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Flying Domestic with Camera
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Jun 26, 2017 09:11:00   #
Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier
 
I know there has been much talk about some of the new regulations going into effect in regards to international flights and what can be taken on the plane. Here is a new domestic flight problem that I have recently run into. There is a new class of passenger that apparently started in March and that is the Basic Economy class. My husband purchased tickets for our flight to Alaska and did not realize what he was buying. In Basic Economy you are only allowed a personal item, no carry on bag. So for me that means no camera backpack. After much communication with the airlines - we are pretty much stuck. We can purchase a new ticket but will not receive any funds from the old ticket. The basic economy ticket cost us $715.20 per person (times 5), too much to walk away from.
So, be aware of the type of ticket you are purchasing. United, American, and Delta all have this new Basic Economy fare.
I have somewhat scaled back on my lenses and fitting them into a smaller backpack that can count as my personal bag. Even if I trusted the employees enough to check my camera gear, the most you can purchase insurance coverage (through airlines) for is $5000. - that doesn't cover much.
And yes, my husband learned a new lesson - being cheap does not always pay off

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Jun 26, 2017 09:15:44   #
AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!
 
And so many of the airlines do not make it clear the type of ticket you are purchasing. We must truly read all the fine print before clicking the "buy" button.

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Jun 26, 2017 09:19:03   #
Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier
 
AzPicLady wrote:
And so many of the airlines do not make it clear the type of ticket you are purchasing. We must truly read all the fine print before clicking the "buy" button.


So very true!

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Jun 26, 2017 09:32:08   #
twowindsbear
 
Divvy up your camera gear among the 4 that are traveling with you.

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Jun 26, 2017 09:37:28   #
markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ
 
Sorry about your airline dilemma. This will not solve your problem, but I have a scheduled rider attached to my Home Owner's policy (Liberty Mutual -
no deductible) that names each piece of equipment accompanied by a sales receipt. The policy covers all my photography equipment.
It costs $125 per year. It gives me peace of mind.
Mark
Japakomom wrote:
I know there has been much talk about some of the new regulations going into effect in regards to international flights and what can be taken on the plane. Here is a new domestic flight problem that I have recently run into. There is a new class of passenger that apparently started in March and that is the Basic Economy class. My husband purchased tickets for our flight to Alaska and did not realize what he was buying. In Basic Economy you are only allowed a personal item, no carry on bag. So for me that means no camera backpack. After much communication with the airlines - we are pretty much stuck. We can purchase a new ticket but will not receive any funds from the old ticket. The basic economy ticket cost us $715.20 per person (times 5), too much to walk away from.
So, be aware of the type of ticket you are purchasing. United, American, and Delta all have this new Basic Economy fare.
I have somewhat scaled back on my lenses and fitting them into a smaller backpack that can count as my personal bag. Even if I trusted the employees enough to check my camera gear, the most you can purchase insurance coverage (through airlines) for is $5000. - that doesn't cover much.
And yes, my husband learned a new lesson - being cheap does not always pay off
I know there has been much talk about some of the ... (show quote)

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Jun 26, 2017 09:43:09   #
Bayertake2 Loc: Alton, Illinois
 
Buy a Nikon P900 for $498. All in one 2,000 mm zoom with great pictures.

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Jun 26, 2017 09:43:21   #
ole sarg Loc: south florida
 
If you know where you are staying simply fedex and insure the packaged photo stuff.

I do it all the time.

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Jun 26, 2017 10:11:12   #
DaveO Loc: Northeast CT
 
markngolf wrote:
Sorry about your airline dilemma. This will not solve your problem, but I have a scheduled rider attached to my Home Owner's policy (Liberty Mutual -
no deductible) that names each piece of equipment accompanied by a sales receipt. The policy covers all my photography equipment.
It costs $125 per year. It gives me peace of mind.
Mark


Same here through AMICA.

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Jun 26, 2017 12:29:46   #
Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier
 
Even with a rider, I am not sure that I would check my camera gear. I have used the TSA locks in the past and one time the lock was completely missing and my luggage had been rummaged through. There has to be a more secure way to travel with camera gear.
I think the best is to make sure that you can carry your gear in a carry-on. I am not sure how much longer we will be able to do that though.

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Jun 26, 2017 12:32:06   #
erinjay64
 
Never check photo gear. Never fly cheap. Pay a bit extra, and get some value for the money you spend. Insurance either won't pay out, or will take a year to do so. Carry your photo gear on with you, even if doing so costs a bit extra. Ask questions of the airport, and airlines, to get the latest info on what is / is not allowed. If travelling domestically, consider driving rather than flying. Cancel your current ticket, eat the cost, consider it another lesson, and do better next time.

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Jun 27, 2017 05:41:41   #
DELTA777
 
Come on I just flew Delta economy and I took on my luggage and camera gear your allowed 2 items carry on

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Jun 27, 2017 07:16:48   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
Another story regarding airline travel. What you don't know can turn out to result in misery. Camera gear, even the lesser expensive crop sensor camera with lenses, can still amount easily into one thousand+ in dollars value. Traveling by airline anywhere, with new rules, may result in most of us just taking a Bridge or fixed lens compact camera. Especially with each airline have its own rules.

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Jun 27, 2017 07:50:23   #
lbrande
 
I just returned from Greece, and had no issues with my camera equipment as carryon. I flew with United going, and Air Canada returning

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Jun 27, 2017 08:29:04   #
BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA
 
erinjay64 wrote:
.. . . . Insurance either won't pay out, or will take a year to do so. Carry your photo gear on with you, even if doing so costs a bit extra.. . . . .


I have an equipment rider with USAA. 8x50 Leica binoculars were stolen from my hotel room in Sydney. It took 8 days for me to have the settlement check. Of course, I've been with them for 47 years.

I agree with the second part. When I am forced to check camera and laptop, my international flying days are over. Just not worth it.

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Jun 27, 2017 08:34:18   #
RickL Loc: Vail, Az
 
as has been suggested,get a valuables insurance rider on your home owners policy. Mine covers loss, damage and so on with no deductible

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