carying your gear on airplanes

[RUSS-D]

I am about to depart for an over Seas trip to Thailand, for about 3 weeks time. I have concerns about the weight of my carry on with all my gear. Do they check for weight now? With all the new rules and restrictions I would hate to get to the check-in, and find out I couldn't take something on and have to check it.
here is a list of the gear I want to bring....
Canon 30D, RebelXT(back up just in case), Sigma 150-500, Canon 70-200 f/4(no IS), and the Tokina 12-24, accories to include my flash, extension tubes, laptop, and all the little things like memory cards and cables. But it all weighs in at over 22 lbs. Should I just leave the SigmOS at home, and hope I have enough reach for everything with the 70-200?

[kinghong1970]

in my flying experience...

1) europe is pickier than asia...
2) they are more concerned with size rather than weight
3) you create a ruckus with a pelican hard case, yea, they might say something about the weight...

but i've taken:
7D
24-105
12-24 Toki
gitzo gt 1550t
30mm 1.4
17" lappy
mouse
adapter
1.4 tc
all in my lowepro pro roller x100 and they did not say squat on Korean Air.

[kinghong1970]

ah, you may want to check in your tripod... just in case...

[RUSS-D]

I should have mentioned that I will definitely check the tripod. I have never flown this far with this much gear, but I would realy hate to be out somewhere in Thailand and not have the reach for some exotic bird or animal. Or even when we go to South Thailands Beaches like Phucket, and then I will want to shoot the Surf(as well as surfi thopefully). So the SigmOS would be key in this. Thanks for the replies.
I will also be able to ask at the check in counter 2 weeks prior to the trip. My wife is going there before me, she is from there and wants to spend some time with the family before I get there. So i can ask them directly. Just trying to get a feel for what I might encounter so I can figure out what pack I am bringing.

[xenomorphic]

As has been mentioned before by experienced protographer/travellers here on POTN, if you are concerned about handluggage weight before boarding you might want to wear a photographers vest or clothing with roomy pockets and place any and all items that contribute to the weight ON you instead of in your bag: Batteries, leads/wires, chargers, filters, whatever.

I sometimes slip "the tank" (24-70 2.8L) into a cargo pocket and walk about with it there until I have actually boarded and no one is going to take issue.

James

[johnandbentley]

I brought a ton of gear to india via carry on. Canon xsi, 4 lenses, tripod and monopod and a laptop and nobody said a word. I actually had a carryon piece of luggage that i stuffed tripod/monopod and laptop cord/mouse etc into the luggage, and then kept my camera in my backpack with lenses,etc. No questions whatsoever through Amsterdam, then delhi and back to the states. have great trip!

[ChrisSearle]

I travel back and forth between UK and India all the time and with a big photo backpack stuffed with gear. In all the years that I've been doing this I have only had a problem twice, both times at Emirates check in when they have told me that the bag is too heavy. I tell them that its full of camera gear, they have a quick confer with a manager and then say 'OK'.

[RUSS-D]

I had no issues at all in my travels to Thailand. And we took 17 planes in 21 days from start to finish. Only issue at all was a broken UV filter, most likely from being in an overhead bin. And me dropping my flash outside of a Buddist Temple, and that was totally my fault LOL.

[redflash]

Had a similar thought myself... doing the same in Feb next year (Thailand). Only taking carry on luggage on the way, and although my camera back (sling pack) is a little under the dimensions the airline states is OK, my tripod won't fit in. There is, however a strap on thingy where the tripod can clip onto the outside of the bag which may put it over a bit in size, but not weight. Will this be an issue?

For what it's worth they do allow another small item to be carried on (eg handbags) - which will be my camera in a case with my heaviest lens at the time.

Also regarding lithium batteries. I have 2 batteries - will they care? I saw mentioned elsewhere with all the security they only allow one lithium battery...

Flying budget airline Jetstar if it makes a difference. Since they are owned by QANTAS, with my luck they will be on strike in any case..

Happy Trails

[RUSS-D]

Redflash, you should be alright with everything. Only thing that may be an issue is the tripod. There are very few, from what I have been learning, that are accepted for air travel. I had the sling pack for my travels as well(love that back pack), and it fit in an overhead very easy. As a matter of fact I don't know how so many people get away with such oversized bags, but almost all of them where HUGE compared to my little slinger LOL.

[Mookalafalas]

I was moved from a big plane to a feeder last year and my carry on didn't fit in the bin. The stewardess said she would take care of it for me, and I could pick it up in the front when I got off. I thought that means she would store it up front, but turns out she just handed it to a tech to chuck in the luggage hold! Smashed my computer and a brand new lens. Took me months to get reimbursed (which I eventually was, and generously). All I can say is be careful. Don't let your stuff out of your hands!!

[RUSS-D]

I was moved from a big plane to a feeder last year and my carry on didn't fit in the bin. The stewardess said she would take care of it for me, and I could pick it up in the front when I got off. I thought that means she would store it up front, but turns out she just handed it to a tech to chuck in the luggage hold! Smashed my computer and a brand new lens. Took me months to get reimbursed (which I eventually was, and generously). All I can say is be careful. Don't let your stuff out of your hands!!

100% agree with this statement. DO NOT LET THEM CHECK YOUR GEAR!!!! It only goes into 1 place, a pile of luggage nobody cares about. I would have missed a flight before I gave my gear bag up.
Sorry to hear about your computer and lens, but nice to hear you where compinsated for it(eventualty).

[gazfy]

I fly UK to Germany very often, sometimes direct with Lufthansa other times via Schiphol with KLM and although I'm 'supposed' to only have 1 item of hand luggage, I have a wheeled carry on bag/trolley that has my laptop, work and personal items in it and my camera bag and I have never once been questioned about it. I often think that if you make it look light and unobtrusive whilst approaching the desk then they are not too bothered ie, don't appear to be struggling with the weight/bulk as your approaching them! ;)

[Sirrith]

although I'm 'supposed' to only have 1 item of hand luggage
You're allowed 1 item of carry on luggage (something like a small wheeled suitcase), and 1 other smallish thing like a laptop bag or camera bag, or handbag etc... thats why you havn't had any problems ;)

[gazfy]

Really?

Note to self... read the small print! :lol:

[redflash]

Yeah it's pretty standard (the extra small bag) - and I'm thinking my camera case will be that, as my camera sling backpack will be full of the first 2 days worth of clothes (will buy the rest + a suitcase when I get over there), but whether or not they accept my tripod strapped to the side of the sling or not may be another thing..
Considering leaving it at home.

[tombramwell]

Professional carry case's can be checked in when flying, they are sturdy, very strong, water resistant or even water proof.. They are also hugely expensive to buy and also weight quite a bit which means you will more than likely have to pay excessive luggage charge.

Example - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-peli-1650-case-with-foam-black/p1001460 (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-peli-1650-case-with-foam-black/p1001460)

The cheaper option is to simply carry on your gear. You have three options here:-

Option1: Buy a specialized case which is designed especially for flying. It is the optimum size and allows you to safely carry your gear around as hand luggage whilst flying. These bags are designed to meet international standards you will therefore always be allowed to carry them as hand luggage.

Option2: Another option is to simply take your existing camera bag and carry it as hand luggage. Be careful though; if the bag is too big the airline may not allow you to carry it as hand luggage, they may also charge you should the bag weight a huge amount. I have personally done this several times and carry a selection of gear. (2 bodies, 2small primes, a flash and a couple of larger L zooms)

Option3: You may not be aware of this but the majority of international airlines do not count objects warn on your body as luggage.. You can therefore carry a camera in your pocket or around your neck and this will not be counted as hand luggage. i.e. no weight restrictions.

[Phrasikleia]

I fly between the US and Europe several times per year, and I have found that weight is an issue on occasion. I have had to remove lenses from my carry-on and put them in my checked luggage (which basically makes me a nervous wreck for the entire flight). I also had to remove a hard drive once, simply because of the weight restriction. These problems have only occurred on my flights out of the US, never on flights leaving Europe.

[dlpasco]

I found a good article on http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/ when I was searching for info on traveling with photo gear. I didn't find the exact link.

[RUSS-D]

Really?

Note to self... read the small print! :lol:
yep, one for the overhead, and 1 personal bag i.e a laptop, purse or babby bag. A lot of people don't even check luggage anymore, just do 2 carry ons and travel light.

[mcluckie]

I am about to depart for an over Seas trip to Thailand, for about 3 weeks time. I have concerns about the weight of my carry on with all my gear. Do they check for weight now? With all the new rules and restrictions I would hate to get to the check-in, and find out I couldn't take something on and have to check it.
here is a list of the gear I want to bring....
Canon 30D, RebelXT(back up just in case), Sigma 150-500, Canon 70-200 f/4(no IS), and the Tokina 12-24, accories to include my flash, extension tubes, laptop, and all the little things like memory cards and cables. But it all weighs in at over 22 lbs. Should I just leave the SigmOS at home, and hope I have enough reach for everything with the 70-200?
I travel internationally all the time, usually Asia. It's much easier than intra-US. The only time I ever got nailed was when I flew Asiana and I had my gear in a roll-aboard. They weighed it and had to check it in. Damn, that was mental anguish. I've NEVER had a problem carrying the biggest Domke stuffed to the brim. If you fly inside Asia, they also never check, but the inter-Asia flights are 15 lbs max (I believe). You get 22 (if I remember right) on international.

Remember you get a small personal bag and outer wear and a laptop aside from the weight limits. I carry a laptop, book, and a tad more in a laptop shoulder bag. My Domke gets about 25 lbs. which I try to look like it's nothing. I put an old 5D in a cushioned pouch (as a spare body) in luggage, and sometimes a couple more Zeiss primes if I'm going for a few months. I just got gear insurance for the first time last year going to Russia. Good thing security and customs and boarding don't share info.

22# is nothing to worry about. Just be sure receipts for your gear for US customs re-entry.

[redflash]

Remember you get a small personal bag and outer wear and a laptop aside from the weight limits.

Would this mean my camera bag (sling type backpack which is just under the size limits) plus the camera around my neck, and a tripod in a separate shoulder bag would be OK? The tripod could be attached to the sling backpack externally but this might put it slightly over dimensions...

Considering leaving the tripod at home but would love to take it...

[mcluckie]

Remember you get a small personal bag and outer wear and a laptop aside from the weight limits.

Would this mean my camera bag (sling type backpack which is just under the size limits) plus the camera around my neck, and a tripod in a separate shoulder bag would be OK? The tripod could be attached to the sling backpack externally but this might put it slightly over dimensions...

Considering leaving the tripod at home but would love to take it...

Throw the tripod in luggage. They have the right to total the weight of your carry-on. Not weighed, as I mentioned, are outerwear, umbrella, laptop. I know many guys that carry on a tripod, but why? Carry on the delicates. Extra HDs in leu of a tripod makes more sense. I also carry charger and extra batteries and cords for layovers.

[redflash]

Would do but on my outbound flight I am only carrying luggage on. The plan is to buy a suitcase and a heap of clothes over there, hence the query.

[mcluckie]

Would do but on my outbound flight I am only carrying luggage on. The plan is to buy a suitcase and a heap of clothes over there, hence the query.

You're right, suitcases and clothes are very very cheap there, unless you're 6'4" like me. I bought the biggest Polo suitcase allowed on air for $25 in Guangzhou a few years back. You get 2 free checked bags on international, and heck, you don't even need a case for checking a tripod. You'll need to add that weight to your total, and with a decent head, my lightweight gitzo adds maybe 6 or 7 lbs. But you're doing a lightweight camera so maybe you're tripod isn't much. I'd still check the tripod for free since it will free up your carry-on weight substantially. Is it the wait for luggage you're trying to avoid? Immigration is much worse.

Be sure you have a 5 or 6 section lightweight tripod. I know a few guys that carry them on (seems like TSA should call them weapons...).

[yogestee]

If travelling to SE Asia I'd like to recommend Thai Airways, I've been flying with Thai for years. Great service and they are pretty relaxed on what you take onboard.





Did I mention the flight attendants ;)

[Sirrith]

If travelling to SE Asia I'd like to recommend Thai Airways, I've been flying with Thai for years. Great service and they are pretty relaxed on what you take onboard.





Did I mention the flight attendants ;)
Seconded on both counts. ;)

Malaysia airlines is also pretty great.

Singapore Airlines is very nice, but lately they've been getting quite pricey.

[mcluckie]

Ah, flight attendants... I just tossed a few off my iPhone from an AA flight back from Paris in August. They all looked like Rosey O'Donnell at best... and United is just as bad. All the Asian carriers (and AirFrance & Luthansa) are a visual pleasure.

[Phrasikleia]

Ah, flight attendants... I just tossed a few off my iPhone from an AA flight back from Paris in August. They all looked like Rosey O'Donnell at best... and United is just as bad. All the Asian carriers (and AirFrance & Luthansa) are a visual pleasure.

Yo!! Some of us are women here! Save it for the men's club, eh?

[mcluckie]

Just sayin'. I didn't start this diversion. :o I think it has more to do with other cultures and their priorities and the "face" they want to show. That said, these other airlines and flight staff (attractiveness aside) are also friendlier than US-based airlines and (back to the topic) less likely to give a heavy camera bag to the luggage guy.

[Preeb]

Well, I haven't taken my dSLR gear as far afield as some of you, but on several trips to the Bahamas I've never even gotten a second look, from airlines or customs. That includes some pretty small twin engine prop planes.

I carry everything in my sig in a Swiss Gear backpack, plus an EX 430II flash, a heavy duty Gorilla Pod, lots of the typical odds and ends like filters, releases, cords, etc., a 17" laptop with AC cord and mouse, and my Nook. I've never weighed it, but it's a load. I slip the laptop out per security rules, but the rest just goes through in the pack.

[RPCrowe]

I would go to the websites of the airlines on which you will be flying and check their luggage restrictions.

I flew internationally to China last year and then took four internal China flights. The luggage restrictions for the international flight was less strict than the luggage restrictions for the internal flights.

The internal flights had a 5 kilogram (about 12 pound) carry-on restriction. My roll-along, carry-on Lowepro case weighed about four kilograms (about 9 pounds). I decided use my Lowepro Moni Trekker backpack for my gear. They never checked the weight of my backpack but, I saw them check several roll along bags for weight.

Our guide said that they generally don't weigh backpacks but, will sometimes weigh roll along carriers.

I wore a Domke photo vest while traveling and was quite prepared to take a few items out of the carry-on and go through the check-in procedure with a body and a flash unit in my vest to reduce the carry-on bag's weight.

[BreitlingFan]

I travel a lot for work, and I carry a full kit about 50% of the time.

I've never had an issue, within the United States or internationally, flying with my gear. I can usually get my bag into the overhead. On those puddle-jumper flights, where the overhead bins aren't big enough, the bag usually fits under the seat. Those flight are usually short enough so the lack of legroom is no big deal.

It's only happened twice but, when the bag wouldn't fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, the flight attendant was kind enough to put the bag in a cabin closet. All I had to do was explain that there was camera gear in the bag, and that I didn't really want it travelling in the luggage hold...

[footman]

I'll be flying from Quito to the Galapagos next month and the carry-on weight limit is 7 Kg!
Just weighed my 2 bodies and 2 lenses that are "musts" and it's over the limit, I might get a cheapish vest.

[Litawyn]

I found some great advice about flying with your camera gear on the ThinkTank site. There are two great PDFs in particular, and definitely worth the download:

Fear For Your Gear / Part 1 (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/download.ashx?file=FearForYourGear1.pdf)

Fear For Your Gear / Part 2 (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/download.ashx?file=FearForYourGear2_R2.pdf)


John

[stu00a]

I found some great advice about flying with your camera gear on the ThinkTank site. There are two great PDFs in particular, and definitely worth the download:

Fear For Your Gear / Part 1 (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/download.ashx?file=FearForYourGear1.pdf)

Fear For Your Gear / Part 2 (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/download.ashx?file=FearForYourGear2_R2.pdf)


John

Yes, I receommend this too.