What Pelican to check on the plane?

I'm travelling internationally in a couple of weeks, and want to get a Pelican to check through rather than carrying all my kit (basically the sig below) in a backpack as carryon. I've done this on past trips, but that backpack ends up weighing 25 lbs, and is heavy to walk jetways with. I thought it would make things easier to pack and check the gear, and use my backpack for books and magazines on the plane.

First, do you think it's a good idea to check through camera equipment, do you worry about loss, theft?

Second, if that's not an issue, which Pelican will hold the kit in my sig? How big do I have to go? The only shoulder bag I'm taking besides the Thinktank backpack is the small Lowepro Classified 140.

Oh man... Personally I would NEVER check in my camera gear (I think thats what youre asking). Unless its insured and you WANT something bad to happen to it that is. I just dont trust those people to not pop it open and "have a look". I think youd be able to fit all that (except maybe the tripod) in a Pelican 1514 and you could carry that on.

I would gate check it and not curbside check it. When you gate check something you hand it to flight personnel when you are boarding the plane and they carry it straight to the cargo hold. When you exit the plane they bring it back to you at the gate.

I fly quite a bit with my gear and it goes into a TT Airport Security roller and that goes in the overhead compartment. There are also different size restrictions for domestic and international flights. A 1514 will hold your camera gear and it is legal for domestic flights but I'm not sure if it is for international flights. Check with your airline for size requirements.

I think of this:

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

sigma pi wrote in post #10217814
I think of this:

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

Yes, I think you're right, I'm looking into the 1514 as a carryon. The books and snacks will go into my backpack for the plane. The roller and handle will take the pressure off my back.

Sledhed wrote in post #10217496
I would gate check it and not curbside check it. When you gate check something you hand it to flight personnel when you are boarding the plane and they carry it straight to the cargo hold. When you exit the plane they bring it back to you at the gate.

Good idea.

Just got the Pelican 1514 from B&H. Fantastic. I can fit my 1541t tripod and Markins head attached in the long direction on its side, with the Speedlite, the Hyperdrive and cords on top of it. Next to that long section is the 100-400 on its side, the 5D2 with L bracket on end, the 24-105 and the 16-35 upright. The Rocketblower sits on the 100-400, with the Lumiquest pack.

An incredible case, very tough. A side handle, a top handle and a retractable pull. Will easily fit overhead. Small accessories I'll leave in my backpack, but this is a great way to get the weight off my shoulders in the airport and train stations, and to leave room in the pack for books, sandwiches and water.

ben, thanks for the recommendation.

I'll return the favor by noting these locks which are made specifically for Pelican cases and other equipment transport cases, with a large, 1/4" curved hasp to fit through the lock eyeholes on the case. Much better than weak cable locks. The Pelican case in the photo is actually the 1514. From Tamperseal.

Photos courtesy Tamperseal

TSA cut off and threw away my TSA lock last time I flew


-______-

sigma pi wrote in post #10240161
TSA cut off and threw away my TSA lock last time I flew -______-

I'm using the above locks as a backup to the latches on the Pelican which I'll have as carryon, it won't pass through luggage check. Also protection in the hotel room.

When I check luggage, I use these Tamperseal disposable seals. Locks don't mean anything to TSA, so these seals save me the money of a cut off lock, and identify my bags on the luggage carousel.

Photo courtesy Tamperseal

We too have flown with the 1514. It's perfect, carried two 5DMKII's, 24-70, 70-200, 14 2.8, 35L and a bunch of accessories.

Also note, it's acceptable on ATR42 and ATR72 aircraft. It will just barely fit in the overhead aircraft.

Probably not improtant but the 1514 is 22x14x9. Hits the 45" max right exact for a carry on. Some flights might be different though.

i had a guy try to gate check my CompuRover (gripped 40D, 17-55, 70-200, 10-22, 2x 580ex) on the way home one time from Asia. Coming up to me and trying to grab my backpack after a 20 hour flight was a big mistake. He ended up walking away empty handed.

Just pick up a Pelican PCS-247 roller with dividers. Slightly smaller that the CompuRover and the 1514. Dimensions: 18x14x10. I'm only carrying a 5dmkii and probably 2 primes and my 70-200 with a flash and netbook. Plus random carry-on junk (PSP, magazines)... to Asia again. I'm never putting so much crap on my back again walking around Tokyo Airport with a 40lb pack is not fun. Gonna roll and bring a small messenger bag to carry my camera if I have to.

tvphotog wrote in post #10239883
Just got the Pelican 1514 from B&H. Fantastic. I can fit my 1541t tripod and Markins head attached in the long direction on its side, with the Speedlite, the Hyperdrive and cords on top of it. Next to that long section is the 100-400 on its side, the 5D2 with L bracket on end, the 24-105 and the 16-35 upright. The Rocketblower sits on the 100-400, with the Lumiquest pack.

An incredible case, very tough. A side handle, a top handle and a retractable pull. Will easily fit overhead. Small accessories I'll leave in my backpack, but this is a great way to get the weight off my shoulders in the airport and train stations, and to leave room in the pack for books, sandwiches and water.

ben, thanks for the recommendation.

I'll return the favor by noting these locks which are made specifically for Pelican cases and other equipment transport cases, with a large, 1/4" curved hasp to fit through the lock eyeholes on the case. Much better than weak cable locks. The Pelican case in the photo is actually the 1514. From Tamperseal.

Photos courtesy Tamperseal

Very welcome, glad you like it. Pelican makes top quality products! Thanks for the lock recommendation too!

I must say I never expected to load as much stuff. I could replace the cable bag with another small lens, and a second where the Hyperdrive is.

I recently flew to Europe and upon arrival several things were missing from the bag (2 Ipods among other things). Therefore I had some experience on the insurance side...
1. The airlines do not reimburse anything that is interesting to steal
2. My insurance (AMEX Corporate) only reimbursed top $250 for electronics

So, if you check it (which i now discourage) make sure you have ample insurance above whatever comes with credit cards and other "inclusive" thingies.

Pretty much every baggage handler knows that bags from the US is pretty much unlocked and they do recognize the airport codes.

Better safe than sorry!

tvphotog wrote in post #10241690
I'm using the above locks as a backup to the latches on the Pelican which I'll have as carryon, it won't pass through luggage check. Also protection in the hotel room.

When I check luggage, I use these Tamperseal disposable seals. Locks don't mean anything to TSA, so these seals save me the money of a cut off lock, and identify my bags on the luggage carousel.

Photo courtesy Tamperseal

Yeah now a days it just zip ties for me

I always have them in my bags no matter what they hold the world together

yea i purchase the 1514 for the same reasons also. anything that is of any value or importance to me comes on the plane with me. airlines dont insure or reimburse your luggage because they are not actually handled by their own personel. baggage handlers are hired by third-party companies that are hired by the airlines. most of the time those companies dont even care because the complaints dont even ever reach them.

i really like that lock u put up. i was gonna get a cable but that lock looks way safer for deterrant. eventho its still a carry on i dont mind having a lock on it just to deter the thieves.