Camera gear and flying

[Dave A]

In 3 weeks I will be flying (Southwest Airlines) from Buffalo NY to Florida for a 2 week vacation. I plan to bring some camera gear in my Nikon backpack style camera bag as my carry-on bag. The bag will contain several lenses (3), a flash, Nikon D7100, and various filters and cleaning supplies. Just wonder how security usually handle a bag with this kind of gear in it. Will they want to look at each lens and maybe even empty the entire backpack? I've never traveled with anything more than a P&S.

Dave

[DanK]

I've only flown with a camera backpack once, from Boston to SF and back. TSA didn't open the bag. However, there was one source of stress: United put me in the last boarding group on a full flight, and if there had been no space left in the luggage racks, I would have had to check the bag, which would have been a potential disaster given that the pack is not rigid. I spoke to the staff at the gate about this, but they were completely unsympathetic.

When I got on the plane, I explained my concern to one of the stewardesses greeting the passengers and asked if there was extra room in the bins in first class, where there are fewer people competing for space. I was lucky: she was a photographer! After a brief discussion about what we photograph, she stowed my bag for me and had it waiting when I got off the plane. I then asked for the same thing on the way back.

I don't fly SW, so I don't know how they handle the order of boarding.

[Shadowman]

They won't blink an eye, I just came back from Miami with a backpack filled with camera gear. TSA is more concerned, I don't know why; with laptops than camera gear. They won't ask you to empty the backpack. just make sure the backpack is regulation size, don't try to get a camping gear backpack through carryon.

[Shadowman]

I've only flown with a camera backpack once, from Boston to SF and back. TSA didn't open the bag. However, there was one source of stress: United put me in the last boarding group on a full flight, and if there had been no space left in the luggage racks, I would have had to check the bag, which would have been a potential disaster given that the pack is not rigid. I spoke to the staff at the gate about this, but they were completely unsympathetic.

When I got on the plane, I explained my concern to one of the stewardesses greeting the passengers and asked if there was extra room in the bins in first class, where there are fewer people competing for space. I was lucky: she was a photographer! After a brief discussion about what we photograph, she stowed my bag for me and had it waiting when I got off the plane. I then asked for the same thing on the way back.

I don't fly SW, so I don't know how they handle the order of boarding.

I was on Delta but they made the same announcement, asking passengers to not put backpacks above; supposedly larger items get preference over smaller pliable items. However, as the overhead bin was empty when I boarded I placed mine above and didn't get any hassle. I think the reps at the gate try to make an estimate based on a quick survey of the waiting area and try to deter people from overloading the bins. Just make sure you are on time and try to board as soon as the announcement is made.

[DanK]

I was on Delta but they made the same announcement, asking passengers to not put backpacks above; supposedly larger items get preference over smaller pliable items. However, as the overhead bin was empty when I boarded I placed mine above and didn't get any hassle. I think the reps at the gate try to make an estimate based on a quick survey of the waiting area and try to deter people from overloading the bins. Just make sure you are on time and try to board as soon as the announcement is made.

In my case, that WAS my larger item; my smaller was a small briefcase. The problem was not that the item was a backpack. I have never had an airline tell me that I can't place my larger item in the rack. The problem is that airlines assign boarding times. United, for example, puts people who fly United infrequently in the last category, which is group 5 on larger planes. That means that you can be at the gate long before they open and still face full racks when you are allowed to board, if the flight is full.

If the bag is small enough and you can manage having no place for your feet, you can stick it under the seat in front of you, assuming you can fit your second item, if you have one, with it or above.

This problem has gotten noticeably worse since the airlines started charging people for checked bags. That has given people even more of an incentive to cram as much stuff as they can get away with into the racks--often things far larger than are "allowed"--leaving less space per passenger. And it has gotten worse as they have increased the number of people with special boarding privileges--e.g., those who pay annual fees to have the airline's own credit card.

The airlines have varying policies about all of this. Some let you buy earlier boarding privileges. Some (not all) will give you early boarding if you buy an economy plus (or equivalent) ticket. And sometimes you can luck out even if you get a bad boarding number--for example, if they start boarding early and a lot of passengers arrive fairly late. That has happened to me numerous times.

[Shadowman]

In my case, that WAS my larger item; my smaller was a small briefcase. The problem was not that the item was a backpack. I have never had an airline tell me that I can't place my larger item in the rack. The problem is that airlines assign boarding times. United, for example, puts people who fly United infrequently in the last category, which is group 5 on larger planes. That means that you can be at the gate long before they open and still face full racks when you are allowed to board, if the flight is full.

If the bag is small enough and you can manage having no place for your feet, you can stick it under the seat in front of you, assuming you can fit your second item, if you have one, with it or above.

This problem has gotten noticeably worse since the airlines started charging people for checked bags. That has given people even more of an incentive to cram as much stuff as they can get away with into the racks--often things far larger than are "allowed"--leaving less space per passenger. And it has gotten worse as they have increased the number of people with special boarding privileges--e.g., those who pay annual fees to have the airline's own credit card.

The airlines have varying policies about all of this. Some let you buy earlier boarding privileges. Some (not all) will give you early boarding if you buy an economy plus (or equivalent) ticket. And sometimes you can luck out even if you get a bad boarding number--for example, if they start boarding early and a lot of passengers arrive fairly late. That has happened to me numerous times.

I try to comply as much as possible, which involves staying within baggage dimension guidelines; however when it comes to overheads I shouldn't be restricted by type of item; so if it fits it gets placed. Now if I'm the last person boarding there isn't much I can do, I'd hate to have to check at the gate photo gear and hopefully I'll never have to.

[Mike Buckley]

Now that the camera bags are inspected using the x-ray (or whatever it is) equipment, it's rare that they will be individually hand inspected. However, if the person reviewing the monitor becomes suspicious of something inside the bag, they will inspect it. The inspection will take place immediately in front of you and will be done with great care. In fact, if the inspector actually removes items from your bag, he or she may not be able to remember how everything should be returned to the bag and will be happy to let you do it yourself.

Remember that if you regularly carry any liquids in your bag, be sure to isolate them in a clear plastic bag separate from your camera bag before running everything through the machine. Once they have been machine inspected, you can store them in your camera bag again.

If you fly to a small city where only the small airplanes go, the possibility is increased that you will have to check your bag at the gate for storage underneath the airplane. In that situation, you'll probably have the time to wait to explain to the person who collects your bag of the need to be careful.

[IzzieK]

Dave I fly American (local and international) or Qantas (for Oz). I have a regulation size backpack for my camera gear with my tripod on the side of the bag. No one bothers about it, but you still have to make it pass through the scanner. As long as you do not take your D7100 out of your bag and start photographing (in LAX) no security will bother you. I do not trust the overhead storage for my camera bag. I put it right in front me underneath the seat as I want my gears with me at all times. My carry-on goes to the overhead storage, NOT my camera backpack. You will be fine, do not worry. I always have two cameras with me plus a Point and Shoot. Problem is that my P&S do not come home with me coming back from Oz...either sonny boy hijack it from me or the devil in me made me give it away to either my children. They are happy, I feel happy for a while until I realized I had just been screwed again and again each time.

[rpcrowe]

Flying on Southwest, you can pay a few extra dollars and get priority boarding. That way you will board first (after mothers and kiddies and the handicapped). This ensures you overhead luggage space as well as pretty much your choice of seating locations.

I don't even open my backpack, simply send it through for X-ray on the conveyor belt.

NOTE: Tripods and monopods should be packed in checked luggage. Quite often you are prevented from carrying these aboard the airplane. Additionally, the X-ray causes absolutely no problems with camera equipment or memory cards.

I usually carry a small multi-tool in my camera bag (I was a boy scout - motto: be prepared) but I will transfer that to my checked on luggage when flying...

Have a nice trip

[Dave A]

Thank you everyone for you comments. I did purchase the early bird upgrade so I will board first after people with mobility problems. From what I can tell Southwest Airlines does have a carry on size restriction which I'm within, but no weight restriction on a carry on bag. I will put my tripod in my checked bag.

Dave

[IzzieK]

Flying on Southwest, you can pay a few extra dollars and get priority boarding.

I take a walking stick with me when travelling. That assures me that I will board first after children. True story. I get away with it all the time. Then when I reach destination, I leave the walking stick in the hotel or if I go to Oz, leave it at home. Last time I stayed with my son and DIL. I found a walking stick in my bedroom. Sonny boy said they bought it for me. I told them the truth... and told him not to mess with an old woman's thinking...I've been around a long time than they have...

[ktuli]

Dave,

Lots of good info here. I travel with camera and scuba diving photo equipment at least once a year, and most of what everyone says is accurate. There is the problem that the "regulations" and their interpretation do fluctuate from airport to airport and TSA agent to agent. Most (as others have said) will not even blink an eye at camera equipment. But I have had the occasional TSA agent want to inspect things - usually they allow me to take items out of my case and allow them to inspect so that I can make sure things get back where they belong. On our last trip, a couple of our divers got the deluxe treatment and basically had their camera cases emptied. It wasn't pleasant, but as long as you give yourself enough time to get to your flight, it shouldn't be a problem (though I guarantee you it will be stressful at the time if it happens).

Another thing to note... recently the regulations on batteries has changes. I'm not entirely sure what they are now, but it does seem that Lithium Ion batteries were the biggest target. One thing that I noticed was that all of my batteries were in cases whereas one of our divers just had his batteries loose in zipper pouches in his bag. They gave him a hard time about them and threatened to confiscate them. In the end, I think he got creative and they let him keep the batteries. I would recommend doing some research to see if you can find specifics about new battery regulations, and at the very least, getting some small plastic cases for batteries (which I always thing is a good idea anyway).

Another thing to remember... check your camera bag for things like pocket knives. I usually keep one in my camera backpack, and recently forgot about it and only found it *AFTER* making it through the TSA checkpoint (oddly enough, this was *AFTER* they had found a few allen wrenches I had in my underwater camera case and confiscated them, but I guess they completely missed the pocket knife!). Most photographers I know usually have a pocket knife or such in their bags, and it is usually one of those things they forget is even in there.

Lastly, and this is if you are overly concerned and for just a camera and a couple lenses is overkill, you could get a rigid case for your gear. I have a Pelican 1510 case which is the size for most carry-on limits for most airlines. I use it for my camera and dive housing/strobes/etc when I go on dive trips. I've also used it for just land-based photography once. It likely won't be useful once you get to your destination, so you'll still need to carry a backpack, but if you want the ultimate level of protection for your gear during travel, a Pelican case is it.

Enjoy your trip!

- Bill

[Manfred M]

Bill -I also fall into the category where I've had more problems with my dive gear than with my camera gear, as I try to carry my dive computer and regulator in my hand luggage. That always gets a 100% hand inspection for sure.

I've also had some issues with camera gear as well, but generally not with the bodies or lenses. The CamRanger, remote timer and other peripherals that are less commonly seen tend to arouse the screener's interest. I've also had issues with tripods (regardless of what the regulations say) when an inspector decided it could be used as a weapon and made me check it.

[rpcrowe]

I have never been troubled with weight restrictions for carry-on bags except for flying in an Alaskan bush plane when they weighted us AND our baggage.



There was no weight restriction (only a size restriction) for my international flights on Chinese Airlines from San Francisco to Beijing and return. However, there was a severe weight restriction for flights on Chinese domestic airlines (five kilograms seems to come to mind). That made me switch from a wheeled camera bag (which almost weighted as much as the entire weight allotment) to a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW backpack which is far lighter in weight. When I began traveling within China, I learned by experience that the Chinese domestic airlines usually (usually is the key word in this case) don't check the weight of backpacks but, almost always weigh wheeled luggage...

NOTE: I traveled to Alaska using a large photo backpack which was just about at the maximum size to carry aboard. The pack had a large and non-removable waist-belt that caused me problems fitting the bag within the size limit box that the airlines used to check carry-on bag size. The large backpack fully loaded was also terribly heavy to carry. I now standardize on a Lowepro Mini-Trekker AW which cam fit (if carefully packed) two bodies, three lenses and two flash units plus accessories such as filters and CF cards.

NOTE II: I almost always wear a photo vest when flying. Besides being handy to carry things like passports, boarding passes and other documentation, I can always switch a camera body or lens from my carry-on bag to the vest if I am overweight and for some reason am checked.

[SamRothstein]

I fly SWA often, and have never had a problem with getting my bags in the bins overhead. I usually keep my backpack that has the camera in it at my feet, as it also has headphones, snacks, travel pillow and other miscellaneous in flight necessities in it. Obviously I'm traveling much lighter in the gear category than most here! If going on a longer flight, I'll try to get my backpack in the overhead bin, but I use Credit Card Status to ensure earlier boarding.

The only time I've seen problems with everyone getting their gear on board on a SWA flight was heading to Jamaica a couple weeks ago. Apparently it's so common for Jamaicans to bring excessive amounts of luggage back home from the states during Christmas that the government has imposed an embargo on landing flights and the amount of luggage allowed during Christmas season.

I must say I do not condone anyone faking a handicap, disability, or other illness to gain early boarding. It's a problem the airlines and most frequent fliers are aware of, but can't do anything about the abusers.

[rpcrowe]

I take a walking stick with me when travelling. That assures me that I will board first after children. True story. I get away with it all the time. Then when I reach destination, I leave the walking stick in the hotel or if I go to Oz, leave it at home. Last time I stayed with my son and DIL. I found a walking stick in my bedroom. Sonny boy said they bought it for me. I told them the truth... and told him not to mess with an old woman's thinking...I've been around a long time than they have...

Izzie, I am old enough that I could board first in the handicapped grouping (after making a prior announcement to the airlines that I am handicapped). However, pride induces me to pay the extra for priority boarding.

I used a cane also after back surgery. Now I don't absolutely need it anymore but, will take it to the Department Of Motor Vehicles. Wearing my Vietnam Combat Veteran Hat (which is quite legitimate) and using the cane, I am always ushered to the front of the line

[Hevii Guy]

How interesting. Your kit, based on the D7100, is almost identical to mine

From my perspective, "weight" is now the major issue. I'm not referring to the weight which I must carry around in my pack but rather that which the loathsome Bandit Airlines are too frequently anal about these days. In their quest to squeeze as much as possible out of us, it's become a crap shoot if we can carry our gear aboard without having to pay exorbitant excess baggage fees.

I've addressed this infuriating cash-grab by always wearing a large overcoat with many pockets when checking in. My lenses along with a couple of external hard drives and Bose Soundlink, are all stashed in the various pockets before I approach the counter. It's only after I've checked in that the gear is returned to my pack.

As far as I can see, as long as these detested airlines don't go as far as forcing their customers onto the scales, this should be an effective workaround. But hey, considering how they're continuously taking ever more advantage of us, it may not last long