Can You Bring Your Art Portfolio on Planes?

Rules for Flights in the USA

Although not specified for art portfolios, similar things like picture frames are allowed in both hand and checked luggage on flights in the United States. A larger portfolio that doesn’t fit in the airplane’s upper compartment or under the seat must travel inside your checked luggage.

Some airlines might have special exceptions for oversized items, like sporting gear, musical instruments, and others, so making previous arrangements with the airline for a larger portfolio is advisable. You should ideally avoid packing important items in your checked luggage, like your art portfolio, because it could get damaged, stolen, or lost.

Rules for Flights in Other Countries

Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and China

The Canadian, European, UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Chinese flight authorities don’t explicitly mention art portfolios, but there isn’t anything particular about them that should make them prohibited on planes. So it’s safe to assume that art portfolios are allowed both in hand and checked luggage, as long as they fit each airline’s size restrictions.

India

Not mentioned specifically, but it is advised that fragile and valuable items travel in your carry-on luggage when traveling to India. Art portfolios bigger than the overhead compartment should go in a checked suitcase. While portfolios are fragile and welcomed on board, photo frames are banned from hand luggage, so avoid carrying any framed art piece inside it.

Sources: For writing this article, we took information only from official sources, like airline regulators, government websites, and major airlines. If you want to confirm that our information is accurate and up to date, click on any of the links mentioned above. We linked out to where we found this information for each country.

Disclaimer: The final decision of whether you can bring an art portfolio onboard airplanes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.