BUYING: FLIGHT-FRIENDLY BAG THINK TANK AIRPORT ADVANTAGE XT

Cabin luggage for flights seems to be getting smaller and lighter. How do you pack your camera gear when travelling?

Most photographers – myself included – like to keep kit on them when flying, rather than letting it go into the hold of the plane. This way, you can ensure your gear is handled carefully and that you have it with you as soon as you land.

The first point is to be absolutely sure of sizes and limits for all flights you are on, as it doesn’t take much DSLR kit to go over the seven kilograms some airlines allow.

These days I make sure everything non-essential and robust enough goes into my hold bag. For example, my tripod is carefully wrapped in clothes and stored there. I always wear a jacket with several pockets – both internal and external. That way if my bag is too heavy and it’s checked (it isn’t always), I can pop a lens or camera body pre-packed into a pocket. As an added note, your camera’s lithium batteries must be in your hand luggage and not put in hold luggage.

Major manufacturers now make flight-safe camera bags for photographers. Personally, I like the Think Tank Airport Advantage XT: the friendliest of flight roller bags.