russjc001 Loc: South Carolina

My wife and I are traveling to Iceland this summer. I have a Peak Design 30L backpack to carry my camera, lenses, etc. I want to hand carry this all the way. What is the process and requirements for getting through airport security with all the gear? Do they require removing everything for inspection! I heard from someone that batteries could be an issue - separate packing?? Any shared experiences would be appreciated. I hope to get a tripod to fit in my checked luggage so that should not be an issue.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

Going to watch this with interest. Daughter and I leave for a safari in S. Africa June 11-25th. Have same question.

NewEnglandPhotoguy Loc: Chelmsford, MA

You've got some checking to do. I checked your bag size and it is OK for carry-on for domestic flights and is likely fine for international. You may want to check with your airline to make sure and ease your mind. International flights MAY have more stringent size restrictions than domestic flights. Ask if they have a weight restriction. Some international flights do have wight restrictions.

TSA has always opened my bag but rarely removes anything. Batteries with plastic covers on them are not usually a problem. Go to their website to see the latest rules.

Have fun.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Any loose batteries have to be in your carry-on bag and have to be either in original packaging, such as with AA batteries, or be packed in such a manner that their contacts are protected. Camera batteries often have protective covers, which should be in place when carried loose. Batteries inside an item, such as a camera, are not an issue for the most part. Some specific batteries are banned, but these are not batteries common to camera gear. Placing batteries in clear ziploc bags aids inspection by the TSA. Your best course is to check either on the TSA site or your airline's site. Print out info pertinent to your situation and have it with you in case you run into someone who doesn't know their job. Believe it or not, that actually happens!

Sendai5355 Loc: On the banks of the Pedernales River, Texas

I have made several round trips to Asia over the past year and so far have had no problems with carrying several cameras with extra batteries in my backpack. Covered the battery contacts with electrician tape and placed them in a zip lock bag. Only had to take my laptop out of the backpack to go through screening. Check the TSA website for the latest restrictions. Also others on this site have recommended carrying sales receipts to prove equipment was purchased in the U.S. I have not done this and so far customs has not hassled me.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

When my wife and I flew to Mexico, we had no issues with our camera equipment. Batteries do need to be removed from the cameras and packed separately in individual containers, as they may explode. The rule was to pack them separately with the contacts taped. I found some small plastic containers at Office Depot that fit the individual batteries without much loose space that worked great. I never had to remove my equipment, but as a precaution, I had US Customs check my equipment before flying out of country to avoid duty costs when returning to the US. I typed out all of my equipment with serial numbers on a spreadsheet and kept the spreadsheet with the camera equipment for identification. Double check with your airline as to how large your carry on bag can be. Enjoy your trip.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

You would probably get a more definitive and accurate answer by checking with the TSA.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Here are the FAA restrictions for batteries in carry-on bags:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/passenger_info/media/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf

Here are the TSA carry-on restrictions:
http://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/printable

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

In reality, getting carry-ons through security is much less consitent than it should be. My response may not be what you want to hear, but it has been the case with us over the last year and a half. In my experience, the honest answer is "it depends". That being said, it is important to note that my husband and I both have something called Global Entry. In theory, it should help us get through security quickly and painlessly - here in the USA.

Every security team seems to be different. I always pack my gear in 2 carry-ons. Hubby takes 1 and I take the other - we ALWAYS go through the same security line together. We have been to South America, Europe (flown within Europe as well as into Europe from US), and flown within the US several times in the last year and a half. There have been instances when we have sailed through security with NO issues at all. Other times, every piece of equipment was removed from one carry-on and inspected while the other piece similarly packed with camera gear just sailed through. Sometimes the bags are unzipped and just looked at very quickly. It always seems to be a crap-shoot. I hold my breath when our carry-ons are going through the machines and don't let it out again until I have it back in my hands. Once your bags are in the custody of security, you are not permitted to touch any of your possessions that may be "in question". Most of the time, we have had no issues. the worst time was when we were flying from Oslo to Svalbard. EVERY item was removed from my carry-on, inspected, questioned, and then just plopped back into the carry-on. Lenses and bodies were removed from the lens cases I use when flying. I had to repack them right there when I finally got through security. That was an absolute nightmare and I have NO idea what triggered it, but I was not alone. Same thing happened to others going through that same line while others had NO issues i. other lines - go figure. I just zip my lips and smile and never get even the slightest bit testy with any of the security people.

The odds of getting through with no problems run in your favor, though. Don't worry too much before you get there because worrying will change absolutely NOTHING. It will just take away from the enjoyment of your trip.

SS319

Why not FedEx your gear to arrive in Iceland a few hours ahead of you and be held at the arrival airport. Then you can pack it and protect it and not worry about it. And you can insure the package for its true worth.

erinjay64

Keep all photo gear in your carry on bag to avoid theft / damage. Each airport is different, and varies from day to day. You may have to open everything, and be hand inspected, down to the batteries, or you may get by with just an x-ray. I have been to Melbourne, Australia several times, and each airport along the way had different procedures, and even the same airports did things differently on different trips. Expect the worst, slowest, most invasive, search, and be willing to suffer it as a cost of doing travel. The life you protect will be your own.

vinnya Loc: connecticut

went to Iceland over New Years had no trouble leaving the U.S. or coming back with camera equipment, couldn't have been any easier on this trip but things and people at security do change
Going into Iceland couldn't be any simpler, nothing looked at and also no problem leaving.

russjc001 Loc: South Carolina

Outstanding! I hope we have similar experience. I did print out the Icelandair baggage requirements and copied the TSA info from the post above ...all good info. Thanks all!.

MW

Just got back from Ireland. Fuji X- PRO2 in backpack. Did not know I should remove battery (planed) to take photo from airplane window. Two spare batteries shoved in interior pocket of backpack. Sailed through TSA going and Irish/Eu returning. No issues either way.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Can't you take a ship, even a rowboat to avoid flying?