Bringing a Gimbal on a Plane: What You Need to Know

by | Stabilization

Are you planning to travel with your gimbal, but you are not sure if it is allowed on the plane?

This article will guide you on how to check if your gimbal is allowed on board a flight.

In short, different airlines and countries have varying policies regarding whether gimbals are allowed on board. So, it is crucial to confirm the specific rules regarding travelling with a gimbal.

This article provides an overview of what different countries say about travelling with a gimbal and provides tips on how to find out if your gimbal is allowed on a plane, so you can pack with more confidence.

Keep reading to learn more!

Disclaimer: This article is simply a guide based on information found on various government and airline websites. Make sure to check with the appropriate officials in your country prior to packing a tripod.

How To Know If Your Gimbal Is Allowed On A Plane

To ensure that your gimbal is allowed on board a flight, we recommend starting by checking with your airline’s website or contacting their customer service department.

Most airlines have specific guidelines regarding what can and cannot be brought on board.

Moreover, the rules and regulations can change frequently, so it is essential to double-check before you pack your gimbal.

It is important to note that airlines and countries have different policies, so it is essential to confirm the rules for your specific travel route and class of ticket.

Just because one airline or country allows gimbals on flights does not mean that all do.

In addition to checking with the airline, you can also visit the government website of the country you are travelling to or from. They usually have information about what is and isn’t allowed on board, including size restrictions for carry-ons.

Social media pages such as Twitter and Facebook can also be used to ask questions or get answers, although response time may be slower than other methods.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is crucial to have a record of the information given in case there is any confusion or disagreement later on.

Bringing Gimbals With Lithium Batteries On Planes

Many gimbals are powered by lithium batteries, which are subject to restrictions when it comes to air travel.

The reason is that lithium batteries can pose a fire hazard when not handled properly, and as such, airlines have rules in place to ensure their safe transportation.

Therefore, if you plan to bring a gimbal with a lithium battery on a plane, it’s essential to be aware of the regulations and take the necessary precautions to comply with them.

If your gimbal’s battery has a watt-hour rating of up to 100 Wh, you should be able to bring it on the plane without any issues.

However, if your gimbal’s battery has a watt-hour rating higher than 100 Wh, you may still be able to bring it with you, but you’ll need to obtain special permission from the airline.

Even in this case, you will generally be limited to a maximum of two batteries with maximum ratings of 160 Watt-hour. These batteries must be carried in your carry-on luggage only.

It’s worth noting that some airlines may have even stricter rules, so it’s essential to check with your airline before you travel.

Regardless of your gimbal’s battery rating, it’s always important to follow the regulations when bringing lithium batteries on planes.

In addition to carrying them in your carry-on luggage, you should ensure that they’re securely attached to the gimbal and turned off during the flight.

You may also be required to tape the battery terminals or place them in a protective case to prevent accidental activation.

Many gimbals are powered by lithium batteries, which are subject to restrictions when it comes to air travel.

What Different Countries Say About Travelling With A Gimbal

USA

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, it is 

However, the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.

This means that while gimbals are generally allowed on airplanes, it’s always best to double-check with a TSA officer if you have any doubts or concerns.

It’s important to note that rules and regulations can change, so it’s always best to check the TSA website before travelling with gimbals.

Europe

The Europa website does not state any specific rules regarding whether gimbals are allowed on airplanes or not. Generally, items are allowed as long as they are not on the prohibited item list.

However, any sharp objects that might be used as weapons are not allowed in the aircraft cabin and must be packed in checked baggage.

So, make sure your gimbal does not have any sharp pieces.

If you are unsure about whether your gimbal will be allowed, we recommend reaching out to europa.eu for clarification.

Canada

According to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website, there is no specific mention of gimbals being banned in carry-on or checked bags.

However, the final decision on whether an item is allowed on a flight rests with the security officers.

It is advised to check the CATSA website before travelling with gimbals, as rules and regulations can change.

Australia

According to the Australian Dangerous Goods website, it is unclear whether gimbals are not allowed.

However, tripods are allowed in checked baggage, but not in carry-on baggage. So, it may be the case that other camera gear, such as gimbals, is also allowed.

The final decision regarding whether an item is allowed on an airplane is subject to the discretion of the security personnel.

It is important to note that the rules and regulations can change and it is always best to consult the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development for more information on security-related items.

UK

According to the gov.uk website, gimbals are not explicitly banned for carry-on or checked baggage on an airplane.

However, the website does state that “Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous — even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.”

So, like most airlines, your gimbal may not be allowed if it is deemed dangerous by security staff.

If you are unsure whether your gimbal will be allowed, we recommend reaching out to gov.uk for more information.

China

According to the Chinese Airlines website, it is unclear whether gimbals are not allowed.

That said, camera tripods are not allowed as carry-on baggage and are restricted as part of dangerous goods. So, it may be the case that other camera gear, such as gimbals, is also banned.

It is important to note that the rules and regulations can change and it is always best to consult calec.china-airlines.com for more information on security-related items.

India

According to the goindigo.in website, there is no specific mention of gimbals being banned in carry-on or checked bags.

However, the website does explicitly state that any sharp objects that might be used as weapons are not allowed in the aircraft cabin and must be packed in checked baggage.

So, make sure your gimbal does not have any sharp pieces.

If you are unsure whether your gimbal will be allowed, we recommend reaching out to goindigo.in website for more information.

Who Determines Whether Gimbals Are Allowed On Flights?

The rules for whether gimbals are allowed on flights are determined by individual airlines and the government of the country in which the airport is located. These rules can change, so it’s always best to double-check with the airline before travelling or check the country’s official aviation authority website.

General Rule Of Thumb For Travelling With Camera Gear

If a piece of camera gear is not listed as a prohibited item for air travel in either your departing location or arrival location, they are generally allowed on planes.

However, it is always recommended to double-check with the airline or the airport security regulations, as rules and restrictions are subject to change.

It is important to make sure to be aware of any restrictions and regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Always check with the airline in advance to avoid any unexpected issues at the airport.

Gimbals In Checked Luggage Vs. Carry On

Generally speaking, most countries and airlines allow a greater range of items in checked luggage than in carry-on luggage.

This is because carry-on items have the potential to be used in a dangerous way on an airplane.

So, even if your camera gear is not allowed to be brought on a flight as carry-on, it may still be allowed as checked luggage.

If you are unsure, we recommend checking with your airline.

Luggage Size and Weight Restrictions

It is important to note that while a specific country or airline may allow flying with a gimbal, size restrictions will still apply.

Luggage size and weight limits vary greatly depending on the country, airline, and plane ticket purchased.

First check whether you are allowed to pack your gimbal, then check your airline’s rules to ensure it will not exceed your luggage limit.

Tips For Packing A Gimbal

When travelling with a gimbal, it’s important to pack it properly to avoid damage or issues at the airport. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Pack It Securely

To avoid damage to the gimbal, make sure to pack it securely in a protective case or bag. This will also help to keep it compact and make it easier to carry.

Remove Any Sharp Pieces

If you plan to bring your gimbal as carry-on (assuming you have already verified that you are allowed to do so), we recommend removing any sharp or spikey pieces.

This will help to avoid any issues with airport security.

Label It

If your gimbal is packed in checked baggage, make sure to label it clearly with your name and contact information.

This will help to avoid any confusion or mix-ups with other luggage.

Pack It Last

When packing your luggage, make sure to pack your gimbal last. This will help to avoid any damage to the gimbal from shifting or heavy items in your bag.

For more information on packing a gimbal, read our article Gimbals: How To Best Pack For Transport and Travel

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, most gimbals will be allowed on most flights.

However, bringing a gimbal with a lithium battery on a plane requires careful consideration and adherence to specific regulations.

While it’s important to keep your gimbal and its battery safe during transport, it’s also essential to follow the rules set by your airline to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members.

By checking your gimbal’s battery watt-hour rating, carrying it in your carry-on luggage, and taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidental activation, you can safely bring your gimbal on your travels and capture stunning footage.

Remember to always check with your airline before your trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on their specific regulations for carrying lithium batteries on planes.

Happy shooting!

New To Gimbals?

With so much to learn, mastering your new gimbal can be hard. Get started with our in-depth beginner guide to gimbal filmmaking.