Gooseman

Im getting ready to take a flight with my new DSLR camera and a couple lenses. Im trying to decide whether I should carry on my camera bag, or put them into my luggage.
Id appreciate anyones thoughts and/or experiences.

Im also thinking about taking a monopod (collapsed, but still about 18" long). Is this something I can have in my carry-on luggage, or does it need to be checked?

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I would NEVER put them in luggage. If it's a domestic flight, carry-on or shipping to destination are "best" options. Best is to check with the airlines.

jgunkler

Or wear a utility vest (or fishing vest) and put everything in its many pockets. Airlines are OK with this and it keeps weight out of your luggage.

DStone Loc: Outside Winston-Salem, NC

Here's a tip: The monopod I travel with looks like a pipe bomb under the security scanners. After several delays, I've learned to put it out in the open, right next to my shoes and other dangerous articles.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

You might put your Tripod or Monopod, although DO NOT put your fragile, expensive, hard to replace, Camera or Lens into your CHECKED luggage. Besides the possible Theft, damage from being tossed around,( as they are),
We are hoping it never happens, but there is a possibility that government may pass a law making all Camera equipment to be in "Checked Luggage", but not so far.

Ranjan Loc: Currently Cyber-Nation!

Ranjan Loc: Currently Cyber-Nation!

Ahh now I understand why pods are coming with smaller and smaller ball-heads and only rubber footing but no spike option!!

Photoflea

wouldn't that set off red flags? ( as far as the vest.)

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Gooseman, I think your answer depends a lot on where you are visiting, how long you will be gone and the airlines you will be flying--they may all have different rules. I haven't flown in several years but never put a camera (or computer) bag in checked luggage; the bags just highlight that this is some expensive stuff, and as pointed out checked luggage is often subject to some rough treatment; neither can it be locked securely without its drawing attention. I always take the camera in its bag as part of the carry-ons; unless they are huge, the agents mostly seem to equate them with a woman's purse. We've never had them question the camera bag. Probably the best thing to aid your planning is to call your airline(s) and ask them what's allowed and where it may be stored on board.

One question, and it to depends upon what you intend to do/see, is do you need all your stuff and do you want to lug it all around? Wouldn't a +/- 18-130mm & a 70-300mm telephoto fill the lens needs for a relatively short period of time? I've never taken my tripod and never missed not having it, of course that may just be me; I hate hauling it around, and using the damn thing!

Have a good trip.

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

I have a backpack that fits under the seat. My camera, lens, flash & batteries etc all go in that backpack.

No problems.

Sarge69

Just Trying To Focus Loc: Jackson County, Michigan

I learned from my nephew that I will NEVER, EVER check a camera or a computer unless I am forced to. He took a trip to Germany and took a camera and laptop. He took some once in a life time photos, which he downloaded to his computer, and also left the original files on his camera card. He checked both the camera and the computer at the airport when he left Germany. When he had to change planes and transfer his luggage, they were both accounted for, but when he got to his final destination and claimed his luggage, there was no camera and no laptop inside. Clearly someone within the airport luggage system stole them. He made a report, but never got them back.

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Never check camera equipment or your laptop unless there is not other way. Always try to carry on board the plane.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I'd probably put the monopod into the check-in luggage. To discourage theft by baggage inspectors, one could attach it with heavy duty tie locks or a cable lock to other bulky objects within the luggage, such as a pair of jeans. Or better yet, fasten it to part of the luggage interior.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Always carry your gear. Period. The monopod will not make it through TSA, so check it into your luggage. Incidentally, take some small bungie cords as a quick and dirty monopod "clamp" to secure it to railings, etc.

And, see if you can get a rider on your homeowner insurance to cover your gear. If going to Europe, South America or Asia, get some gaffer's tape and cover the brand name on the pentaprisim.
Safety first.