Flying These Days...

[Steve Parr]

On Monday, I flew from San Diego, California to Ottawa, Ontario Canada.

I brought my entire rig with me in a Promaster rolling backpack that also holds my laptop.

It was a breeze.

I had a lot of non-camera-related items in the bag, and the only thing that was scutinized (and only once) was my laptop. TSA swabbed it. Not once was the main section of the bag opened for inspection.

Just thought I'd share this recent experience, as I think it goes to show that flying with camera gear is pretty painless...

[zacwolf]

ok good, im travelling in a week and was nervous about that

[ssim]

I can't believe they let you in again....damn:D:D:D:D

All things tend to work out over time. I think that even the UK will lessen their requirements over time.

Glad you had no problems. Did you take any shots?

[rhys]

Apparently there'll be an announcement next week on UK baggage allowances.

It makes sense though to be prepared for the next time a butterfly farts, sending the UK into a blind panic.

[Steve Parr]

I can't believe they let you in again....damn

Hehehehe... You'd think they'd have wised up by now...

Glad you had no problems. Did you take any shots?

Not yet. It did nothing but rain all day in Ottawa today. I'm driving to Toronto tomorrow and hope to get, at least, a few photo opportunites between here and there...

[Bubble]

regarding the laptop, next time, if you dont' want them to inspect your bag, swap and check the laptop, just take the laptop out and put on the tray and run through the xray. No hassle later at all. :)

[Rumjungle]

That's good news, Steve. I'm travelling next week and am now at ease.

[KCMO Al]

Unfortunately taking the laptop out (which is a requirement in the US anyway) does not guarantee it won't be inspected. I travel several times a month and about 1/3 of the time they ask if they can inspect it. It only takes less than a minute so it's no hassle.
btw...for those of you travelling to Europe, the EU is in the process of revising it's policies. Laptops will also be required to be removed and scanned separately and they are talking about liquid restrictions similar to what we have in the US. I don't think they will be as stringent (stupid) as the US ones, but be prepared for changes.

[tommykjensen]

regarding the laptop, next time, if you dont' want them to inspect your bag, swap and check the laptop, just take the laptop out and put on the tray and run through the xray. No hassle later at all. :)

In Scandinavia it is a requirement to take out any laptops and have it scanned seperately. If you don't do it on your own you will be asked to do it (meaning holding up the queue).