2026 Carry-On Crackdown Pushes Photographers to Travel Light and Smart

2026 brings stricter gate enforcement of carry-on size and weight, with many airlines also moving to cheaper fares that exclude a free overhead bag. Photographers face limits that can hit dense gear kits, so the article advises wearing weight, using the under-seat personal item for the camera kit, keeping batteries and power banks in cabin, and packing a lean, portable system. It also highlights that power banks are capped (two per person, no in-flight charging) and that rules vary by carrier and route, so travelers should weigh and measure at home and plan around the strictest carrier on their itinerary or consider shipping gear if needed.