Flying your gear...

So I'm being flown out to minneapolis for a wedding at the end of april. I have no clue how or what I should do with my gear. Right now all I have is my large backpack for my gear, I need a pelican case anyways so I should be getting one of those. Should I just ship my gear ahead of time or fly it with me... also should I take my own lights or rent some there? Thanks

Whatever you do, dont bag check any of your gear. You should be able to fit everything is a large pack that would meet carry-on standards. If some gear wont fit in your bag, wear it on your person.

I highly recommend a Pelican 1510.

The only caveat to mention is that Hawaiian Airlines enforces a 25lb weight limit for carry on bags. The 1510 can easily exceed that weight when fully loaded. Considering your route, I don't imagine you're flying Hawaiian, so it's probably not an issue.

I would get a rolling carry on for your camera equipment, such as a Lowepro 100X:

http://www.adorama.com​/LPPRLX100.html

And keep your laptop and critical gear in there in a bag you will use constantly. The x100 has good portability, security, and protection with easy access. It has a detachable backpack if they are forcing passengers to check rollers(like my last Delta flight). Less critical gear can go in your regular checked baggage for a minimal fee as long as its under 50lbs. Lights I would rent in Minneapolis from Lightson or Flashlight-it will be cheaper than shipping or baggage fees.

-Scott

I flew 5 trips this year and one was to Hawaii. I have a LowerPro bag that is built as a large carry one bag. Fits perfect. I put i one HD video cam, 5D, 7D, 20D, lenses, mounts, etc. Weighed 40 lbs which is pretty much the limit but I always carried it on and stowed it myself. I would go to the gate ahead of time and told them it was photo gear and they were very good about making sure there was room. I also brought my laptop which is also allowed and packed that with some extras. I never put anything I need in a checked bag.

When going through the scans I never opened it, just put it through the xray machine. If you offer to open it you will be delayed.

Good Luck

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I traveled once cross country to do a wedding in the east coast. Had a large computrekker backpack for a laptop and the photo gear, but I don't have as much gear as you at that time. I remember weighing the pack, it was under 30lbs and fit snugly in the overhead compartment. One leg of the flight was a smaller commuter plane that has a smaller overhead bin, so I had to store it in front of my legs.

So if you just bring 2 bodies, 3 essential lenses and the flash, you should be good. The alienbees and vagabond.. tha'ts another issue =)

pongky wrote in post #11672456
I traveled once cross country to do a wedding in the east coast. Had a large computrekker backpack for a laptop and the photo gear, but I don't have as much gear as you at that time. I remember weighing the pack, it was under 30lbs and fit snugly in the overhead compartment. One leg of the flight was a smaller commuter plane that has a smaller overhead bin, so I had to store it in front of my legs.

So if you just bring 2 bodies, 3 essential lenses and the flash, you should be good. The alienbees and vagabond.. tha'ts another issue =)

Yea i'll most likely rent the lighting equipment there, I don't even want to think about that haha.