As a professional nature photographer and tour leader, I frequently fly in and out of various airports to lead photo tours and workshops in Alaska, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Washington, Florida, Arizona, and Utah. Traveling can be extremely stressful, especially when carrying heavy, expensive equipment and worrying about potential damage or theft. Long waits and extended flights are simply part of the experience for a traveling nature photographer.

I wanted to write this article with tips on how to make things easier and less stressful.  

How to Choose the Right Airplane

Each airplane has a limited amount of carry-on space. Larger airplanes allow bigger bags than smaller ones. When I book a flight, I only choose the larger sized airplanes. For example, an Airbus A319, A320, A321 or a Boeing 737, 747, 757. Some websites like Kayak.com, list multiple airlines at once and allow you to select flights by the size of the airplane. I skip the small planes.

Pick the Right Company

I prioritize airlines with higher customer ratings, even if they come with a slightly higher price tag. To stay updated on the latest ratings, a quick Google search is usually helpful. I have a preference for Delta, Alaska Air, and JetBlue, finding them to offer a more satisfactory flying experience. Conversely, I tend to steer clear of Spirit Airlines.

I often opt to pay a little extra for perks like early boarding. For instance, when flying with Delta, I typically upgrade to Comfort Plus.

Connection Time

I opt for flights with a minimum connection time of one hour. Given the frequent delays in air travel, dashing from one gate to another, especially in larger airports, can be quite stressful. For those contemplating a sit-down meal at the airport, I would suggest allowing for a two-hour connection time to ensure a more relaxed experience.

On-Time Performance Ratings

You should view the on-time performance ratings to choose a flight, especially if you are not flying direct. Each carrier and airport is different. If you can, minimize your airport downtime by flying on carriers and airports with a history of punctuality. Many sources are available online for determining past performance.

Arrive Early to Your Destination

I like to fly to my destination a minimum of 24 hours in advance in case of any delays. Flights can be unpredictable, and even minor delays can snowball, causing missed connections or tight schedules. Arriving a day early gives me peace of mind, knowing I have plenty of time to handle any unforeseen hiccups without the added pressure of time.

TSA PreCheck

Applying for TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce wait times at security. With PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on and leave laptops and compliant liquids in your bag. The application process involves an online form, a short in-person appointment for fingerprinting and a background check, and a fee (currently $78 for five years). Once approved, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) allows you to use the PreCheck lane at participating airports, making security screening faster and less stressful—especially when carrying expensive photography gear.

Seat Choice

If the airplane is sold out, boarding at the end can mean losing out on carry-on space, and I’m not willing to risk checking my gear. There are a few ways to ensure early boarding. One option is to pay for first class, business class, or extra legroom or to use an airline credit card—check with your carrier for the details. Personally, I take a different approach. I find out whether the airline boards from the front or back and choose a seat in a group that boards earlier. For example, JetBlue boards from the back, so I select a seat toward the rear to board sooner. You can also consider upgrading to an earlier boarding group to increase your chances of securing carry-on space.

How to Pack

It is important to have a packing strategy. With all the other worries associated with air travel, the last thing you want to think about is theft, damage, or lost luggage.

Gear may be stolen or damaged during handling. Theft from sleeping and unknowing passengers has been an ongoing issue. Gear can be stolen from both your checked luggage and carry-on. Most people are honest, but even the TSA has had problems with some employees. Since 2002, the agency has fired 513 officers for theft. In 2023, incidents continued, with TSA employees arrested for stealing valuables from passengers’ bags. Taking precautions to protect your gear during travel is always a wise decision.

Lost and damaged luggage is another issue. Lost luggage is rare but still happens. Make sure your bag clearly identifies you and has distinctive markings so that no one grabs your bag by mistake. Have you ever watched bag handlers load your checked luggage onto the airplane? They are not always gentle with the bags. Some bags are stored on top of each other.

Airlines typically permit one carry-on and one personal item. In my case, the bulk of my photography equipment is accommodated in a dedicated photo backpack, serving as my carry-on. Within this backpack, I pack essentials such as my camera body, lenses, filters, teleconverters, extension tubes, cable release, and more, maximizing its capacity while excluding my tripod.

It's crucial to ensure that your photo bag complies with the airline's carry-on requirements. You can find specific measurements on the manufacturer's website to guarantee a smooth boarding process.

The airlines also allow one personal item. I use the Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise bag. The bag fits my laptop, tablets, books, magazines, plugs and cords, passport, keys, boarding passes, external hard drives, and business cards. This bag also has room if you need to add an extra camera body or lenses.

I place my tripod(s), ballheads, and gimbal style heads in the checked luggage. This is mixed in with my clothing and items. I wrap my coats and sweatshirts around the tripod for protection.

Weight is a significant factor to bear in mind when it comes to checked luggage. Many airlines impose fines for bags exceeding 50 lbs, leading to potential issues and additional charges. Given the substantial weight of tripods, I've personally encountered challenges in this regard. To address this, I recently invested in ultra-lightweight luggage, which has proven beneficial.

However, it's important to acknowledge that, much like many aspects of life, opting for lighter bags involves a tradeoff. While they offer the advantage of reduced weight, they may provide less protection for your valuable photography gear.

Curbside Check-In

I use curbside check-in whenever it is available. It is more convenient and has a huge plus. Overall, I find they are less strict on overweight bags since they usually do not work for the airlines and rely mostly on tips. A good tip can go a long way and possibly save you from a fine.

At the Gate

Once at the airport, I arrive early making sure I have plenty of time to clear security and get comfortable for my upcoming flight.  I line up early at the gate. I board as soon as my group is called. I try not to call attention to myself by looking weighed down with heavy photo gear.

On the Airplane

I get bored on airplanes so I like to bring things that help pass the time. I download educational videos, movies, and music to my tablet. There are several videos available on learning photography or post-processing. It is also a great time to review your images.

Being a nature photographer comes with its challenges. Many destinations are remote and require careful planning, but the rewards are always worth it. The chance to experience and photograph stunning landscapes while sharing the journey with others is what makes it so fulfilling. I hope these tips make your next trip a little smoother.