Air travel and art supplies

William Forward · 07-31-2003, 08:18 PM

I am about to travel across the country via commercial airliner, and I'd like to take my oil painting gear. Does anyone know of any current restrictions?

I plan to check my tubes of oil paint, palette knife, and brushes and carry on my French easel (Freedom easel??) and palette. I'll leave the solvents and mediums at home. Does all this sound reasonable? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Enzie Shahmiri · 07-31-2003, 10:38 PM

I just came back from San Francisco, having tavelled with my French easel and two very wet paintings.

I placed the easel, brushes and paints all in the largest suitcase that would fit them. I had at one point bought two frames from Aaron Brothers that were packaged in frame protectors. I took those along since the corners had a flap to hold the frame in. I placed my wet canvases in those protectors with the wet sides facing each other. I placed them on top of the easel and closed the suitace.

I had checked my suitcase and the agent at the gate thought I looked suspicious enough to send me and the suitcase through security. The agent opened the suitcase and got a wonderful whiff of wet oil paint, got scared of the ugly faces I had painted and sent the suitcase right through.

So, I guess if you check the luggage you should be ok.

Bye the way, the frame protectors worked great. Since they are made of cardboard, they were lightweight, but sturdy enough to protect the canvases during transit. The flaps prevented the paintings from touching and all that is needed is a light touch up at the corners.

William Forward · 08-01-2003, 01:24 AM

Thank you, Enzie -- these days it's hard to tell what tightened security measures might lead inexperienced agents to worry about. Checking the questionable materials seems the best course. I'm glad your stuff sailed through, and the cardboard protectors on frames are a great idea.

Steven Sweeney · 08-01-2003, 10:41 PM

This thread on the topic might be of interest, particularly some of the referenced links within various posts, to "official" airline and travelers' sites with additional information. I haven't visited those linked sites and can't vouch for their content or currency.

William Forward · 08-02-2003, 01:22 AM

Thank you, Steven -- this was just the thread I was looking for. I'm on the plane tomorrow, so wish me luck.

Steven Sweeney · 07-14-2004, 01:00 AM

New observations from Gamblin:

The latest edition of Gamblin Artists Colors Occasional Newsletter, "Tips For Traveling With Oil Painting Materials", is now online at:

http://www.gamblincolors.com/newslet...sletter14.html