
Travelling with paintings can be a stressful experience, especially when you are unsure of the best way to transport them. While some travellers prefer to ship their paintings, others prefer to carry them on the plane. This paragraph aims to provide an introduction to the topic of transporting rolled-up paintings on a flight, exploring the various considerations, challenges, and techniques involved in ensuring the safe and secure transportation of these delicate items.
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What You'll Learn
- Remove the painting from its frame, roll the canvas, and insert it into a sturdy tube
- Wrap framed art in bubble wrap and plastic cling film to protect it during transit
- Check the airline's policies on carrying paintings and the size/weight restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage
- Consider shipping the painting separately with insurance to ensure its safety
- If the painting is too large, use a freight forwarder or art shipping company that specialises in handling artwork

Remove the painting from its frame, roll the canvas, and insert it into a sturdy tube
If your painting is on a canvas that is stretched and stapled onto a frame, you can remove the canvas from the frame. This will make it easier to roll up the canvas without damaging the frame. Make sure to be very gentle when removing the canvas to avoid any tears or creases.
Once the canvas is removed from the frame, you can carefully roll it up. Start by laying the canvas face down on a clean, flat surface. Starting from one side, gently and slowly roll the canvas towards the other side, ensuring that the roll is tight and secure. If the canvas is not flexible enough to be rolled, you may need to loosen the staples or stretchers to remove the canvas from the frame.
After the canvas is rolled, you can insert it into a sturdy tube. The tube should be made of durable material, such as cardboard or plastic, with caps or lids that can be secured at both ends. This will protect the canvas from damage and ensure it stays rolled up during transit. You can find suitable tubes at art supply stores or shipping stores.
When choosing a tube, make sure it is long enough to accommodate the width of the canvas with a little extra room to prevent creasing. The tube should also have a diameter that is slightly larger than the thickness of the rolled-up canvas to avoid any unnecessary pressure that could damage the painting.
Finally, once the canvas is securely placed inside the tube, you can close the caps or lids tightly to ensure the painting stays in place. You can now carry the tube onto the flight, either as a carry-on item or in your checked luggage, depending on the size and weight restrictions of the airline.
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Wrap framed art in bubble wrap and plastic cling film to protect it during transit
If you are planning to bring framed art on a flight, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect it during transit. One effective way to do this is by using bubble wrap and plastic cling film. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly wrap your framed art:
Firstly, it is recommended to remove the art from its frame if possible. This is because paintings stretched onto wood frames or decorative frames can be easily damaged in transit. By removing the painting from the frame, rolling it up, and inserting it into a sturdy tube, you significantly reduce the risk of damage. However, if removing the art from its frame is not an option, make sure to pay extra attention to the glass, as it can be fragile.
Next, lay the art on a flat surface and cover the front and sides with a large sheet of bubble wrap. Ensure that the bubble wrap is securely in place and provides a layer of cushioning for the artwork. Then, use plastic cling film (or kitchen plastic food wrap) to wrap and fully encase the framed art. The plastic cling film helps to secure the bubble wrap in place and provides an additional layer of protection. Make sure to wrap the art tightly so that the bubble wrap and cling film do not come loose during transit.
If your artwork does not have glass, you can use plastic wrap to protect the painted surface before adding the bubble wrap. Additionally, consider using acid-free paper to cover the painted surface before wrapping it in plastic wrap. Acid-free paper helps to protect delicate paintings, such as watercolours, and prevents any chemical reactions that could cause corrosion or fading over time.
Finally, if your framed art is too large to fit in your carry-on luggage or checked bag, you may need to carry it as one of your allowed carry-on items. It is advisable to contact the airline beforehand to confirm their specific policies and requirements for carrying artwork onboard. Remember that your artwork will be subject to the same dimension and weight restrictions as regular luggage, which can be strict and minimal.
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Check the airline's policies on carrying paintings and the size/weight restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage
When bringing a rolled-up painting onto a flight, it is essential to check the specific policies of the airline you are travelling with. Different airlines may have varying restrictions and guidelines regarding the size and weight of both carry-on and checked luggage.
For example, American Airlines allows a carry-on item and a personal item, with a total size for carry-on luggage, including handles and wheels, not exceeding 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Southwest, on the other hand, allows slightly larger carry-on luggage, measuring up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
If you are flying within Europe on Aer Lingus, you will need to pay a fee starting at 5.99 euros to bring a carry-on item on board, but you can check that bag for free. Their carry-on size limit is smaller at 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches, with a weight limit of 15 pounds. Aeroméxico also allows a standard carry-on bag and a personal item, but the combined weight of these two items for international flights or basic fare flights within Mexico cannot exceed 22 pounds.
For easyJet, a budget airline, standard fares only permit one personal item, referred to as a "small cabin bag," to be brought on board for free. Fees for additional carry-on bags range from 5.99 to 32.99 British pounds, depending on your destination and when you add the bag to your reservation.
It is worth noting that some airlines, like Cathay Pacific, have shifted from a weight allowance to a piece allowance, which can vary by itinerary. Generally, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag, a small personal item, and assistive devices.
Therefore, it is crucial to review the specific guidelines of your chosen airline to ensure your rolled-up painting complies with their size and weight restrictions for carry-on or checked luggage.
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Consider shipping the painting separately with insurance to ensure its safety
If you're hesitant about bringing your painting onto a flight, you may want to consider shipping it separately with insurance to ensure its safety. This option is worth considering if your painting is particularly valuable or fragile.
Firstly, you'll need to prepare your painting for shipping. If it's a canvas, you can remove it from its frame, roll it up, and place it into a sturdy tube with caps secured at each end. If it's a framed painting, you can wrap it in acid-free paper, followed by bubble wrap, and use corner protectors to shield the edges. Then, place the painting in a sturdy box or crate with cushioning materials like styrofoam or biodegradable peanuts to prevent movement and damage during transit.
Next, select a reputable shipping company with experience in handling and shipping artwork. You can opt for specialised art shipping companies or choose from well-known companies like UPS or FedEx. Before shipping, be sure to complete the necessary customs documentation and consider purchasing insurance. Art insurance typically costs between 1% to 2% of the artwork's value annually, and rates may vary based on factors like destination, shipping method, and artwork value.
Shipping your painting separately with insurance can provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of damage or loss during transit. However, it's important to recognise that shipping artwork is not without its challenges, and there are occasional incidents of damage or loss, as shared by some travellers and artists. Nonetheless, with careful preparation and the right shipping company, you can increase the chances of your painting arriving safely at its destination.
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If the painting is too large, use a freight forwarder or art shipping company that specialises in handling artwork
If your painting is too large to bring onto a flight, even after removing it from its frame and rolling it into a tube, you may need to enlist the services of a freight forwarder or art shipping company that specialises in handling artwork. This is especially important if your painting is of high value or particularly fragile.
Fine art shipping requires expertise and attention to detail. Reputable art shipping companies will have extensive experience in handling and transporting artwork, ensuring that your painting is fully protected throughout the entire transportation process. They will also be able to advise on the best packaging and crating solutions for your specific needs, taking into account factors such as the size, fragility, and value of your painting, as well as any environmental variables and final destination requirements.
By choosing a specialised art shipping company, you can benefit from their knowledge and resources in this field. They will be able to provide customised art packaging, crating, and shipping services, including white-glove delivery and on-site installation if needed. Additionally, some companies offer insurance coverage for original works of art, giving you peace of mind in the event of any damage or loss during transit.
When selecting an art shipping company, it is important to do your research and choose a reputable organisation with a proven track record in handling artwork. Read reviews, assess their level of expertise, and don't hesitate to request a quote to understand the cost and scope of their services. By entrusting your large painting to a specialised freight forwarder or art shipping company, you can be confident that it will arrive at its destination safely and securely.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the painting from its frame. Then, roll up the canvas and place an elastic band around it to keep it in place. Insert the rolled-up canvas into a sturdy cardboard or plastic cylinder tube with caps secured at each end. You can purchase these tubes from the post office or an appliance retail store.
The maximum weight and size restrictions for bringing a rolled-up painting onto a flight vary depending on the airline. Contact your airline to confirm their specific restrictions. However, in general, the maximum weight allowed is 100 lbs / 45 kgs, and the maximum size is 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height).
Yes, you can bring framed paintings onto a flight, but it is not recommended as they can easily be damaged in transit. If your framed painting is too large to fit in your carry-on or checked luggage, you may be able to carry it as one of your allowed carry-on items. However, it will be subject to the same dimension and weight restrictions as standard luggage, which can be strict and minimal.











































