Travel with Gear: I realize this is a subject that has been kicked around before but I could use some input on an idea... Given the limits placed on us by airlines with respect to size...

rappar Loc: Kingston Ontario

I realize this is a subject that has been kicked around before but I could use some input on an idea...

Given the limits placed on us by airlines with respect to size and weight, I have been thinking of investing in one of those high quality plastic boxes made by Pelican or the like. I would use it to carry some of my gear locked appropriately and sent as part of check through luggage. I would also check into the insurance side of things as well before leaving. I also know that good ones like this are not cheap but when I compare that to the cost of an airline ticket, river cruise or whatever, that becomes a no brainer if it helps me.

I know many/most do not want to part with gear and want it is carryon. I also know there are those who limit what they take. However, even my ThinkTank designed for small regional jets has been taken from me at some points.

If you would like to carry a bit more on what could be a memorable trip and are tired of fighting the system, is this something to consider or is there a better way?

Thanks,
Ron

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

rappar wrote:

I realize this is a subject that has been kicked a... (show quote)

Do what golfers and skiers do, ship it UPS. They are far more reliable than carriers.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

rappar wrote:

...Given the limits placed on us by airlines with respect to size and weight, I have been thinking of investing in one of those high quality plastic boxes made by Pelican or the like....

The flight may be only a small part of your trip. Think instead of how you are going to transport your gear at the destination.

If you are going to have to carry it everywhere, a backpack might work. If you can secure it in a car trunk, a hard case might be OK. Would you feel safe leaving some of it behind in your room or on a ship? I would not.

A tripod is probably safe to check with your luggage, but remember that you may have to carry it everywhere later.

But a little carry-on inconvenience during the flight may pay off. You may regret not having a lens you left behind. Then again, you are just as likely to use only one or two lenses.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

davidrb wrote:

Do what golfers and skiers do, ship it UPS. They are far more reliable than carriers.

Well, all due respect to golfers and skiers-- but I doubt if their equipment is as likely to be damaged from careless handling-- and I've seen some pretty rough deliveries by UPS.

Just saying....

amehta Loc: Boston

rappar wrote:

I know many/most do not want to part with gear and want it is carryon. I also know there are those who limit what they take. However, even my ThinkTank designed for small regional jets has been taken from me at some points.

Which ThinkTank was taken from you? I'm counting on mine being small enough for any plane, but your comment makes me pause.

Ruthiel Loc: Las Vegas

I just took mine in a Kata back pack , my cousins check in bag was lost on the flight and never recovered, we think someone walked off with it from baggage carousel. If you get to the airport early and get on the plane early they won't ask you to check your carry on. Luckily my cousins bag only had her clothes in it not camera gear.

melvin short Loc: Seattle, Wa

I definitely understand the feeling, I never put camera gear in baggage, after a bad experience, and it is sometimes hard to take too much gear, best method I found is figure out what you will be shooting most of when you are at your destination and just pack the most useful gear for that trip. only my suggestion, im sure there will be better suggestions, good luck

amehta Loc: Boston

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Well, all due respect to golfers and skiers-- but I doubt if their equipment is as likely to be damaged from careless handling-- and I've seen some pretty rough deliveries by UPS.

Just saying....

Agreed, we can assume the exact same type of handling by UPS as the airport baggage handlers. Sometimes they're the same people, doing the same job, under the same time pressure.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Well, all due respect to golfers and skiers-- but I doubt if their equipment is as likely to be damaged from careless handling-- and I've seen some pretty rough deliveries by UPS.

Just saying....

I see your point. UPS ships for almost every manufacturer in the US, and the world. But they must be unable to ship a cutomer's package (no matter the contents) because you say so? Sorry, your analogy don't float.

doduce Loc: Holly Springs NC

davidrb wrote:

I see your point. UPS ships for almost every manufacturer in the US, and the world. But they must be unable to ship a cutomer's package (no matter the contents) because you say so? Sorry, your analogy don't float.

Chill. In my judgment, he made valid two points. 1. Golf/ski equipment is less likely to be damaged by careless handling than camera kit. 2. He's seen rough deliveries by UPS.

He's not saying it is something no one should do, just offering an observation for OP to consider.

amehta Loc: Boston

davidrb wrote:

I see your point. UPS ships for almost every manufacturer in the US, and the world. But they must be unable to ship a cutomer's package (no matter the contents) because you say so? Sorry, your analogy don't float.

I don't pack my camera bag the way the camera was packed when it was shipped. Carrying around all the packing material on the trip also becomes cumbersome. And, to ship internationally, it becomes prohibitively expensive.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I use my Think tank urban disguise V50 everyday, and travel on regional jets everywhere. Never have I had it taken from me. Fits in the overhead and underneath the chair in front. Holds my camera several lenses, my laptop, ipad and accessories.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

doduce wrote:

Chill. In my judgment, he made valid two points. 1. Golf/ski equipment is less likely to be damaged by careless handling than camera kit. 2. He's seen rough deliveries by UPS.

He's not saying it is something no one should do, just offering an observation for OP to consider.

Exactly, my point!

I've had packages delivered by UPS (furniture) with holes all the way through and gouges in the furniture-- so am I gonna ship my DLSR that way? Nope.

rappar Loc: Kingston Ontario

amehta wrote:

Which ThinkTank was taken from you? I'm counting on mine being small enough for any plane, but your comment makes me pause.

Mine is the Airport International V2.0. And, for the record, I was one of the first on the plane but still had to check this on a flight from Vancouver to Victoria.
Based on later comments, it seems the solution is to limit your equipment rather than take extra in a bag that may have to leave your sight.

amehta Loc: Boston

rappar wrote:

Mine is the Airport International V2.0. And, for the record, I was one of the first on the plane but still had to check this on a flight from Vancouver to Victoria.
Based on later comments, it seems the solution is to limit your equipment rather than take extra in a bag that may have to leave your sight.

That one looks like it's full roller-board size. Annoying to have to hand it over, but I have seen commuter jet restrictions which exclude that. Mine is smaller, but I'll be even more careful in the future.
Limiting the gear definitely sounds safer.