p.2 #1 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Kohala wrote:
My wife and I have travelled extensively throughout the world and have come up with the following guidelines. They assume the traveler will shoot the usual subjects, including cathedrals, temples, street scenes and landscapes.
1. Take no more than three lenses and a camera. My gear includes an A7r III, Sony 12-24, Batis 40 and Batis 135. They easily fit into my Billiingham small bag (12" x 6"). There is nothing worse than fumbling with a bunch of lenses especially in crowded conditions.
2. Don't assume that because your carry-one weighs at or near the published weight and dimensions it won't end up in the checked luggage. I have seen flight attendants take carry-on luggage away from passengers and stow it in the checked luggage area. This is especially likely if weight and dimensions are near the maximum allowable.
3. Assuming that you will be in urban environment some of the time, NEVER use a backpack. These are absolutely loved by pickpockets and other thieves. I once had a friend that lost everything in her backpack including her camera gear and passport. The cute little kid walks up to you as a distraction, daddy slits open the backpack and mommy takes the goods. The whole process takes only a few seconds.
The OP does not indicate where he will be going in his travels. So my assumptions may be wrong. Obviously some of my guidelines don't apply if you're hiking into the mountains....Show more →
Whilst solid advice I think some of this may be outdated, at least where I travel (Asia & Europe), I can't talk of the USA, Africa (though I lived there for 5 years it was along time ago and not relevant) or South America.
1. I never travel anywhere without a backup camera. I've had one fail (CPU. And this doesn't even consider theft or damage from dropping etc.), it's no fun at all walking around thinking of all the shots you 'could' have taken and then you're poor company for everyone else. It's easy to take an extra camera on the flight and then leave the backup in your hotel safe or other secure hiding place until it's needed (hopefully not). Probably *most* (not all) people on this forum will fall into this bracket !
2. True. However to minimise the risk, assuming you are not traveling Business or Premium Economy (both of which I've never ever been challenged on) make sure you note the different airlines' boarding procedures (and how they 'stage' boarding, for example sign up for their membership cards BEFORE you book your tickets, this will give you earlier boarding than those that aren't members) and if you can buy 'priority boarding or seating' passes make sure you upgrade to them (it's usually just a few dollars more and your seat is usually more comfortable too). Again I've never ever even had a bag weighted or measured once I've paid for their priority boarding pass.
3. The example given is a one in a million chance. At 60 years old and having traveling all over the world I've yet to see or hear of this happening 'in real life' as it were. It tends to be internet stories or scaremongering (though I do note you said it happened to a friend) and / or happens to only the most naive travellers.
Most camera packs nowadays do not have direct access to the storage section anyway. You'd have to go through the whole bag and that's not happening to anyone who has a heartbeat.
Those isolated incidents where knives (actually usually carpet cutters) are used tend to be on coats, jackets, handbags and maybe backpacks into the sections where typically money, wallets or passports would be kept. Not emptying the contents of a backpack to find something of value. A mugging is far more likely for photographers and an obvious bag full of gear ... and then we're back to being a savvy traveler or just desperately unlucky.
p.2 #2 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
I use The Airport Advantage ( original) for long distance travel. It's so small it doesn't get any attention. I make sure not to carry-on anything else just in case the worst happens. So far, so good even on the smallest of the USA/Asia/Europe Intercontinental puddle-jumpers with the Airport Advantage.
I also travel prepared with a disassembled Sony sling bag packed into the Airport Advantage. If I have to, I can take out the glass and cameras and put in the sling bag and slide under the seat in front of me. Once I arrive I use the sling for daily gear carry.
p.2 #3 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Kohala wrote:
My wife and I have travelled extensively throughout the world and have come up with the following guidelines. They assume the traveler will shoot the usual subjects, including cathedrals, temples, street scenes and landscapes.
1. Take no more than three lenses and a camera. My gear includes an A7r III, Sony 12-24, Batis 40 and Batis 135. They easily fit into my Billiingham small bag (12" x 6"). There is nothing worse than fumbling with a bunch of lenses especially in crowded conditions.
2. Don't assume that because your carry-one weighs at or near the published weight and dimensions it won't end up in the checked luggage. I have seen flight attendants take carry-on luggage away from passengers and stow it in the checked luggage area. This is especially likely if weight and dimensions are near the maximum allowable.
3. Assuming that you will be in urban environment some of the time, NEVER use a backpack. These are absolutely loved by pickpockets and other thieves. I once had a friend that lost everything in her backpack including her camera gear and passport. The cute little kid walks up to you as a distraction, daddy slits open the backpack and mommy takes the goods. The whole process takes only a few seconds.
The OP does not indicate where he will be going in his travels. So my assumptions may be wrong. Obviously some of my guidelines don't apply if you're hiking into the mountains....Show more →
I think these are good guidelines for city travel and casual photography, but if you are working or otherwise attempting to produce any kind of professional work, you will want two bodies and may need (or want) to bring a range of gear.
It's always wise to have any larger carry-on (above purse size) prepped for possible checking. Has never happened to me except expected gate checks on tiny aircraft, but that's why I use a lockable hardshell with a camera insert. I'd use a Pelican if I could fit clothes in it And always be prepared to pull out the most precious gear from any bag (another reason for having two bodies).
Backpacks with a pocket on the front of the bag aren't a great idea, but most photo bags don't have this. One of the things I like about the Prvke is that the money/passport pocket is against your back. It also doesn't scream "photo bag" (this is my biggest gripe with F-Stop, whose bags I really like).
I am headed to Iceland and Greenland in a month (Greenland is new to me and will be my 60th country, at least I am counting it as one) and I know I have at least one tiny plane within Greenland with a 7kg in-cabin limit and a 20kg gate check. I am bringing two bodies, two GM zooms, and 2-3 primes including a Sigma lens which of course is as heavy as the zooms. It's not overkill - it's what I need to get exactly what I want to shoot, and it all fits without checking on anything but internal flights.
p.2 #4 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Airlines are responsible for damage to items that you check. So when you have expensive equipment they would prefer to avoid liability. I was told I would have to check luggage that had camera gear in it and I refused and explained that it has $12,000 worth of fragile camera equipment. They just moved on to the next person.
So sure, it’s good to be prepared for the absolute worse case but I have not actually ever had to do it. And I would recommend anybody that is in a similar situation also refuse until reasonably forced to do so.
p.2 #5 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Actually, for domestic flights, airlines are responsible for only $3500 for checked bags. Many pay out $1500, no questions asked. More than that you need receipts. Amounts can be significantly less on international flights. Carry on or buy insurance.
p.2 #6 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Jesse Evans wrote:
Airlines are responsible for damage to items that you check. So when you have expensive equipment they would prefer to avoid liability. I was told I would have to check luggage that had camera gear in it and I refused and explained that it has $12,000 worth of fragile camera equipment. They just moved on to the next person.
So sure, it’s good to be prepared for the absolute worse case but I have not actually ever had to do it. And I would recommend anybody that is in a similar situation also refuse until reasonably forced to do so....Show more →
It's the forced to do so scenario...just be ready to check in some of your gear. Sometimes you can smooze your way through...but maybe other times you are SOL.
p.2 #7 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Suggestions based on dimensions and weight
Roll on : think tank airport advantage
Back pack : think Tank airport essentials, think tank urban approach 15
All fit the 2017-present MacBook Pro 15 including your gear.
Also all of them lockable with the airport essentials having a cable lock included to tether to any solid anchor for additional security
p.2 #8 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Lifeinpictures wrote:
Suggestions based on dimensions and weight
Roll on : think tank airport advantage
Back pack : think Tank airport essentials, think tank urban approach 15
All fit the 2017-present MacBook Pro 15 including your gear.
Also all of them lockable with the airport essentials having a cable lock included to tether to any solid anchor for additional security
Problem is weight will quickly bite you in the butt. The TT airport advantage is almost 1/2 the weight allowance of 7kg all by itself. Size restrictions are easy to maintain...it's the total weight of your carryon, many smaller regional airlines set at 7kg, that is the bigger limiting factor.
p.2 #9 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
chez wrote:
Problem is weight will quickly bite you in the butt. The TT airport advantage is almost 1/2 the weight allowance of 7kg all by itself. Size restrictions are easy to maintain...it's the total weight of your carryon, many smaller regional airlines set at 7kg, that is the bigger limiting factor.
With a 7Kg weight restriction for some international air carriers, I do not know how some of you can possibly carry much photo gear and all of your clothing etc. in a single carry on and not also have a checked piece of luggage if you are traveling for any period of time.
p.2 #10 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
naturephoto1 wrote:
With a 7Kg weight restriction for some international air carriers, I do not know how some of you can possibly carry much photo gear and all of your clothing etc. in a single carry on and not also have a checked piece of luggage if you are traveling for any period of time.
Rich
I always have checked luggage. That is where things like tripods, Chargers, Ipad etc... go. My travel kit is quite light consisting of an A7R / A7R2, Batis 25 & 85 and a Sony 35 2.8. I use an Osprey pack which weighs very little.
p.2 #12 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
chez wrote:
I always have checked luggage. That is where things like tripods, Chargers, Ipad etc... go. My travel kit is quite light consisting of an A7R / A7R2, Batis 25 & 85 and a Sony 35 2.8. I use an Osprey pack which weighs very little.
Hey Chez, which Osprey do you use for that kit?
I’m going to Europe this summer and thinking I’ll just carry Batis 18 (or 24GM), Batis 40 and FE 85. About the same as your kit, so what do you use?
I used REI brand sling and lightweight trekking backpacks for years with lens and camera body gear in neoprene and everything else in a mesh bag and only started buying camera bags in the last couple of years. all these photo specific bags weigh 3+ lbs empty and suspension isn’t that great, so thinking of moving back to an Osprey or something like that when carrying less gear.
p.2 #13 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Been on the road with the Think Tank Airport Advantage roller since Feb 2017, in all types of planes, I use it as a carrier and leave it where ever I'm staying. Holds 2 bodies 4 lenses, 15" Macbook pro and 2 ext drives. I and add a small day bag to my checked luggage, and work from that once on location. Photography as we know is all about trade offs and travel photography even more so.
p.2 #14 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
I like to remove the ballhead from my tripod and put in my carry-on bag. If something happens to my tripod in cargo I can always buy another tripod at my destination and attach the ballhead with the clamp that matches the gear in my bag.
p.2 #15 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
naturephoto1 wrote:
With a 7Kg weight restriction for some international air carriers, I do not know how some of you can possibly carry much photo gear and all of your clothing etc. in a single carry on and not also have a checked piece of luggage if you are traveling for any period of time.
Rich
I havent had issues with international, just check in a lot of stuff, and carry on lighter stuff. I do have a nasty habit of overpacking, about to leave for another international trip. Two bodies, 12-24 + 28-75 big photogenic kit + CV 21 + 35 f2.8 for a small kit...... So badly want to bring the 28 f2 and 50 f1.8....... I cant help myself. I'de have no technical problem with all that gear, but I really should show restraint
p.2 #16 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Isaacheus wrote:
Going on the first international trip with cameras later this year - it looks like the best thing is to put it all in carry on.
I'm planning on taking a kit of 2x bodies and 4x lenses, with batteries and filters, and now need to work out how to fit it all in to a backpack style bag.
My current lowepro flipside 300 isn't big enough to take all the gear so looking at something that'll still fit into the carry on limits and fit everything inside.
The smallest carry on size limit I think I'll come up against is 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels, with 7kg being the lowest weight I'll be able to take on board.
Gear:
1x a7R3
1x a73
1x Canon 70-200mm f4 IS
1x MC-11 adapter
1x Sony 16-35mm GM
1x Sony 24mm GM
1x Tamron 28-75mm rxiii
1x nisi 100mm filter kit (this might be ok in checked in?)
1-2 extra fz100 batteries
=4kg approx
Plus kindle, a few usb power banks and
Tripod(s) will be fitted into the checked on luggage, and attached to the bag later on
I was looking at the Lowepro 400 Flipside AW II pack but the dimensions are a little big on one edge. Any other options that might be worth looking at that'll fit everything above?
A bit overkill setup. You could easily do it all with just one camera A7R3, extra battery and tripod. For lenses you got there unnecessary overlapping focal lengths: 16-35GM and Canon 70-200 with adapter could get you anything you ever will need. All in any small bag, easy to travel with.
p.2 #17 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
I would like to amplify on the guidelines detailed in my initial post.
1. They are meant for amateur photographers whose primary travel goals are sightseeing and being with family and friends. They re not meant for professional photographers or serious amateurs.
2. The likelihood that your carry-on will be placed in the checked luggage cannot be predicted by the airlines policies. It is most likely to happen when you are flying coach, the overhead bins are overflowing and you have a zealous flight attendant. These conditions will only be known when you actually get on the plane and not beforehand. If you are flying business or first class this won't happen. One of the posters indicated that you simply refuse to give up your carry-on to the flight attendant. That sounds risky but it's worth a try.
3. The poster who indicated that the type of theft I mentioned is a 1000 to 1 possibility might spend some time in European cities, such as Barcelona, where there are signs posted on the main drag and elsewhere cautioning everyone about thieves and pickpockets.
4. Clearly, whether or not you bring a lot of cameras, lenses, etc. is a judgment call. I choose to carry a lightweight pack knowing full well that it limits my flexibility--I may not have the exact lens I need for a particular shot. Even though I have been traveling for more than 50 years, I've never had a camera fail for any reason. While I realize it could happen the odds are not great.
5. I realize that many of you disagree with me, but I would never walk around a city with a backpack. I think it is imperative that, to the extent possible, you keep your gear in front of you--in your hands or front pockets so you can see it at all times.
p.2 #18 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
I travel with a very very similar setup to yours. The flip side bags are great, as are the lowepro tactic ones. I'd disagree with the comment about not taking a backpack because of thieves, just get one that thick and padded (like the lowepros) and is rear opening, not top or front. Mostly just don't pack a crazy amount of stuff and be within the limits. You can still be asked to check your bag if you're unlucky but I'd say most flight attendants will understand if you have a quiet word and show them the contents, explaining you don't want to leave it out of your sight.
TL;DR: I've flown on loads with the same setup, just put it in your choice of rucksack and you'll 99% of the time be perfectly alright. Wear a jacket with big pockets just in case
p.2 #19 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
Kohala wrote:
3. The poster who indicated that the type of theft I mentioned is a 1000 to 1 possibility might spend some time in European cities, such as Barcelona, where there are signs posted on the main drag and elsewhere cautioning everyone about thieves and pickpockets.
I'm British and have lived in 7 countries in Europe. My daughter is married to a Valencian, which as you likely know is just down the road from Barcelona, where we've been to many times when visiting Valencia. You are exaggerating the risks and Valencia is no different to Barcelona. Of course there are signs, there are signs in many European cities, even Asian cities, in crowded tourist spots.
Pickpocketing happens in every major city around the world though Spain has a particular problem with Romanian pickpocketing gangs, but again you would be unlucky to be targeted so long as you know how to make yourself less of a target and personally I believe you have grossly over-exaggerated when describing the knife bag cutting scenario. I didn't say it was a once in a thousand possibility, I said once a in a million, which more closely resembles the odds on it happening to any individual.
Knives/carpet cutters are used to cut thin bag straps - avoid thin bag straps (ladies especially) and you have reduced your chances of being targeted by a factor of 100 already. As I said it's the naive who are targeted, not the savvy. Just research 'tourist scams' on the internet, which are much more likely to be an issue than having your bag sliced open, to know how to avoid those tricksters.
p.2 #20 · International travel and fitting cameras in carry on
naturephoto1 wrote:
With a 7Kg weight restriction for some international air carriers, I do not know how some of you can possibly carry much photo gear and all of your clothing etc. in a single carry on and not also have a checked piece of luggage if you are traveling for any period of time.
Rich
The 7kg is generally the in-cabin weight limit for very small planes (internal domestic flights) meaning there might be a gate check but you'll see your bags go into the plane (no jetways happening here, these are puddle jumpers at best).
I spent a month in East Africa with nothing but a photo backpack plus a regulation soft suitcase (small enough for any international overhead). I did not check except, again, gate checks for tiny planes going into the bush.
My kit for this trip would be 70-200 and 24-70 GM zooms, 85 1.4 GM, Loxia 21 plus two bodies - all this clocks in at about 11 pounds or 5 kg. Throw in the laptop at 3 pounds and I'n still just under 7 kg. With chargers and bag weight, I will be over, so if I see people getting weighed I'll likely pull out a camera with a lens attached and fiddle with it - but my experience is they'll let you slide with an extra kilo or so. Obviously a tripod adds to all this and is also a signal to everyone that you have a ton of gear, so if I bring one it's probably in the suitcase. If pressed on my photo bag's weight, I can also grab one of the big lenses and either pocket it or wrap it in a sock, and put it in with my clothes.
Clearly I hate checking bags and I have not done so on an international or domestic European/US flight in years. I have seen too much lost luggage and things stolen from inside bags.
There are also luggage forwarding services which are really convenient if you're not headed somewhere remote.
And always be prepared to pull out the most precious gear from any bag (another reason for having two bodies). 
and I have not done so on an international or domestic European/US flight in years. I have seen too much lost luggage and things stolen from inside bags.