed in your carry-on bag. The good news is that almost all batteries used in GoPro cameras have a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours.
Things to Know When Bringing a Camera on a Plane
It’s no secret that many people like bringing their GoPro cameras with them when traveling. After all, GoPros are perfect for capturing all those amazing moments you’ll want to remember.
However, before you pack your GoPro in your suitcase and check it at the airport, there are a few things you need to know.
For starters, it’s important to note that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the TSA have strict regulations about what can and cannot be packed in checked luggage. If you’re planning on bringing your GoPro in a checked bag, you’ll need to ensure that it meets all of the FAA’s requirements.
In general, the FAA requires that all electronic devices be powered off and placed in a protective bag before boarding the plane. This is to prevent the devices from being damaged by the high pressure and low temperatures in an airplane’s cargo hold.
While the FAA doesn’t mention GoPro cameras in their regulations, it’s generally accepted that GoPros are electronic devices. It’s also worth mentioning that some airlines have their own rules and regulations about what can and cannot be packed in checked luggage.
Some airlines require you to remove all batteries from your device and carry them in your carry-on bag while the TSA prohibits carrying spare lithium batteries in checked luggage. Another restriction to be aware of is the size and weight of your camera equipment.
Most airlines have size and weight limits for carry-on and checked bags, so be sure to check with your airline and the fare you selected before packing your camera gear.