BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

If checking camera gear is required, then I simply will not travel to that destination. As it is, I drive to all places I wish to visit in the continental USA and Canada. Of course, I also have plenty of time in retirement.

I do have one interesting note. About 4 years ago I was flying to Iceland from Minneapolis. Upon arrival at check in they told me I had a carry on limit of one small bag at no more than 10 pounds. I nearly left, but repacked. They said they would wrap my camera bag (full Hasselblad H4D system) after x-ray (which was right there). I was insured, but held my breath and went ahead.

Upon arrival in Keflavik, my bag finally came off the plane. They were good to their word. It took me nearly 1/2 hour to unwrap all the bubble wrap from the bag, and there was no damage.

On the way home it was a different story. There was seemingly no limit to the carry on so I took a large camera bag, shoulder bag, and goodie bag and no one batted an eye. Rules are rules, then there are other rules. Just like a right turn on red after stop. Some airline employees follow and some don't.

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Absolutely not!!!

tdland Loc: Indiana

On a flight to San Francisco I had an inexpensive backpacking tripod, battery charger, assorted filters, and hiking shoes stolen from checked in luggage. Remember, the TSA X-rays every checked bag. They know if it's worthy of a treasure hunt.

bobben49

no, my two pieces of caryon wre my camera bag and my tripod! they have baggage insurance limits that are ridiculously low!

Digital1022 Loc: Holland, PA

I know several photographers and artists that now ship there stuff fedx to where they will be staying and back when they are about to return. Extra expense, but not nearly as expensive as losing it to thieves. Extra expense, but the insurance is cheap and if they lose it, you can replace it without coming out of your pocket. I have switched to a Sony RX10III bridge camera that covers the gamut of what I want to shoot, so it is much easier to put in my carryon backpack with a tripod, remote cable, filters batteries, flash and the other stuff I need. I'm 70 years old and I am just tired of lugging heavy stuff on airplanes. Not a pro, so I just don't feel the need anymore to be that sophisticated. Just a thought. There are those who will say that I am lazy or just a picture taker, but I have won a couple of local competitions and I have stuff that my family and friends like, and for me that is enough. Now if I'm driving somewhere, I take it all, just because I can.

Digital1022

capetownrio

I think this is a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

Royce Moss Loc: Irvine, CA

I don't trust anyone with my gear let alone an airline! At a family reunion lastyear, one of my nieces picked my D7100 to take a picture and I almost lost it. Nobody touches my gear unless I show them how to handel it and I am watching.Years ago my 1st wife dropped my Olympus on a big rock while camping and ruined it and that was after I had told her to always put the strap around her neck. So no! Nobody touches my camera but me.

capetownrio

Got it. I feel similarly

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

I would never trust putting on my camera gear as stowe luggage. My wife is the owner of a travel agency and there is no way we would put anything of value under the plane. The horror stories for just one year are too many to cover here. This is why my camera equipment meets personal carry-on requirements. Anything of value should be carried with you, never stowed under the plane.

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

I would not trust the airlines with anything valuable....if you have a lot of equipment, try using Fedex to the location you will be going to if the cost is not prohibitive (most hotels will accept with a room#/guest name)...maybe take some on board and some via Fedex. Just an idea. Otherwise if at all possible take carry on always - I even do that for regular luggage without valuables - I hate checking baggage!

capetownrio

me too - I will try FedX

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Okay now we are flogging a dead horse, the general consensus is NO

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

I agree. For my next trip to Asia, I'm driving.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Go for it, I shoot the video

DU WANT 1 2 Loc: West Virginia

Me too...