First Plane Flight with Camera Equipment
PapaJohnny wrote:
Hi everyone, I have been viewing UHH for a couple of months now, but this is my first posting. I am about to take my camera equipment in a camera backpack as a carry-on onto a plane flight from Ohio to Florida. I will be going on my first cruise from there (but that has questions within that subject for another posting). I have never went through TSA with camera equipment before. What things should I do or not do to go through the terminal AND on the plane? Will the scanners damage anything? Are there restrictions on anything? ...etc. I will be packing in my carry-on, my Nikon 7200 and 3300 bodies; 18-300 lens, 50 mm and 85 mm prime lenses; speed light, extra batteries, memory cards, etc.
Hi everyone, I have been viewing UHH for a couple ... (
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Do you really nee all that gear? I would bring the D7200 and 18-300. Actually, when I travel, I bring a compact camera. I'd be concerned about it getting bumped and damaged. As long as you can take it with you on the plane, you can look after it, so make sure it will be allowed as a carry-on.
Bill_de wrote:
The only small delay was when I was told I couldn't take an Allen wrench on board. I told him to toss it. The agent tried every which way to avoid just throwing it out.
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An Allen wrench?! You can poke someone's eye out with one of them.
MTG44
Loc: Corryton, Tennessee
Fly 4-5 times a year with my camera lens and they don't even open the bag. Keep it under the seat or overhead. If it is film ,mail it back the X-ray will ruin it.
I'm a frequent flyer both internationally and domestic and fly with my gear all the time. No issues ever. The only real problem you may encounter is weight. If I pack all my gear into the one carry on bag it will exceed the 7kg weight limit on all international flights. However I'm yet to have a problem.
I have flown with my cameras several times and have never had them looked at other than running them through the basic scanning machine. No problems, ever.
My son and I had flown into Pomona (Ontario) for the Grand National Roadster Show a few years ago and our return was with one of the small, spin off, high profit airlines (can'r remember which). I had my camera with an 18-200 attached in my non-photo back pack with lots of other "junk". At the door the attendant informed me there was no more room overhead or under seat and I would have to check my back pack. I explained I had vey expensive cameras inside and no padding as it was just an Adidas or something. I pleaded. I argued to no avail. I knew it was the last I would see of my camera. Upon claiming in Dallas I immediately opened the backpack and all was there with no damage at all. I'm not sure what I would do differently. Put it in padded camera backpack? That would certainly bring attention to it. There are some honest baggage handlers out there.
PapaJohnny wrote:
Hi everyone, I have been viewing UHH for a couple of months now, but this is my first posting. I am about to take my camera equipment in a camera backpack as a carry-on onto a plane flight from Ohio to Florida. I will be going on my first cruise from there (but that has questions within that subject for another posting). I have never went through TSA with camera equipment before. What things should I do or not do to go through the terminal AND on the plane? Will the scanners damage anything? Are there restrictions on anything? ...etc. I will be packing in my carry-on, my Nikon 7200 and 3300 bodies; 18-300 lens, 50 mm and 85 mm prime lenses; speed light, extra batteries, memory cards, etc.
Hi everyone, I have been viewing UHH for a couple ... (
show quote)
No issues.
I've traveled with a Think Tank backpack full of Nikon gear for the last five years with no issues. ! or 2 extra camera batteries are OK, as well as properly packed rechargeables for a grip or flash. The only TSA caution is excessive quantities of lithium batteries. Folks packing for a safari with no charging available for 2 months may have battery issues, but normal quantities are fine. And since the Airlines will only insure "stowed baggage"for $500 you can refuse to have the backpack placed in the cargo hold too!
jcwood wrote:
My son and I had flown into Pomona (Ontario) for the Grand National Roadster Show a few years ago and our return was with one of the small, spin off, high profit airlines (can'r remember which). I had my camera with an 18-200 attached in my non-photo back pack with lots of other "junk". At the door the attendant informed me there was no more room overhead or under seat and I would have to check my back pack. I explained I had vey expensive cameras inside and no padding as it was just an Adidas or something. I pleaded. I argued to no avail. I knew it was the last I would see of my camera. Upon claiming in Dallas I immediately opened the backpack and all was there with no damage at all. I'm not sure what I would do differently. Put it in padded camera backpack? That would certainly bring attention to it. There are some honest baggage handlers out there.
My son and I had flown into Pomona (Ontario) for t... (
show quote)
Keep the size such that it will fit under the seat. Or take the camera out and hang it on your neck.
You are at less risk if they return it to you at the jetway at your destination vs. sending it through baggage claim. I think you are at less risk at the end of the flight because the baggage handlers need to hussle the stuff along. I think most pilfering happens when the bags are stacked for loading.
"Just make sure that you never get separated from, or loose sight of, your backpack!"
AMEN!
I went through the x-ray line in the Phoenix airport and was told that I was randomly selected for a pat-down, and that I should leave my stuff on the Shute after it exited the x-ray machine. I objected, but was firmly told to leave it there. WRONG! While I was with the TSA idiot, someone took my watch and phone from the Little cup. Put all that stuff in your backpack and take it with you! Never leave anything where you can not see and control it. EVER! I had a policeman chase the guy down and my stuff back. He said he was in a rush and thought it was his. Yeah, right!
You should not have any trouble with your equipment going through.
David
rmalarz wrote:
For digital equipment, no problem. They may want to remove the lens, or have you click the shutter. Otherwise, it should be no problem. Just make sure that you never get separated from, or loose sight of, your backpack. I've traveled with my Nikon D700, and three lenses a number of times. The interaction with the agents have been different with each. However, if the pack will fit beneath the seat, preferable, or in the overhead, you'll have no problem.
--Bob
Though not a frequent flier, I've never had an issue with my camera equipment. My camera backpack is within the maximum size allowed for carry-on items. It has gone through TSA scanning without issue to the equipment, nor raising any questions by TSA agents viewing the scan. They have never asked me to open the backpack. (Obviously, camera body, lenses, filters, batteries and cards gear is carry-on - never out of my sight.)
I do pack my tripod and monopod in checked in luggage. They have raised questions when scanning, as I will often find a TSA 'notification that they searched the luggage' in the suitcase when I arrive at the destination.
If you get a small commuter jet don't be surprised if you are told it will go in under storage. That can happen if you are boarding near last and overhead is maxed out... or the storage is small and your baggage looks large. Wrap each battery in cling wrap and be prepared to bring the batteries with you if luggage goes below. The 18 lb limit is checked some times with connecting flights. All is good with scanning. Never leave your backpack unattended or out of hands reach.
Only time we ever had "problems" with TSA was on a trip to Philly from WPB. Last minute purchase of tickets ,as father-in-law had passed. Put camera bag on scanner belt, was pulled aside as bag held cords for camera battery, cell phone battery, and ear buds. They couldn't make out what they were. Hardest part of the bag search was not laughing, as the TSA agent was a dead ringer for Little Richard, eye shadow and all!
Batteries need to be packaged or ends taped, otherwise leave batteries in your camera I travel monthly with gear. 2. Bodies 3 to 5 lenses and all the other stuff needed to do a workshop. My camera bag has never been inspected. One time my 2nd bag was check because I had a projector in it. Now I have a Qumi projector very small TSA seems fine with it
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