lindaofwim Loc: raleigh nc

I am taking a plane trip to Oceans Shores,Washington to see grandson. Never been on a plane, how do you keep from putting camera thru the scanner. I have a camera back pack. Am keeping in that back pack and putting that in a 20" carry on. So when I go thur scanner what happens? Thanks

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

If it is a film camera, remove the film and put in your checked luggage. If it is DSLR, no problem. Scanner won't bother it at all.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

I'm assuming you're referring to a digital camera. It'll have to go through the scanner, but the scan won't hurt anything. But, keep you eye on the bag, to insure somebody doesn't take it, or a TSA agent doesn't drop it. I had the latter happen one time.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Nothing. Assuming you have a removable lens DSLR, don't keep lens attached to camera in case they need to do a hand inspection. The TSA x rays will not harm your memory cards, computer hard disk or any other electronic devices.

Since you mention you have a Grandson, you're probably "of an age," as they say, and might get TSA PreCheck assigned when you get your boarding pass. Then it's even easier and you don't have to take off your shoes.

Foozer

You can have any item that you don't want going through the scanner hand checked by a TSA agent. Just let them know as you approach the scanner.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Don't worry about it.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Have no fear of the scanner harming any part of your camera gear - I have taken many trips by air with both film & digital gear - now I suggest you keep your camera out - put on a good 18-200 or up lens and get a window seat - your trip to the Northwest passes over some great photo ops- my best images came from using a super zoom bridge camera. Generally they want to turn your camera on to see if it real or a fake/bomb - LOL.
Harvey in the Sierras

Calsnap Loc: Seattle/Montana/San Diego

You've got the right idea. Don't put anything in checked baggage that you want to see again. I always have a backpack with camera gear as carry-on and it is never questioned.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

louparker Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

If you have a "removable lens DSLR," DO NOT remove the lens unless you use a body cap because you will get dust on the sensor, and lens caps for both ends of your lens to keep the glass clean, and besides, there's no reason to remove the lens anyway -- just let the camera and lens go through the scanner because as everyone has said, it will not hurt either the camera or lens. Even if you have a film camera, there's still no need to take the lens off, but as others have said, remove the film from the camera, although the experts generally say that the film will not be harmed with just 2 scans (outbound and inbound). As for the TSA PreCheck, you need to pay for that for a 5-year pass -- since this is your 1st time on a plane, you obviously would be wasting your money doing that -- it's designed for those who fly several times a year.

lindaofwim Loc: raleigh nc

I am of age and I have grandkids up there too. My camera is a canon SX20

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

That is a great little camera - enjoy your trip and time with you grands.
Harvey with 8 grand and 5 great grand

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

If digital camera and cards, no problem.

The other issue you should think about is, your number of carry-ons. Most commercial airlines only allow 1 personal bag or backpack that fits under the seat or the upper compartment and another one if it is a medical device (e.g., CPAP), . You should place medications (e.g., heart pills, blood pressure pills, etc.) and/or treatment (e.g., asthma inhalers, eye drops, insulin, sugar tabs, etc.) and other things you'll need during the flight in your personal carry-on bag. Check with the airlines before you leave. Keeps changing from day to day and airline to airline. Can't keep track. Bottom line: More fees.

Safe flight and enjoy your visit with your grandson.

le boecere

You're getting lotsa good replies, here. FWIW, here's my experience:

A couple of times a year, I fly Alaska or Frontier, from Sea-Tac to Denver. I do not check baggage. All my camera gear + 14" Dell laptop + meds + sandwich + book + checkbook + gloves + spare wristwatch + spare glasses + sunglasses, and anything else that I don't want to lose, goes over my shoulder in a Tenba Cooper 15 (16W X 11.5H X 8D)

I just posted my last trip on Alaska:

On a recent trip to the Colorado "Front Range" (of the Rockie Mountains), my bag held an a6000 +...

1) "Zony" 24mm f/1.8 [SEL24F18Z] ~ for general touring
1) (Chinese) Sony 35mm f/1.8 [SEL35F18] ~ for "street"
1) (Chinese) Sony 50mm f/1.8 [SEL50F18] ~ for casual portraiture
1) Sony 55-210mm [SEL55210] "kit zoom" for granddaughter's softball games & trips into the mountains.

Clothes, shoes, etc., go in a wheeled "carry-on" bag that meets the airlines specifications:

Alaska Airlines: 45 linear inches (24 x 17 x 10 in)including handles and wheels.

Frontier Airlines: Personal/under seat ~ 18” Width 14” Long 8” Depth

I'm over 75 years of age, so I usually sail right through the security check.

Photocraig

The pre check status is free. for those who are part of ANY frequent Flier program, it usually comes automatically. Perhaps, as you say, the ticket agent can create it on the Boarding pass. The permanent Special status you refer to is different and is for very frequent fliers and does cost money. Pre Check does not carry extra charges.