elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

In light of what just happened in Stockholm, I must return to a question I posted weeks ago. We plan to travel to Stockholm soon, but the flight will require changing planes three times (each way). I worry that airlines will expand their security to the point that camera and lenses can no longer be taken onboard as "carry on", hence up overhead in the cabin. This would mean my two camera bodies and two lenses would have to go below with luggage. I'm worried about damage.

Have any of you traveled with your camera and lenses in some kind of case that traveled safely as "checked baggage", hence under the cabin with other luggage? If so, what secrets can you share with the rest of us?

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I have never checked camera gear.
I would be more concerned about gear being stolen from checked luggage than being damaged.
Is there a way to ship your gear to your destination rather than taking it with you on the plane?

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

You are reading my mind, with the concern of it being stolen. As far as shipping it, that worries me almost as much. That would be St. Louis to Stockholm, and to a hotel we'd be staying at for only one night.

I'm hoping I learn something magical from a fellow UHH.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I always take one bag onboard and another goes in the luggage, That one is a Pelican hard case (1600) and I put that hard case into another case (a normal travel case). I never had any issues!

elliott937 Loc: St. Louis

Have you traveled thru several plane changes in the process?

repleo Loc: Boston

3 plane changes? You will be lucky if anything checked makes it through in time. Bring your essential photo gear and a couple of days worth of clean socks and underwear with you on the plane. Put some of the stuff in your jacket pockets if you have to.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

I have never travelled with ANY camera gear other than a monopod in checked baggage. All camera gear, including a small lap-top for backing up photos, has always gone as carry-on with no problems other than an occasional request from airport security (usually in a foreign country) to inspect my camera gear.

My husband and I frequently travel to overseas locations, and I share your concerns. To date, I have not come up with any answers to the problem you pose. Putting the gear in your pockets certainly does not solve the problem of not being permitted - at the last minute - to take your gear in carry-on. Our next extended trip will be to Africa. Personally, I am at a total loss as to how to handle a potential situation that requires me to check my gear. I feel a nervous breakdown coming on.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

If you must, pelican cases offer a very secure way to ship. But beware. If it were me I would check with the airlines. Personally I have never shipped camera's in anything except the over head.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Make it simple. Call each airline. >Alan

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

No matter how secure in theory, you are not allowed to lock luggage with anything other than those little TSA-approved locks. They can- and will - cut off any other locks. I think they do it sometimes "just because", since they have pretty good CT scanners for checked luggage. And I don't know about any liability the TSA might have, but the airlines have pretty limited liability for lost and damaged property.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

With 3 flight changes each way, I would be as much or more concerned about baggage being permanently lost as I would damaged or stolen. Just my thoughts on the subject, I would carry on my two camera bodies and two lenses (along with a couple sets of undergarments), broken down in a backpack or other well-padded soft case designed for this purpose. Cameras and lenses are pretty straight forward devices and soft cases are pretty transparent to x-ray devices so they should show as fairly non-threatening at the airport.

I don't know what all is in your kit, but devices like, say, an intervalometer, light meter, or anything that could look like a 'timer' you may want to pack in your check-on luggage; the idea being to look as non-threatening as possible.

I've heard Stockholm is beautiful. I hope you have a great time and bring back some wonderful pictures!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I have never checked any camera gear and always take it on the plane as carry on. I have never had the slightest problem with security issues. I also carry a backpack containing my laptop or iPad and extra clothing just in case.

In Stockholm do not miss the Vasa museum. It is incredible. Have a great trip.

Dennis

jwkeith

I once saw a person getting on one of those small regional planes who was being told he had to gate check his camera bag. He smiled at the attendant and went back to his seat and began to put multiple lenses and bodies in the vest he was wearing. He then gate checked the bag and walked onto the plane without comment from the attendant. I later asked him about the vest as it wasn't your normal photographer's vest and he said it was a Scottie's vest. I now have one and it is great for travel but I have never had to do what he did.

Gaddysmom

You are going to drive yourself crazy if you spend too much time worrying about rule changes that have not occurred yet. Buy a camera backpack that could fit under a seat if necessary. Take no more gear than will fit in it. Plan to use that as your carry-on. As a fall back, buy a Scott eVest and use it as described above by JWKeith. Do not plan to put your camera equipment into a checked bag. If and when the rules change and you are required to put your camera equipment into checked luggage, double your insurance on it.

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

I also am taking a trip to Stockholm then to Oslo this month...

I checked on websites and then made a trip to the airline to clarify what I needed to know... The only real rule is no liquids or batteries.

1. I purchased a Pelican S115 back pack (for the bulk of the gear) for carry on and most everything fits that has big value.

2. Then a Pelican 1605 to for all the miscellaneous check in like flashes, cords ect.

3. I have insurance that is limited to $1000 with the ticket.

4. Serial #'s and receipts are needed to make any claims if something goes bad.

5. I will fill in a TSA form I downloaded for a complete list of the contents with a photo to place inside the Pelican check in bag.

6. Shipping costs are outrageously expensive so I guess I will take some risk with the check in. I will also add TSA locks but that is a questionable feel good addition I am told.

7. I would feel better with more insurance but that may not be an option. I sold my home in the states, purchased in Norway and haven't looked into my insurance there... so that is up in the air at this point.

Comments are appreciated, Thanks...