Taking a Small Painting Aboard: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you have a valuable painting, keeping it with you on the flight may be safer than checking it. The TSA does not prohibit paintings as carry-on items, but there are size limits. This guide outlines how to measure, pack, and store your painting to bring it into the cabin.
By Logan Hill6 steps
You are responsible for the painting's safety while you are on the plane.
Many people feel uneasy about putting a valuable painting in the plane's luggage hold. When a painting is mixed with heavy bags, there is a risk of damage. To avoid this, you can bring the painting into the cabin and keep it with you. The TSA does not list paintings as prohibited items, so you may carry one on board if it meets certain conditions. Because carry-on items have size limits, only smaller paintings can be taken into the cabin.
Step 1
Use a tape measure to find the height, width, and depth of the painting, and write down these numbers.
Step 2
Visit the website of your airline and look up the carry-on size rules. Airlines do not allow passengers to bring oversized items into the cabin. Size limits differ by airline, but a common guideline is that a carry-on cannot exceed 22 inches in height, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in depth. If your painting is bigger than the allowed dimensions, you will not be permitted to bring it on the plane.
Step 3
Place the painting in a box that fits within the airline's carry-on size limits. Add foam or cloth padding against the front of the painting to prevent scratches during the trip.
Step 4
Plan to reach the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure. Queue up and check any bags you are not bringing into the cabin. After checking your other luggage, bring the painting to the security screening area.
Step 5
Send the painting through the X-ray machine and walk through the metal detector yourself. The X-ray will not harm the painting. After security, go to the gate for your flight. Give your boarding pass to the agent at the gate counter, wait for the plane to arrive, and board when airport staff give the signal.
Step 6
Ask a flight attendant where to put your painting. Rules for storing carry-on items vary by airline. Frequently, you can place the painting in the overhead bin above the seats, but if it is small enough, it might fit under the seat in front of you.
