Flying to Virgin Gorda - Bag question

Anyone here ever fly on a Britten Norman Islander propeller plane? I will have one piece of luggage checked but wondering about my camera backpack and best way to prepare/pack for the trip. The website states:

"1 checked bag not to exceed 50 lbs or 62 linear inches plus 1 gate checked bag not to exceed 45 linear inches plus 1 personal item (e.g. small purse, briefcase, laptop) not to exceed 36 linear inches. These aircraft do not contain storage space under the seat or overhead in which to safely stow in-cabin items. Accordingly, personal, or carry-out, items must be carried to the aircraft and stowed by a Cape Air agent into the designated baggage compartments prior to boarding."

So how safe is the baggage compartment and what do people recommend/do when they fly in these smaller aircraft?

Thanks for any insight, experiences, or advice!
James

It isn't the same plane or even the same carrier, but I flew in a small 4 seater (I sat in the copilot's seat - it was pretty interesting) where they had to take my camera bag (a lowepro phototrekker backpack at the time) and stow it. It was all done in front of everyone so no worries there.

It might be worth calling the airline and asking the questions directly.

I've flown Cape Air small propellers and they're great little planes. Its been a while since my last trip with them though. My recollection is that you walk out on the tarmac to the plane with the other passengers and dump your bags onto a baggage carrier beside the plane. After landing you get them directly from the plane's baggage hold. I've only flown within the US on that carrier so it may be different for an international flight.

However, this wording in your post: personal, or carry-out, items must be carried to the aircraft and stowed by a Cape Air agent reads to me that you take your bags to the plane like I did. I would follow John's advice above and call the airline and determine exactly how baggage gets onto the plane. Also make sure you have good insurance for your gear...

Never, ever check your gear unless its in a pelican case. I use Think tank rollers for flying but for smaller planes I usually carry Fstop bag with XLarge ICU. now be careful just because it says on the web page it doesnt mean you are allowed to carry on those sizes. Last word belongs to the gate agent. A lot of times I was forced to gate check at the door of the plane even though I was 100% sure people with bigger bags went in. In those cases, I pull the ICU out of the bag and give the bag to them for gate check and take the ICU inside with me.
Another option is shipping the gear to the hotel via UPS or Fedex using Pelican cases. Its insured and they handle better than aircraft baggage handlers.

The Britten Norman Islander is a twin engine 8-passenger aircraft and as far as areas for baggage is not too unlike other similar aircraft. There is a stretched version as I recall but luggage arrangements are similar, but larger due to the additional passengers.

Forward of the cockpit, essentially in the nose, you will find space but it's size is somewhat dependent on the age of the aircraft. There is an on-board interior compartment as well toward the rear of the aircraft. Then there is a rear baggage area with external access well back toward the tail. Since you seem to be able to personally carry the bag to the aircraft, I would only be concerned with the front nose storage. That area is subject to considerable vibration. In my experience hopping around some islands I have found that screws can get loose when gear is placed in the front compartment.

Like with all luggage, tie something colorful to some anchor point. I have been on this type flight where multiple people had exactly the same bag and had to open things on the tarmac to sort it all out!

Just to close out the thread - I took a photo backpack with my laptop in it and one medium suitcase. The suitcase was checked all the way to the BVI and I never saw it after checking it in until we landed on Virgin Gorda. ALL carry-on's, even purses were weighed at check in for the Cape Air flight and once we walked to the aircraft, were taken and placed in the rear hold. You could watch them place the bags in and after telling them it was a computer and camera, they were very careful with it. I was allowed to pull my camera out and use it during the flight though which was pretty cool.

Bottom line is pack your bag carefully and let them know what it is - you should have no problems. Any questions, let me know.

James