flying with your gear?

[easyrider2697]

How do you guys fly with your gear, most all my gear fits in a pelican case 1550, do you carry it on or do you check it..not real comfortable checking it, so I kinda wanted to know how you guys do it...if I check it can I insure it against damage, this is a first for me, but I dont want to be without my gear for several weeks...flying out on sunday so I need a little help with this soon...thanks in advance:confused:

[dovaka]

i travel with a pelican 1510 and a kata bag
i put all the breakable stuff in the 1510 and carry that on and the random what not of cords adapters batterys and the like go in the kata. then when i get to where im going i take it all out and put the essential gear in the kata and everything else goes in the pelican until we go home

[tvphotog]

All the stuff in my sig plus bungees, elec cords, and other accessories fit easily in the Thinktank Rotation 30 which I put overhead. Never had a problem, except in short hop prop planes where I've put the tripod up top and the backpack between my legs.

[butterfly2937]

See the Tamrac bag in my sig it is awesome for air travel and taking all my gear on location. It is very heavy duty and the wheels are very heavy duty and work well even over rugged terrain. It can also be used as a back-pack if you like that.

[Tommy]

I pack my gear into a LowePro Computreker back pack and carry it on. I would never check it... Have you seen how they treat checked luggage? lol! ;)

[canonnoob]

I take all my gear in a tamrac expedtition 7x... i carried that with 28 lbs of camera gear in it last march..and it was comfortable

[easyrider2697]

Thanks guys I knew you would come thru for me..I will carry it all in the Pelican and not check( didnt want to anyway)...and hope for the best..

[bps]

Pelican's are great for air travel. Just be sure to make it appear "light" when you're using it as a carry-on. The whole idea is to avoid a situation where the gate agent weighs your bag. As a matter of fact, I always roll it on the opposite side of my body in relation to the gate agent. For example, if she/he is taking tickets on the left-side of me, I'll pull the Pelican with my right hand. It makes it less visible, therefore, there's less scrutiny...

Bryan

[Cross_X]

Never ever checked my camera backpack. Will never do that. I used to fill the Computrekker to about 25Kilograms, and did it on almost all of my flights and got caught with it only once, but the airline frequent flyer card helped me out=)
Just think: if the do anything to uour camera in the checked baggage, all your trip will be ruined, as well as the equipment. And you didn't really do anything.
Also, there's another thing that makes me holding my backpack tight at all times:
What if something happens on the way and you end up without any documents, luggage,etc? And if that happens somewhere in Tibet, for example? Things happen nowadays. You still have your backpack, and the equipment there is your ticket home. It's really a worst-case scenarion, but nobody knows, what's gonna happen tomorrow.-)

[DANATTHEROCK]

Camera backpacks should be with you on the plane as carry on. For bigger items, you are at the mercy of the TSA gorillas. Consider travel insurance for added coverage. The airlines won't be of much use to you if something gets damaged, misplaced, or stolen. I float remote rivers in arctic Alaska each year and take some pretty expensive items. Guns, rafts, pack canoes, flyfishing gear, etc.. and I have used the AIG Sportsmans insurance a few times and it gave each (my wife and I) an additional $2,500 of coverage for our gear. Think it cost about $120 per person for the policy, but it was worth the peace of mind.

http://www.aigtravel.com/AIG_English.htm



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[Headshotzx]

If all airlines out there treat other people's things with utmost care, we wouldn't need to go through all this discussion and would check in the gear with no concern. Too bad all they want to do is "move x number of checked baggage in y number of hours to earn z amount of money".

bps is right. Understand the staff and how they think and then you'll understand how to get on board even if your bag's overweight.

[UK_Tomcat_Fan]

for my upcoming holiday on November 14, I will be carrying on the following:

Panasonic HD cam
50d (gripped)
400d (gripped)
50 1.8
18-55
28-80
55-200
170-500
EX580II Flash
Tripod
Monopod
ball head
QR Plates
CF cards
Chargers
Batteries (by the bucket full)
filters
gorilla pod
Sensor cleaner
lens cleaner
GPS

in a vertex 300 AW and carrying it on, although i may move some batteries into my checked baggage (in a brandless shoulder bag)

[DANATTHEROCK]

although i may move some batteries into my checked baggage (in a brandless shoulder bag)


Check your airline policies before your trip. In the US, extra batteries must be in the carry on baggage unless it has recently changed. Any battery in a device it was made for is ok in checked baggage, but a loose "spare" battery must go in carry on bags. Just thought I would mention so you could check into this.

[UK_Tomcat_Fan]

Check your airline policies before your trip. In the US, extra batteries must be in the carry on baggage unless it has recently changed. Any battery in a device it was made for is ok in checked baggage, but a loose "spare" battery must go in carry on bags. Just thought I would mention so you could check into this.

Ive always flown to the US with Virgin for this reason, they are happy for batteries to fly on with me as long as all terminals are covered, I usually carry a roll of black electrical tape for this purpose (however the tape has to be checked!) :)

[DANATTHEROCK]

Good to hear, just didn't want you to be caught off guard. Last I heard (here in US) all extra batteries (lithium) had to be in carry on bags with terminals covered as you said. Perhaps the policies have changed.

[UK_Tomcat_Fan]

Good to hear, just didn't want you to be caught off guard. Last I heard (here in US) all extra batteries (lithium) had to be in carry on bags with terminals covered as you said. Perhaps the policies have changed.

When was that, as i last flew in December, so im hoping it hasnt changed since then, i may be tempted to put a single battery in the camera and 2 in the grips if i cannot fly with spares

Would the TSA site have information?

[DANATTHEROCK]

Yep, on the TSA website below, confirms my earlier thought.

Keep batteries and equipment with you, or in carry-on baggage - not in your checked baggage! In the cabin, flight crew can better monitor conditions, and have access to the batteries or device if a fire does occur.
Buy batteries from reputable sources and only use batteries approved for your device – avoid counterfeits! A counterfeit battery is more likely to cause a fire in your equipment – costing you more in the long run, and compromising safety.
Look for the mark of an independent testing or standards organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Do not carry recalled or damaged batteries on aircraft. Check battery recall information at the manufacturer's website, or at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Only charge batteries which you are sure are rechargeable! Non-rechargeable batteries are not designed for recharging, and become hazardous if placed in a battery charger. A non-rechargeable battery placed in a charger may overheat or cause damage later.
Only use a charger compatible with your rechargeable battery – don’t mix and match!
If original packaging is not available for spare batteries, effectively insulate battery terminals by isolating the batteries from contact with other batteries and metal. Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys, or jewelry.
Place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package, or place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals. Isolating terminals prevents short-circuiting.
Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.
If you must carry a battery-powered device in any baggage, package it to prevent inadvertent activation. For instance, you should pack a cordless power tool in a protective case, with a trigger lock engaged. If there is an on-off switch or a safety switch, tape it in the "off" position.


From...

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

[UK_Tomcat_Fan]

Yep, on the TSA website below, confirms my earlier thought.

Keep batteries and equipment with you, or in carry-on baggage - not in your checked baggage! In the cabin, flight crew can better monitor conditions, and have access to the batteries or device if a fire does occur.
Buy batteries from reputable sources and only use batteries approved for your device – avoid counterfeits! A counterfeit battery is more likely to cause a fire in your equipment – costing you more in the long run, and compromising safety.
Look for the mark of an independent testing or standards organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Do not carry recalled or damaged batteries on aircraft. Check battery recall information at the manufacturer's website, or at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Only charge batteries which you are sure are rechargeable! Non-rechargeable batteries are not designed for recharging, and become hazardous if placed in a battery charger. A non-rechargeable battery placed in a charger may overheat or cause damage later.
Only use a charger compatible with your rechargeable battery – don’t mix and match!
If original packaging is not available for spare batteries, effectively insulate battery terminals by isolating the batteries from contact with other batteries and metal. Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys, or jewelry.
Place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package, or place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals. Isolating terminals prevents short-circuiting.
Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.
If you must carry a battery-powered device in any baggage, package it to prevent inadvertent activation. For instance, you should pack a cordless power tool in a protective case, with a trigger lock engaged. If there is an on-off switch or a safety switch, tape it in the "off" position.


From...

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

Keep batteries and equipment with you, or in carry-on baggage

Thats what ill be doing ;)

[Cross_X]

Never had a word said to me about covering the terminals..There was a time I didn't cover any of those as I had only couple of them..had been checked hundreds of times, not a word said..
Though, when i started covering them, nobody wanted to look into my backpack anymore-the airline card worked its way through;)

[SuzyView]

I travel with my Think Tank International and Adventure 9. I always have to check in my clothes and liquids (lotions, etc.) because I can't take everything as carry-on. I can fit almost everything in the International bag, but if I need to put the cords and adapters in the check-in, I will. The 5D2 with 24-70 and 70-200 2.8 IS are in my Adventure 9 with my laptop. I can't be separated from the main gear.

[mcluckie]

From your gear list, take it on with you. I take a lot more with me, a laptop, and a handful of external HDs . I take my most expensive lenses, one body, laptop and a book or 2 in my Domke F5 which fits under the seat. The rest (another body, bigger lenses) go in an ordinary roll-aboard. Maybe something soft in there just in case. On a recent flight on Asiana Air, they made me check my roll-on because of weight. All was good — I've also never heard of insurance.

Many domestics now only let 1 carry-on, so best of luck. (I do mostly international and now make a point of not having domestic layovers for fear of that new practice.)

[ambeestar]

For the most part I've been okay with taking a small camera bag (I don't have a lot of gear yet) and then my backpack with my computer. I flew several times this summer through Delta and everything was fine until the last time I flew. They demanded I check my camera bag and I ended up arguing with the agent for over an hour about it. I missed my flight and I was able to take my camera on to a later one after explaining that no, my camera will not be checked. At all.
For the most part airlines have been okay with it (their policy is a carry on bag and a purse-like item), but if they give you any guff I'd say fight for it.

[Tom H. Photography]

If all airlines out there treat other people's things with utmost care, we wouldn't need to go through all this discussion and would check in the gear with no concern. Too bad all they want to do is "move x number of checked baggage in y number of hours to earn z amount of money".

bps is right. Understand the staff and how they think and then you'll understand how to get on board even if your bag's overweight.

As an airline pilot I can assure you the airlines do care about your luggage. The problem (at least here in Europe, don't know in detail how it works in the States but I assume it's the same everywhere) is that the handling of checked in luggage is done by handling agents (Flightcare, Aviapartner, ...). Most of the time these companies are understaffed and what staff they have is underpaid and not trained to do their job properly. Airlines complain a lot to their handling agents but the problem is that often there is only one or maybe two agents to choose from on an airport. The handling companies know the airlines can't work without them so they don't care how well they do their job.

I carry my camera around in a Lowepro Minitrekker AW. It's perfect for my needs and I take it with me on almost every layover. I will never check in vulnerable or expensive equipment in checked luggage, I see every day how loaders handle bags labelled with 'handle with care' signs :mad:.

[Snow001]

The problem (at least here in Europe, don't know in detail how it works in the States but I assume it's the same everywhere) is that the handling of checked in luggage is done by handling agents (Flightcare, Aviapartner, ...). Most of the time these companies are understaffed and what staff they have is underpaid and not trained to do their job properly. :mad:.

In the US side unfortunately (at least in NY & NJ), the reality is that a lot of the baggage handlers (whether they are employed by the airlines, airport, or the govt.) are crooks (no offfense to others who are not) and they will steal anthing that has value in your checked in luggage.

My rule of thumb nowadays is not to check in anything that you dont want to get stolen. It is an unfortunate reality and only started when the TSA requried us to use locks that could be open by a tsa agent.

[SillyGuy]

i travel a LOT for work, and i always have my 5dmkii, rode mic, 24-70, 85 1.8, 70-200 f2.8is, 5 1.4, and misc hard drives, cables, chargers, etc, and my laptop in my think tank hard drive pro.

i NEVER check it in. i always carry it with me.!