Can You Bring Your Art Portfolio on Planes?

A3 and A4 art portfolios easily fit in most airlines’ standard sizes for carry-on luggage and are allowed on planes in the United States. A1 and A2 portfolios have bigger sizes that go over the usual carry-on bag standards and should go inside the checked luggage when traveling although some airlines might do special adjustments to store artwork inside the cabin. The most common carry-on size requirement is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), although it differs between airlines.

It is safer to pack your portfolio in hand luggage to protect it from possible damage while traveling in checked baggage. But, oversize art portfolios will have to be checked at the airport. You can check ahead with your airline to see if they make exceptions for art as they do with certain instruments and sports equipment.

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When traveling, A3 and A4 plastic art portfolios are the most convenient way to store art so that it fits inside the usual carry-on suitcases. A good option is this [amazon link=”B0016ML7YE” title =”compact art portfolio”] which is slim and practical. For transporting paintings in a portfolio without protective sheets use an insert of cloth, glassine paper, or foam to protect the artwork inside the case. If possible, also use a plastic sleeve to pack them. Other travelers prefer to roll their art pieces and fix them inside an [amazon link=”B01AJ569N2″ title=”expandable storage tube”].

You can bring framed art inside airplanes in the United States as long as it meets the airline’s sizes for carry-on. Frames that don’t fit in the overhead bin should travel as checked luggage. If you rather not be separated from the art piece, you can call ahead your airline and see if they can make arrangements to travel with the painting inside the cabin, either by paying an extra fee or buying a few seats.

You won’t need to take out your art portfolio from your luggage when going through airport security unless the security agent tells you to do so. That’s because art portfolios aren’t considered dangerous items and they don’t clutter the x-ray scanner images.

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