Protecting equipment while flying
Mar 3, 2016 11:10:45 #
I will be taking my entire set-up cross-country: far too much to carry-on. Any advice, past issues etc. on how to do this as hassle-free as possible?
Thanks
Thanks
Mar 3, 2016 11:17:14 #
Mar 3, 2016 11:32:33 #
MACT wrote:
I will be taking my entire set-up cross-country: far too much to carry-on. Any advice, past issues etc. on how to do this as hassle-free as possible?
Thanks
Thanks
If possible, I recommend that you pack it up and ship via UPS/FedEx to your destination -
You can pack you gear in hard cases and check it, but remember - all luggage is subject to searches and becoming "lost". The airlines has a set value they will pay for "Lost Luggage" and it generally won't cover the cost of a good lens.
Our business travelers would routinely ship their stuff to their destinations with no issues - and the only thing they traveled with was an emergency change of clothes and their briefcase/laptop - makes flying much easier...
I would talk to the motel/hotel concierge and let them know you're shipping some items and to please hold.
Might cost a little more but makes traveling a lot less stressful...
Hope this helps...
Mar 3, 2016 11:47:41 #
If you combine Pelican cases with shipping via UPS/Fedex I think you will have the best possible solution. Even though I have flown a lot and never had a checked luggage issue, I still would be extremely hesitant to pack anything of value in checked bags. If you MUST pack gear in your checked bags then do your best to get a direct, non-stop flight. Flights where you change planes are your biggest risk for lost luggage. The less it is handled, the safer it will be.
Mar 3, 2016 12:20:09 #
MACT wrote:
I will be taking my entire set-up cross-country: far too much to carry-on. Any advice, past issues etc. on how to do this as hassle-free as possible?
Thanks
Thanks
I agree with Shelback---pack and ship.
Mar 3, 2016 18:31:06 #
Get a Pelican case for your gear with one of those TSA compliant locks. Get a rider to your Homeowner insurance to cover your gear at replacement value for the duration of the trip.
Alternatively, do some research and winnow the equipment list down.
Alternatively, do some research and winnow the equipment list down.
Mar 3, 2016 18:58:16 #
I don't the length of time your cross country trip is for, but I recently did something similar. Rather that pack and pray, I rented what I wanted for the trip and had it shipped to my destination.
Mar 3, 2016 19:16:07 #
You could rent gear at your destination.
That said, I use a carry-on piece of luggage meant for protecting photo gear. I also may take a camera together with its lens in a bag with a shoulder strap and my laptop computer in its own bag.
So far, the airlines have permitted this arrangement.
Of course, I try to winnow my gear for a trip. And that said, I will pack some less expensive gear in my checked bag(s).
You can manage the situation considering this advice and that of others here.
That said, I use a carry-on piece of luggage meant for protecting photo gear. I also may take a camera together with its lens in a bag with a shoulder strap and my laptop computer in its own bag.
So far, the airlines have permitted this arrangement.
Of course, I try to winnow my gear for a trip. And that said, I will pack some less expensive gear in my checked bag(s).
You can manage the situation considering this advice and that of others here.
Mar 3, 2016 19:22:43 #
Mar 3, 2016 21:11:46 #
Thanks for all the input. I hadn't thought about shipping it separately, that may be the best solution.
Mar 4, 2016 06:39:07 #
Sometimes, the cost of a seat class upgrade allows for extra checked and carry on baggage which almost pays for itself compared to paying separate shipping costs.
Mar 4, 2016 07:23:16 #
This thread is so disheartening for the traveler with photo gear. It basically emphasizes a sad fact of airline travel. The airlines don't give a sh*t about your luggage. What is the real solution to this problem?
Mar 4, 2016 07:29:45 #
i dont trust the airlines at all .shipping isn't full proof either..i guess you could insure all your equipment and ship it ..or rent when you get to the destination..i think i would opt to rent..may end up being cheaper in the long run .and carry on only what you absolutely would need ..
Mar 4, 2016 07:36:01 #
Shellback wrote:
If possible, I recommend that you pack it up and ship via UPS/FedEx to your destination -
Definitely. The baggage areas of airports have been referred to as shopping centers for the baggage handlers. Locks are useless.
Mar 4, 2016 08:03:11 #
seagullmist
Loc: Niantic CT
TO insure it gets there ask for extra insurance from the airline. When you do that they have to have each person sign for it as it passes along. You will have to sign for it at the arrival airport. I did this with some rifles and it worked. TALK TO THE AIRLINE ABOUT EXCESS VALUE INSURANCE AND SEE WHAT THE CHARGE NOW AND COMPARE TO upS/fedex.
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