p.1 #1 · How much camera gear have you taken on an airline?
I'm going to NYC, and I just purchased a Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 to take all my stuff. Which is a 30D w/ battery grip, 70-200mm, 17-50mm, 50mm, 430EX, Camcorder & a Laptop! Plus all the little stuff like batteries, charges & a spaghetti of cables! After I loaded it all up, this thing is heavy and I'm getting worried that they won’t allow it as a carry on because of the weight. So I need some bit of info to be safe on this subject.
p.1 #2 · How much camera gear have you taken on an airline?
No problem. I've taken much much more in my TT Airport Security. Just don't let the counter agent or flight attendent carry it or lift it. They may complain.
p.1 #3 · How much camera gear have you taken on an airline?
The most in bulk/weight is probably:
2 x 1Ds MK II, 30D, 24-105, 100-400, 70-200/2.8 IS, 400/4 DO, 500/4 IS, 580 EX, small computer, 5 PSDs/drives and miscellaneous accessories. I don't recommend it.
p.1 #6 · How much camera gear have you taken on an airline?
flying within the u.s. I would say you will be okay. I have taken the think tank roller suitcases on board with me. I never ever let the airlines check in my gear. My argument is that even with the airline insurance they offer, it still does not cover any type of photographic equipemnt (included lights). If they give you a problem just ask to speak to a manager. If they refuse to financially protect over 2k in equipment, they cant tell you to check it in.
p.1 #7 · How much camera gear have you taken on an airline?
When I last flew out in mid November, I had a TT International w/ 30D, 300/2.8IS, 70-200/2.8IS, 16-35, 430EX, 580EX, filters, 1.4x and 2.0x extenders, 2 laptops plus an urban disguise 80 w/ all the cables, chargers for the gear, ipod, cellphones, gps, etc...
It weighed about 40+lbs all together but no one took a second look even when I had to gate check the TT international since it doesn't fit in the overhead of a CRJ. Prior to this, i travelled with a TT airport antidote which does fit in a CRJ overhead bin but everytime I trekked across big international airport terminals, my back starts complaining so this time around I used the TT international and it's working out pretty well for me. I still bring the TT airport antidote with me in a checked suitcase for use on location.
p.1 #9 · How much camera gear have you taken on an airline?
Just got off the plane tonite. Checked my Pelican 1560 with:
- 3x MarkII-N
- 20x4Gb CF
- 200/1.8L
- 70-200/2.8L
- 12-24/4
- 85/1.8
- 135/2L
- 24-70/2.8L
- batteries
- chargers
- pocket wizards
- misc rest...
Usually have to move some batteries to my other luggage to stay under 50lbs.
Have checked my gear for years- never a problem.
Don't use TSA locks - they are a joke! Get a normal lock - I've never had a problem either staying by my gear while searched and locked - or leaving it unlocked for screening and then having them lock it.
Usually have to move some batteries to my other luggage to stay under 50lbs.
Have checked my gear for years- never a problem.
Don't use TSA locks - they are a joke! Get a normal lock - I've never had a problem either staying by my gear while searched and locked - or leaving it unlocked for screening and then having them lock it.
Hammy.
Hammy, you are more brave than I am. Curious how you get by with non-TSA locks. I travel with a pelican case and on 2 occasions have found the latches unsnapped at baggage claim. I use a strap for a safety catch. I put a TSA lock on once and never saw it again.
To the OP, You will have no problem carrying on your gear. The only thing you might want to do is put your chargers and cables in your checked bags if you have any. Sometimes bundles of wires on the x-ray gets their attention. I carry on a 1DmkII, 5D, 400 5.6, 70-200f4, 17-40, 24-105 and 580ex packed into a Lowepro Promag.
p.1 #11 · How much camera gear have you taken on an airline?
Jack M wrote:
I put a TSA lock on once and never saw it again.
Exactly! I went the TSA route for one trip - two locks. I had one mangled by at my destination - and the other bent when I got back home.
On TSA locks - they say that TSA has 'special tools' to open them if needed. With the key slot on the bottom - we assume they have a master key-set for all TSA approved locks. I tend to differ - hammer and pliers are their special tools - because that is all that is needed to get the very week TSA locks open.
Since then, I said screw it - bought some beefier locks, with barrel combination so I didn't need a key. Not the "take a bullet" thick Masterlocks, but enough shank to stay closed through the back alleys of airport security. At every airport I've been through, its never been a problem to either stand by while they put it through the CTX scanner or hand check it - then put the lock on. Half the TSA staff will ask me before their done if I have a lock and want to put on it. Other times, I leave it unlocked and ask the gate agent to make sure it was locked post check - and they all have.
I certainly cannot guarantee this will be my experience at every port - I think it certainly depends on my attitude and certainly what kind of day they're having! According to TSA.gov's web site:
"If TSA security officers need to open a locked bag for inspection, they may have to break the lock. If you choose to lock your bag, we recommend using a TSA-approved lock, which has a locking system that enables security officers to open and relock the bag."
Which to me says you don't HAVE to use TSA certified locks - but they reserve the right to 'break' it off if needed.
First of all - that's exactly what they did with my two other TSA locks (which are more expensive than normal locks)
Secondly, there really shouldn't be a reason to need my lock off one it is past the initial checkpoint. I understand that there could be a reason, fine... break my $3 lock that has lasted me years - instead of having two $10 locks bite the dust every trip!
Anyway - that is my vent when it comes to TSA and their ridiculous locks!
