From 22nd September 2006 the UK Department of Transport relaxed the rules about airline hand luggage that have caused such problems for photographers. There is still only a single piece of hand luggage allowed. But the maximum size for that is now 56 x 45 x 25 cm.

This still excludes large camera bags that are supposedly within traditional airline carry-on limits such as the Lowepro Stealth Reporter 650, Commercial, Magnum, many of the larger Lowepro and Tamrac backpacks, the Billingham 550 and even a bulging Domke F1X.

Note that for Ryanair flights and all flights from Stansted Airport the size limit is smaller, 55 x 40 x 20 cm.

In addition, individual airlines impose their own weight restrictions on hand luggage.

The size of hand luggage is sometimes determined by asking the passenger to put the bag in a metal container; it needs to slip in easily, so if your bag bulges at all it might not be permitted.

You are still not supposed to carry on a camera around your neck separately, although some photographers report that they have carried accessories in coat pockets.

Checked / Hold Baggage

Unfortunately items do sometimes disappear from checked (hold) baggage. If you need to put valuable items in checked baggage it is advisable to lock your case (though ironically using an expensive lock might advertise the value of the contents). Some photographers suggest using an anonymous-looking case rather than a fancy-looking one. Note that some standard all-risks camera insurance policies do not cover items in checked baggage.

See here for much more discussion on this and a novel way to get priority treatment for your checked bag in the US.

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