You can face many restrictions for carry-on baggage on planes, although some items can be safer carried than inside your luggage. If you are into art, you may ask, do I need to take my picture frame for a check-in, or can I bring a picture frame on a plane?
Protection is one thing, yet you may be surprised that a passenger can travel with a carry-on package containing a picture frame. However, there are things to know as it isn’t a clear rule, and it’s down to the TSA or staff of the airplane; picture frames may be allowed at their discretion.
In our guide, you can learn more about your travel, photo frames, framed art, and more about the limits and what can happen to them when you take them on a flight. By the end, you’ll find all you need about how to bring framed art onto a plain and how to care for it to avoid damage. (Read Size 22 Will I Fit In An Airplane Seat)
Can I Take Framed Art Through the TSA?
According to TSA legal information, bringing framed art on a plane is legal, both in carry-on and checked baggage. On their website, TSA doesn’t specifically mention framed art; instead, they only mention glass picture frames.
So, it is wise to remember that the TSA agent decides whether a particular item can board an airplane. Airport security will determine whether or not your framed art is permitted in other countries and locations.
Traveling With Framed Art As Carry-on Baggage
If you pack it in a carry-on bag, TSA officers won’t prevent you from taking your large picture frame or framed art through the security checkpoint. You must ensure your piece fits in with the airline’s hand luggage allowance and that the airline you are flying with accepts it.
The standard carry-on luggage size is 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. However, you could find this may vary according to the airline, and you can’t take framed art or other artwork inside the cabin if the dimensions are over the carry-on requirements.
Packing a small picture frame or piece of framed art inside your suitcase is an excellent idea if you want to ensure it is well-protected. (Read US Virgin Islands Currency)
How To Pack A Picture Frame In A Suitcase?
Protecting your art while traveling means you can pack a picture frame in a suitcase with corner protectors or bubble bags to keep it safe. Painting storage bags are also a great way to protect artwork if it isn’t framed.
You can use a box, wrap it in a bag cloth or luggage cover, and check in if your picture frame is too large to fit inside your suitcase. Most airlines allow the check-in of boxes.
Can I Carry Paintings On A Plane?
You can bring a painting on a plane in your carry-on baggage or checked bags. Most airlines will allow your painting if it’s the right size and weight.
If you’re traveling with your art portfolio, small crafted artwork, or small paintings, you’re ready to board the plane, although we suggest protecting your painting if you check it in with your other checked baggage.
If you want to travel with a large painting, contact your airline before you decide because if you show up at the airport with it, the airline may refuse to transport it or charge a considerable fee to carry a large glass picture frame.
Is a glass picture frame allowed in my hand luggage?
Even a glass picture frame can be carried on a flight. While larger glass items in hand luggage cause issues and are classified as dangerous and could be a potential weapon, picture frames made of glass are generally tolerated at a security checkpoints in Europe and the U.S. (Read How Many Days Do You Need In New Orleans)
Frames on a Plane
Glass picture frames are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage, according to the TSA, but it adds that “the final decision rests with the TSA officer.” You might have to check the item if it doesn’t fit the carry-on baggage size requirements.
Previously, the IATA recommended that cabin baggage not include any handles, side pockets, wheels, etc., and have a maximum length of 22 inches, a width of 18 inches, and a depth of 10 inches. The Transportation Security Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is to oversee traveler security in the country and was started in response to the September 11 attacks. They are much more lenient in determining what is and is not allowed on airplanes.
According to the TSA states (Transportation Security Administration), glass picture frames are permitted in both carry-on hand luggage and checked baggage. However, it adds the final decision rests with the TSA officer at the security checkpoint. If the operative of the TSA states no, then he means no, and you will need to check in your art as other checked baggage to transport your picture frames to your destination airport.
Bringing framed art on a plane
Some passengers are unsure if they may bring framed art and carry it onboard. Although it is best to take your art out of the frame before carrying it, you can still bring framed art with you as hand luggage, as long as it is secure.
It must adhere to the same weight and dimension restrictions as other types of hand luggage, which can be pretty strict and minimal for some airlines.
If your framed art is too large to fit in your carry-on hand luggage or your checked bag, you might still carry it on board as one of your allowed carry-on items.
Packing Framed Art for Travel
Although specialty shipping companies sell a box specifically designed to travel framed art, bubble wrap and plastic clingfilm are the most practical, weight-effective, and protective way to ship a painting with or without glass.
Bubble wrap is shielded and fastened to the glass surface and edges of your painting with plastic clingfilm. For example, wrap the front and sides of your painting in a large bubble wrap before wrapping and completely encasing the framed art in plastic to pack framed art for travel. (Read How Many Days In Barcelona)
If you don’t have bubble wrap, you can make a soft bumper for your framed art using plain paper or several layers of plastic cling film.
The surface of your art should be protected once your frame is completely covered in bubble wrap and clingfilm, and your framed art should be prepared for travel.
When transporting paintings, you have a few options:
- Ship your painting in a frame
- Ship the stretched canvas on a frame
- Remove your canvas from its glass frame and ship only the painting itself in your luggage.
Unframing Picture Frames and Canvases
Depending on how you travel and plan to get your painting home, you can remove it from its stretched and stapled frame, roll the flat canvas, and ship the tube. A painting rolled up and inserted into a cardboard tube with caps at each end is almost guaranteed to arrive unscathed.
Once received, any frame shop or art store should be able to put your canvas on a new frame for display or framing. Ask the gallery or, in some street markets, the painter to remove the painting from the glass picture frames stapled wood frame.
Acrylic and oil paintings can be rolled without damage, if not too tightly. However, a gentle roll (with acid-free paper protecting the surface) is a safe way to ship most paintings without damaging the surface in your hand luggage.
While you may need to do it for security and don’t wish to keep it inside your checked luggage bag, it could be because the size restrictions are exceeded to carry it on a plane as hand luggage.
