Too much to carry on airplane?? [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

CTM

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 18:39

JWright

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 18:48

I know that most of you will not leave your lenses and cameras in your main checked-in luggage. I wouldn't. I carry all my gear in a Lowepro Slingshot AW300, which isn't exactly SMALL. When I travel, I usually have to bring my laptop (for work) and maybe another bag for clothes, toiletries etc. I can squeeze all that in to the laptop bag.

Has any airlines ever given you any problems for carrying so much 'carry on' luggage? If they were, what do you do?? You can't give up the laptop OR the lenses / camera..... Technically, only 1 piece is allowed weighing no MORE than 7kg.

Opinions? Experiences?

When we traveled back east a couple of years ago, we were allowed two peices of carry-on luggage. I carried all the camera gear in a large backpack that also had space for a laptop. On the return trip I also carried a messenger satchel I had purchased during the trip. We never had any problems with either the arline or TSA.

Things seem to have changed in recent years the airlines are getting pickier about how much stuff you can carry on the plane. I think we're going to see a gradual move by travelers back to the trains and perhaps even the demise of several major airlines in the future. Between the greater restrictions on carry-on luggage and TSA, the airlines are dying.

I'm planning a trip in the fall, and pretty much already decided I'm going to drive, rather than fly.

SuzyView

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 18:49

Some international flights have weight restrictions on carry on luggage. The US airports are not so picky, but definitely 2 bags, one large rolling and one personal small bag are what I've been told is the right thing. This is why I am restricted to the Airport International and the Adventure 9. The backpack has room for my 17 inch Dell and 1/3 of the gear I need, including my 5D. The Airport Security carries every lens and flash, no accessories. That stuff gets checked in. I have everything labeled and ready to go in my checked in bag. And TSA has looked inside those bags every time. I get that little note that says they went through it. The best thing to do is call the airline a few weeks before the flight to see what is allowed. I once took a purse along with the 2 bags and I had to shove it into one of the two bags to get on the plane. I had a feeling they would do that so I had room in the larger bag.

Grentz

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 18:51

Usually for domestic flights/airlines in the USA you can travel with a carry on bag and briefcase. My camera gear counts as the bag or briefcase, then I take another bag or briefcase with my laptop in it.

pregnantcowlady

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 18:57

i went to st louis a few weeks ago.
carried my camera backpack and big bag with laptop in it.
they say one carry on bag and one personal item (laptop etc)

so i'd say the personal item can be the bag with both

SuzyView

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 19:00

Which is why the Adventure bags are useful, even if they are extremely heavy loaded.

RandyMN

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 19:01

My camera bag made it through carry on one time and on the return trip they allowed me through check-in but at loading they made me drop the bag and it went through the check-in baggage anyway.

Now I make sure I only carry what will be allowed, so I guess the airlines are making their point but I just watched on the news where airline employees were stealing from check-in baggage.

pregnantcowlady

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 19:03

yeah, i got...."have anything electronic in that bag?"
"yeah, my camera"
"is the whole bag for YOUR CAMERA?"
"yeah"
"OHHHHHHH WOW a professional one?, well we're gonna have to search that"

lol. they think you're God if you have a bag for just your camera. or a celebrity or something. haha

digger1

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 21:10

Flew for the first time a couple weeks ago since 911. Going through TSA checkpoint was very easy and did not even have to open my carryon with a camera bag and video cam. BUT, the plane we flew on was an "express" and only 3 seats wide. Cabin was soooo small most folks had to "valet check" their carry on when entering the plane. Bag was placed in the cargo hold and given to us immediately upon exiting the plane. Kept a close eye on the bag as much as I could since it had my brand spankin' new 40D in it.

Glasstream15

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 21:10

While I do not want to check either my camera or my laptop, remember there is a finite amount of space and just about every flight is full. That means everybody on that plane is wanting to carry everything they own. Sometimes you aren't gonna get it all aboard. And they are cracking down more and more. When they say 1 carryon and one small personal bag, they originally meant a carryon and a woman's purse. then they had to allow men to carry something the same size. But now that "Purse" size bag has become so large it barely fits the template. So now we have way too many people with 2 bags that squeeze to fit the template and there is NOT room in the cabin. And, your stuff is no more or less valuable or important than my stuff, so who's stuff goes downstairs?

They are rapidly going to take that question away. Too many people abused the system for too long and now everyone pays.

"Things seem to have changed in recent years the airlines are getting pickier about how much stuff you can carry on the plane. I think we're going to see a gradual move by travelers back to the trains and perhaps even the demise of several major airlines in the future. Between the greater restrictions on carry-on luggage and TSA, the airlines are dying." jwright, that is one of the silliest staements I have ever read. The airlines are in business to make money and too many people, sounds like yoou may be one, have tried top take to much advantage for too long and now they are going back to enforceing rules that have always been there.

And remember that they have to provide comfort and safety for everyone on thast airplane, not just one or two that want to carry way too much stuff. You want to carry more, you pay miore. Or go first or business class. And you obviously have not been on a train lately.

CTM

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 22:11

If I travel domestically, I opt for trains. But when it is overseas, I don't have a choice, I have to fly hence why I asked this question. I understand that everyone has the same right to bring what they value. I am just wondering if there is a special way to transport our beloved camera gear safely or just put everything in to one big bag? ;)

Why didn't I just stick with the point and shoot? hahaha.....:lol::lol::lol:

yabbie

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 22:37

I have a very large laptop bag that can carry other things in it as well, a daypack that fits my lenses and other essentials packed tightly in between, and a handy old 'duty free' bag that has allowed me to get away with 3 carry-on bags last trip, and this one can enable you to break the weight restrictions (kind-of, they'll grizzle, then let it through). "it's duty free sir, really - look..camera..lens..lens etc") I carried my entire kit (less one small lens) plus a laptop, 3.5" had drive, all my power adaptors for all my appliances (for Lao) plus anything else really heavy this way from Au to Lao and back as carry on. 21kg in all. The only problem was pretending that it was only 7kg hanging off my shoulders waiting in the long lines before checking in.
At 47kg myself, I figure I'm entitled to a few extra kg to carry on!

There's no way I'd entrust the airlines to pack on my camera gear, and treat it the way I do, no matter how many jumpers and sleeping bags it's wrapped in!

NZDoug

2nd of April 2008 (Wed), 23:12

I have used lens bags attached to my belt so my main camera bag doesnt have too much weight.
Load up your friends and spouse with stuff too!
Were allowed 15kg for carry on I think.
Check with your local airline for the hard facts.
Airlines usually get touchy if its a full house.
If you got a lot of stuff, couriers are effective but expensive. :p

xander2188

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 01:03

I flew from seattle to cleveland last summer. I carried my backpack(Dakine Heli pro) and my camera bag (Lowepro stealth reporter) and wasnt given any trouble at all, except that I always get checked extra because i am a shady looking teenager. :)

FlyingPhotog

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 01:08

I fly twice a week, every week (USofA .. Domestic) from February to July and I routinely carry a LowePro Computrekker AW and a relatively generic briefcase on every flight. The camera gear goes in the overhead (in the bins accross the aisle from my seat so I can keep an eye on it...) and the briefcase goes under the seat in front of me.

On smaller planes like Dash 8s or RJs, I usually end up reversing this with the briefcase in the smaller overhead and the camera gear under the seat in front of me.

I've never had an issue or a hassle traveling this way...

Glasstream15

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 07:38

In my first post, I did not mean to not carry what you need, just to be reasonable like the last several posters have been. I have made several flights with my Pelican 1550 with my camera gear in the overhead and a laptop shoulder bag with the lappy, power brick, headphones and ZVM:60 under the seat. But you see way to many people that want to bring 2 huge bags each, bags that they could barely get into the template. And then they get P'd that they can't find room to stuff 4 or 5 huge bags together. And remember too, that soft bags DO get squashed in those overheads. Someone is always gonna try to get one more bag in there. Unless they are using a bulldozer, they won't hurt my Pelican and my laptop bag stays in my lap until everyone gets seated.

Oh, and yes, that Pelican is heavy. Over 25 lbs. But short of gunfire, my camera gear is safe.

YMMV.

bball4will

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 07:44

Zansho

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 08:32

None of the airlines I've flown on have given me any beef about my photography gear. I usually carry it on my shoulder bag (my Naneau Pro) - my 5D, 40D, 85mm 1.8, 100mm 2.8, 70-200F4 and my Quantum Flash, along with my light meter and few other minor accessories.

Once in a while I'll get the comment, "Wow, all that camera stuff in ONE bag?" Sometimes I'd wish they'd keep their mouths shut, because that's like advertisement for potential thieves at the airports saying "hey look, keep an eye on this guy, he has some expensive camera stuff!" I never leave my camera bag alone, but still, it makes me uneasy when they announce it like that.

Anything else I need on location, like lights or maybe an extra lens, I usually rent.

TaDa

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 08:55

dinanm3atl

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 09:27

I would get the LowePro FastPack350...

Holds your laptop and all computer gear plus 4 lenses and the professional body. Then you just need 1 other bag :)

Then pack a Slingshot 200 in your carry on for those walk around shoots ;)

Oh and if I remember correctly you cannot carry on your rechargable batteries that are loose. They have to be IN your camera or in checked luggage... Apparently they can get hot and explode or burn or something... Sucks because I have 4 or 5 Canon Batteries and 2 in my grip...

KENLUDE97

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 10:00

That is interesting to see that you can carry on 3 bags, 1 camera bag, 1 personal (purse) and 1 carry on.

I just recently flew from Upstate NY to Denver, with my camera bag (XTi, Kit lens and 70-200F4L) and going out i was not bothered. On the way back I did get searched and the bag was opened and searched in FRONT of me. I also had 2 batterys with me, and neither in the camera? I guess that they missed something!

Also something to think about is that US airways group will be charging for a 2nd checked bag starting 5/5/08. Southwest allready does something similar with there 3rd Checked bag. Article here. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120519352406325701.html?mod=yahoo_buzz

At this rate will be be cheaper soon to drive, even with the fuel prices! :evil:

I'm going to Mexico on the 12th, i hope that goes well as i plan on taking the camera bag, as carry on and a computer bag... But the wife is going with me.... So this should work! :?:

Jon

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 11:17

At least for domestic travel in the USA, the TSA regulations state that you're allowed one bag and one personal carry-on AND a bag containing camera equipment. I have a printout of this from the TSA's site that a bag containing camera equipment cannot be considered one of those two bags.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1248.shtm

Another thing that I just noticed on their site while looking for the link, is that you can no longer travel with "loose" lithium batteries. Am I to assume that if the batteries are loaded in the camera or in the grip that they're not considered "loose"?
TSA allows you to take 3 bags through security; it's up to the airline what you can bring on board the plane.

Apparently they aren't enforcing the Li battery restrictions. You're right - batteries installed in the device aren't "loose". Loose batteries were deemed OK if they're stored individually and separately, so the contacts couldn't short out.
I would get the LowePro FastPack350...

Holds your laptop and all computer gear plus 4 lenses and the professional body. Then you just need 1 other bag :)

Then pack a Slingshot 200 in your carry on for those walk around shoots ;)

Oh and if I remember correctly you cannot carry on your rechargable batteries that are loose. They have to be IN your camera or in checked luggage... Apparently they can get hot and explode or burn or something... Sucks because I have 4 or 5 Canon Batteries and 2 in my grip...The regs are that Li batteries of any kind can only go in your checked luggage if they're installed in the device (camera, computer, flash, presumably charger). "Loose" batteries have to go in carry-on (properly packaged so they can't short out). Those regs are Department of Transportation's, not TSA's; I hear TSA isn't enforcing them; certainly when I went to Costa Rica in January I had no problems carrying several spares; they didn't even look at them.

Layston

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 11:18

I asked a similar question and read a lot before I went to Scotland last year. What I ended up doing was taking all my most important camera gear in my Canon backpack on the plane (and of course my iPod :) ) My wife brought her carry on for other necessities on the plane. The rest went in my suitcase (50mm f/1.4, Tamron 28-300 etc - lenses that if lost wouldn't KILL me but would be a big annoyance).

When I travel for work I have a backpack that takes a laptop and has a reasonable amount of space in the front, plus it rolls. I pack my Canon backpack in my suitcase and carefully pack my camera and my 24-70 and 70-200 in my laptop backpack. It's a matter of "what can't I live without?" and that goes on the plane in ONE bag. They can't refuse one reasonable sized bag.

Another option I've seen used is shipping your gear Fedex/UPS to your hotel. It's insured that way, but the only time I'd do this is if I needed more gear than I could carry.

dinanm3atl

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 11:29

Well I guess my extra batteries will be fine then. Glad that is not a problem. They are all covered with their little items so they can't short out.

Jon

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 11:41

Under current carry-on provisions, you can really take quite a bit of gear in a single "under-seat" camera bag. My Domke F-1X will fit (just) under most Economy seats, and I can stow 2 bodies, 2-3 flashes, and several large zooms, along with spare batteries, cards, and the like. If space is at a premium, filters and other relatively "hardy" stuff can go in the suitcase. I have an ultra-mobile PC for travel (Toshiba Libretto or Asus Eee); it either goes in the end of the F-1 or in a side pocket of the F-802 or F-7 if I'm carrying one bag; the F-3x is a small bag that won't cause any "Personal Item" issues; it takes either of those as well.

runninmann

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 11:48

I have flown from Detroit to Shanghai and from Shanghai to Singapore and return carrying the Lowepro Computrekker Plus AW with no issues. I've also carried it from Detroit to Houston with no issues.

Double Negative

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 12:41

I don't check ANYTHING of value. Period.

I've only gotten grief once, and that was about ten years ago when I threw my stuff into a rather large "looking" backpack. They tried to tell me I couldn't take it - I told them in no uncertain terms that it carried photo gear and that I would NOT be checking it. They let me carry it onboard... ;)

But normally I do carry two bags; one photo, one for whatever. Haven't had any issues in a long time (see above). As long as the stuff doesn't look too large/heavy they won't even notice.

Andrushka

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 13:06

i think sometimes it depends on if your carry-on "looks" heavy,
they usually dont check the weight limit of your carry-on unless they think its way over the 7kg, but i think thats usually more likely to happen when you carry on a big item, bags like camera bag usually is okay with them.

its all about who happens to be standing behind the counter/podium/xray machine!! get the right person and you could bring your St. Bernard and a studio setup... get the wrong person and they will want to check YOU! Always act like you 40lb carry-on is light as a feather too, just to play it cool

my wife and i live in Ukraine and travel back and forth to the States... she goes through security with like 3 bags big enough to be your large carry-on every time... only one time did anyone question her and she used the line about having one bag of perishables for inflight snack! it was true to a degree...

anyway from my experiences I agree with the quote above that you just need to play it cool and not draw attention to how much carry-on luggage you have with you, or say you are just holding your wifes/girlfriend/business partners bag for them to be a gentleman... somehting of that nature

also try a Thinktank backpack - they look super slim but can hold your camera gear and laptop no problem, i got one before my last trip, checked my empty walk-around bag with non-essential accessories in my suitcase - the lightest load i have carried in a long time! but then i had "room" to take a rolling carry-on as well, so actually upped my load but got to bring more "goodies" back from the States - so that was nice

CTM

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 20:19

Comparatively, what I am carrying is quite a lot less / lighter than what has been mentioned so far.

Thanks for the input guys. :) :)

rnourse

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 22:16

Never had a whole lotta respect for the folks that seem to want to carry everything they can get away with onto the plane. Usually I wind up with my one half-loaded backpack searching up and down the aisle for an overhead with a small bit of space (or helping someone else do the same). In a similar vein, folks I work with brag how they never check luggage when they travel yet somehow seem oblivious to how their self-centered view impacts others around them.

Personally I hope the airlines start strictly enforcing the rules. Wouldn't bother me at all to see all these folks wheeling mounds of carry-ons get turned back at the airplane door!

Remember, I'm not talking about 'reasonable' but rather folks who know they're bringing "everything they can get away with". You know who you are...

TheGreatDivorce

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 23:08

Flying domestic (US) has never been an issue. Internationally is a PITA. I use a Tamrac roller case (forget the exact one), which holds at least 2 bodies, batteries, cards, etc., and 4-6 lenses, along with my laptop, iPod and headphones. Last trip it tipped the scales at 18kg for my lone carryon :).

I just explain to them what's in it, and why I cannot check it, and they've always been pretty understanding, although you've gotta sweet-talk them a bit sometimes.

TheGreatDivorce

3rd of April 2008 (Thu), 23:15

Glasstream15

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 05:37

It annoys me too, but it's way difference carrying on $5-30+ thousand dollars of camera gear, compared to wankers who pack all the clothes in their closet into their carryon.

Yeah, check your camera gear. I do and my case is over 25 lbs. It's a Pelican. But then, rather than pushing the issue of how much I can legally carry, I take a shoulder carry laptop bag which holds the lappy, power brick, mouse, headphones, ZVM:60 and a book. And it goes under the seat in fromt of me. I also make sure that I get to be one of the first aboard so that I have plenty of room for the legal and within the "spirit of the law" stuff that I carry.

But, "Common Courtesy" is most noted today because it is so uncommon. It's all about ME and I don't care how many others are inconveienced. And it gets worse every day.

YOU are NOT that important and either, by the way, am I. But people are NOT going to slow down and enjoy their lives and allow others the same

DennisE

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 07:38

Hi All
Found this which may be of interest to some
http://www.dpsoftware.co.uk/airlines/

says uk airlines but there are some other international carriers mentioned

rnourse

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 10:13

It annoys me too, but it's way difference carrying on $5-30+ thousand dollars of camera gear, compared to wankers who pack all the clothes in their closet into their carryon.

Really? I would have said there's no difference at all. Camera gear, gold bars, whatever... if a traveler takes up 3 x his space allowance it doesn't matter a fig to everyone else what's in his bag.

Not saying this is you and no problems keeping valuable stuff close at hand (agree 100%) but if it can't fit it within carry on allowance perhaps such a traveler shouldn't be bringing $30K worth of gear on board.

nicksan

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 15:05

I took a flight from NYC to Orlando FL via Jetblue. I brought a MountainSmith FlightPath AT to carry my stuff + laptop, and a small Domke bag that I put in my checked-in luggage.

It was pretty heavy. I had my laptop, 1D MKIII, 50L, 16-35L, 24-105L, 70-200 f2.8L IS, Canon 1.4x TC, 580EXII, charger for 1DMKIII/flash batteries/laptop, 4 or 5 filters, etc...

No problems.

However, I noticed that depending on the airline, you have different allowable dimensions...so that's always a concern.

Double Negative

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 15:31

If you have a compact bag (i.e. "small looking") you could get away with a lot of gear - I've never had carry-on baggage weighed.

But I agree, it's the people with large duffles, stuffed to the gills, taking up an entire overhead compartment - that ought to be thrown in the wheelwells...

WaltA

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 16:11

If you have a compact bag (i.e. "small looking") you could get away with a lot of gear - I've never had carry-on baggage weighed.

I have - with WestJet here in Canada flying to Halifax. I think its different for different airlines. WestJet has a 25lb limit I think.

Anyway, lucky I had a checked-bag and so could take my laptop out and put it in there and kept my camera with my carry-on.

Double Negative

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 16:24

^ You put a laptop in a checked bag? Eeek!

But I think you're right - it varies on the airline and airport, even.

WaltA

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 16:29

^ You put a laptop in a checked bag? Eeek!

But I think you're right - it varies on the airline and airport, even.

It was either that or leave it at the airport !!!!

Or maybe run down the concourse to a vendor stall and buy another bag to carry on ;)

WaltA

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 16:32

^ You put a laptop in a checked bag? Eeek!

But I think you're right - it varies on the airline and airport, even.

Whats funny about that is I worked for WestJet at the time and was travelling on business so it was actually their laptop. ;)

Double Negative

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 16:44

^ LOL! In that case... ;)

You could always say you were testing their baggage system.

Jubilee32

4th of April 2008 (Fri), 20:50

recently flew a couple of times on Northwest airlink (Canadair jets) and was rather startled to hear the announcement that only ONE bag was allowed for carry-on. That included purses, laptops, roll-aboards, etc. One meant ONE and anything else had to be gate checked or luggage checked. One gentleman had a small bag and a briefcase with a compuer and they would not let him take the computer on along with the bag even if he checked the briefcase. Gate agent said ONE means ONE (she was nice but firm). This was not true for real NW flights.

I fly Comair regularly and have never seen that before. I always check my main bag and carry-on my briefcase. I somwtimes take my back pack with camera with no trouble. I am not sure what I would do on Northwest Airlink - except fly Comair.:evil:

teddy

5th of April 2008 (Sat), 16:46

I know that most of you will not leave your lenses and cameras in your main checked-in luggage. I wouldn't. I carry all my gear in a Lowepro Slingshot AW300, which isn't exactly SMALL. When I travel, I usually have to bring my laptop (for work) and maybe another bag for clothes, toiletries etc. I can squeeze all that in to the laptop bag.

Has any airlines ever given you any problems for carrying so much 'carry on' luggage? If they were, what do you do?? You can't give up the laptop OR the lenses / camera..... Technically, only 1 piece is allowed weighing no MORE than 7kg.

Opinions? Experiences?

I just flew to China and HK with my backpack of camera equipment which would easily weigh 35Kg. My trick is I never let anyone lift it (the last thing you want is a customs person having a bad day to have to lug it onto the xray machine and take it out on you). I have made several trips with this bag and to date have never been stopped.
On occasions I also carry my laptop too.

Oh, also make sure you dont make the bag or backpack to thick so it wont fit in the overhead locker.
I also suggest you buy a backpack that has the waist and chest straps that will save your back if you are going to carry it for any period of time.

It does get to be painful at times lugging everything around, the upside is that you get to photograph things you would never see in your own country.

teddy

5th of April 2008 (Sat), 16:48

No doubt you would make an exception for camera equipment?

fishfoto

7th of April 2008 (Mon), 01:00

I have flown out of NGO, your home airport, with a fully loaded Lowe Pro Stealth backpack with a 15" PowerBook, two 1D bodies, five lenses, a flash, 6 spare 1D batteries, 1D battery charger, "empower" seat power inverter, all basic accessories, three shirts,4 pairs of socks, three pairs of boxers and some other crap jammed in there.

No one has given me a problem. This specific kit, off the top of my head, flew in on Korean Air, out on Continental, as well as departing NGO on Korean Air, ANA and Northwest.

You're fine from NGO and NRT, as well as other airports in region, such as ICN, KIX, HKG and any US/Canada departure point. Europe can be sticker.

For more info check out my Blog dedicated to helping flying photogs at http://www.flyingwithfish.com

Happy Flying