Traveling with large primes

I run a rental shop, so shipping them around is not a problem. I can pack up a 500mm f4 and have it on its way in 10 minutes flat. Unfortunately, that costs as much as $50 depending on where it's going. I would rather avoid the hit when traveling myself in the same direction.

I am heading on a vacation soon and need to take one of these babies on a plane with me. Obviously this does not go into checked baggage. Trusting something worth as much as a Honda Civic to the airlines is not my idea of a worry free flight. God knows what will happen to it there.

Does anyone have any experience going through security, or even carrying something on a plane the size of a 400mm f2.8 inside its hardcase?

Bueler...? Bueler...?

No one has ever traveled with these things? A little help please?

Well, I have never traveled with large lenses, but two things:

(1) Lenses are not prohibited items

(2) As long as it can fit in the over head storage or under the seats you should be fine.

Pack it as carry-on

Check you airline's carry on limitations. If you can pack it and your other camera gear within the size and weight limits go ahead. If not, insure it and pack it in a hard case in your checked baggage. If that sounds too risky, FedEx is to your destination so it will be there when you arrive.

Look at the glass taxi from Think Tank.

Tapeman,

I have no idea what that is. Please elaborate. Links?

ThinkTank Glass Taxi.

Perfect! Thank you so much.