When you fly..

...do you carry your camera and lenses on or check them through? Does the x-ray cause any damage or harm your camera or cards. Haven't flown in years and was just wondering what is safest and/or best.

Thanks!

Carry-on only. And x-rays don't harm.

Only carry on. I have had things go missing in checked bags and airlines are almost impossible to deal with when you have a problem.

i've always carried on, one of my best friends works at the airport and convinced me to never ever check in things like my camera... (not for theft but general care of the bags).

I always take as much of my gear as possible with me onboard. I usually end up packing things like reflectors and softbox in my suitcase.

Carry it on if you don't want it stolen or broken.

Thanks guys. Will heed your advice.

NEVER CHECK IT ON...

I will not check any of my camera gear onboard an airline with the exceptions of my travel tripod and monopod...

In addition to the very real possibility of pilfering by the folks who are hired to protect us, I simply don't want an uncaring baggage handler to toss around my bag with camera equipment inside.

I check my monopod because some TSA checkers will not allow a monopod aboard the plane as carry-on luggage. The security folks at LAX (on an Alaska Airlines flight to Anchorage) called the monopod a "weapon like object". The "weapon like" description is pretty vague. Obviously the TSA folks in Anchorage didn't place a monopod under that designation because the TSA checker on the return flight told me "Sure, people bring them on all the time!"

I check my tripod because I couldn't manage the tripod and stuff it into the overhead compartment. I separate the head and the legs and wrap the head in my socks.

I carry my two cameras, three lenses and flash as well as the accessories like memory cards, batteries, etc. in a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW backpack. This is packed pretty tightly but each piece of equipment has its place. It would not be convenient to shoot out of but, I don't carry a bag when shooting. Instead I carry my two cameras on an OPTECH Dual Harness and my accessories in my Domke Photo Vest.

The Mini Trekker with equipment rides piggy-back on my roller suitcase until I check that case aboard with the airlines. After that, it is easy enough to carry the backpack because, with equipment, it is under the 11 pound economy-class carry-on limit for China Airlines.

I have not had my carry-on weighed for domestic flights but, apparently some international carriers are pretty strict regarding carry-on weight. If your bag is weighed and is overweight, simply pull the camera out and put it around your neck. Most carriers allow a camera as well as a carry-on item. I guess that a camera around one's neck doesn't weigh as much as a camera in the carry-on bag... LOL!

take your camera gear with you on the plane..it's suicide to check it in the cargo hold. you are probably an american and likely to be offended by this, but your homeland security are nothing more than thugs and thieves. they dont deserve to pilfer through your belongings and very possibly steal your gear.

It is sad in Britain that the department of TSA is so despised, that no one even wants to visit the US anymore simply because of those animals.

bluefox9er wrote in post #9695309
take your camera gear with you on the plane..it's suicide to check it in the cargo hold. you are probably an american and likely to be offended by this, but your homeland security are nothing more than thugs and thieves. they dont deserve to pilfer through your belongings and very possibly steal your gear.

It is sad in Britain that the department of TSA is so despised, that no one even wants to visit the US anymore simply because of those animals.

I'm an American and not offended by this at all. It's the truth and it sucks.

Pelican 1510, wheeled carry-on and indestructable.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0_1510_Carry_On​_Case.html

jenningsphoto wrote in post #9695461
Pelican 1510, wheeled carry-on and indestructable.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0_1510_Carry_On​_Case.html

another would be the storm im2500 - which is what i picked because it has slightly more interior room than the peli 1510, and it has better latches. a potn member recommended it to me.

oh and make sure that you follow the appropriate weight limit for a carry on - which depends on the certain airline that you fly with as these cases with lenses and bodies can weigh up to 20 lbs.

I always carry on. Think Tank Urban Disguise

I only carry on,, as said before it's suicide to check in your expensive camera gear..

I usually carry my gear around in a Lowepro SlingShot 200AW when travelling light.. Otherwise a Lowepro CompuTrekker AW which is at the limit for carry on luggage.. BTW,,I fly internationally two or three times a year and have never had my carry on weighed.. And only twice have I been asked to open my camera bag for inspection..

What do you do when have too much gear that can be carried on. I flew from Calgary to Maui this afternoon without any fanfare. I had two hard sided suitcases that I had the extra gear in which is some of my lenses and accessories. Having worked in the airline industry I refuse to go with the pelican type cases, they just scream steal me, I have something expensive inside. I have mad dozens of trips with this method without any problems.

If one looked through the threads here you would see this subject many times in recent months. No doubt it is near and dear to everyone's heart but there is only so much that you can take on board an aircraft.