Flying with Camera?

[salsataco]

What equipment is safe to go through the xray machine? cf cards? camera etc... Any travel tips?

[jimtfoto]

Never had a problem travelling with digital cameras and cards ... just make sure the inspectors handle with care.

cheers,
jim

[Jon]

Everything but film is X-Ray safe. Some components may not be "inspector-safe", so keep your eyes open.

[lime]

As the others, film is the only thing to worry about with x-ray.
Always carry-on your stuff, the only thing I put in luggage is mono/tripod.

[Longwatcher]

I have to agree with the inspector safe comments.

They sometimes do not know how to open camera bags. My favorite being when they open my lowepro back pack upright and tilted slightly toward them and I get ready to leap for my lens in case they don't pay attention when I say "please don't open it that way" the whole time having a mental picture of a $1600 lens or two heading for the hard floor.

So far they have only gotten the zipper 3 inches before they catch on to my panic. After seeing the pretty white lens(s) they understand and handle very gently.

Other then that no problems.

[salsataco]

Thanks

[mbze430]

when I travel, with film I have a lead bag. During my travel in 2004, I used this exclusively moving film from one country to another and develop them at each country as soon as possible.

[Steve Parr]

I fly with a Lowepro Computrekker AW.

I remove the laptop, then send the bag through the x-ray machine. I've never had anyone open it up. I've been asked what was in it once or twice, but it's never been opened by anyone...

Steve

[nat869]

I usually travel with a pretty big bag, my Tamrac Expedition 7 backpack. I have had it opened a couple times, but it is usually not a big deal. I believe the x-ray machines won't harm most films, but I would use a lead bag just to be safe. Just make sure nothing is in your bag that is on the banned list.

The last time I flew a few months ago, the guy in front of me wanted to know if he could bring his samurai sword on board. :rolleyes:

[SuzyView]

I have heard too many horror stories of people leaving their gear inside checked in luggage. Most have gotten the gear stolen or film damaged. I never check in anything of value anymore. Just make sure all your equipment is secure in the bags. I have put carry on above me in the plane and with turbulent weather, bags can come down from above. I think several POTN members said they put their bags under their feet. I may start doing that myself.

[ScottE]

Carry your camera equipment in carry on baggage and arrive at the airport early. On several occasions I have had airport security take the caps off every lens and look through to be sure there was no bomb hidden inside. The may also want you to turn on every bit of electronic equipment to show that it is actually what it looks like it is. This can be very stressful if your flight is about to take off while they play with your toys.

[GTogs]

I haven't had any problem with any of my equipment when flying, but usually limit it to 2 or 3 lenses and one body and carry it on.

Mono pod or tri pod in the checked luggage.

[zacker]

keep a;l; equip with you as carry on... i heard somwhere that the x ray for carry on isnt as strong as the baggage x ray, dont know if its true or not but its better to keep your stuff with you where you can watch over it anyways.
-zacker-