Travelling with the Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II

[paulhillion]

I've just bought the Photo Trekker AW II and have realised I should have checked this first! Does it's size allow it to be carried on as air hand luggage? At the end of the year I'm going to be travelling around Australia & New Zealand and I'm intending on using this backpack, I'm just a wee bit concerned about it's weight when fully loaded?

Any experiences on travelling with this setup?

Thanks,

Paul

[021411]

You might want to check with the company you will be flying with. For example, this is from Continental Airlines...

The maximum combined linear measurement (L + W + H) of the carry-on bag is 51 inches (130 cm). The maximum weight of the carry-on bag is 40 pounds (18 kg).

[robertwgross]

Mine will fit within that 51-inch rule, but I would never think of trying to carry on anything as large as that onto an airliner.

For one thing, it sure is not going to fit underneath the seat, so that means it has to go overhead. I can just imagine the work to get it stuffed into an overhead rack. Then, I can just imagine watching it fall out of there and down to the floor. No thanks.

---Bob Gross---

[021411]

Taken from Air New Zealand

Customers may take one piece of cabin baggage with a maximum weight of 7kg and maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm (45") on jet services, or 105cm (41") on Air New Zealand Link services.

Star Alliance Gold Customers (including Airpoints Gold and Gold Elite) are permitted two pieces with the same conditions as above.

International flights Economy Class customers may take one piece of cabin baggage with a maximum weight of 7kg and maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm (45").

Business Class, First Class and Star Alliance Gold customers (including Airpoints Gold and Gold Elite) are permitted two pieces with the same conditions as above. Please note this excludes flights to, from and through the USA where the US Federal Aviation Administration currently restricts cabin baggage to one piece for all passengers.



From Quantas

RoutePiece Allowance & DimensionsWeight AllowanceAustralian and New Zealand DomesticAll Classes:
2 x 105cm (41in) bags or
1 x 105cm (41in) bag plus 1 x 185cm (73in) non rigid garment bag or
1 x 115cm (45in) bag
7kg (15lbs) per piece

[cheme]

For what its worth, I've carried mine on a Southwest Airlines flight (Boeing 737 airplane) in the US and put it in the overhead bins without any issues. I know its domestic US flight and you're talking about flying internationally...just wanted to supply another data point for you.

[Hogster]

What about a monopod? Would the airline let me carry on a monopod which is approximately 15 inches when folded? Would it be considered a potential weapon similar to a bat?

[wilflee]

The answer really varies from country to country and from airline to airline. But here are some general rules:

- I've carried a Pro Trekker AW II with a monopod onboard without problems as I'm fairly large and the bag looks small in comparison. It's more optics than size.
- International flights are usually roomier.
- Business class stowage is also bigger.
- Get on-board early to ensure the overhead cabins are not full.
- pack the bag so it can be squished (ie arrange the lens flat instead of standing) in case you have to shove the bag into the cabin.

[blackviolet]

once, air new zealand domestic didn't allow me to carry on both my camera bag and my laptop bag, despite being star alliance gold. i ended up taking out my laptop and hand carrying it, and they checked the bag.

i've never had an issue on qantas, and i've had big bags, heavy bags, and multiple bags.

[radar-eclipse]

The Photo Trekker shouldn't be a problem. Contact the airline of choice for specifics. Something that I did recently was take an empty backpack to the airport and asked the counter person what they thought. I told them what it would weigh and so forth. Some airlines might have you gate check a monopod or tripod. I have had that happen to me.

[robertwgross]

What about a monopod? Would the airline let me carry on a monopod which is approximately 15 inches when folded? Would it be considered a potential weapon similar to a bat?

Don't call it a monopod. That is your walking stick, and they have to let you carry on your walking stick.

---Bob Gross---

[Rob612]

Don't call it a monopod. That is your walking stick, and they have to let you carry on your walking stick.

---Bob Gross---

That makes sense, somehow. I just do not see how I can justify the big, white Manfrotto writing on the upper part. And I doubt that a ball head will be intepreted as a handle ;)

But you are right, actually I do not think there is any law in the world that says that I cannot use a monopod as a walking stick. Thinking about it, it makes a lot of sense. It can be lighter, its foldable ad consequently easier to store while at a restaurant or theater... Hmmmm... have to suggest the idea tu my father. He hates his stick jus t because of the fact that it gets in the way every time. Today is his birthday... MethinkI'm going to buy a monopod w/o head for him.

[Tomasz Dziechciarz]

What about Tamrac Adventure 7?

Is it OK to carry on the plane?