Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

Just went through this. Do a lot of research, depending on what airline you use, and don't just rely on websites, CALL, and things can change after you buy your ticket. So check again a week or so before you leave. After January 1, many airlines are changing the rules for carry on luggage, limiting it, in some cases trying to eliminate carry on luggage because it slows everyone down. Also, depending on time of year and where you are flying there may be a luggage embargo, limiting the number of bags period.

If you check your equipment, I put mine in a big Lowe Pro Super Treker camera backpack (two big bodies, 6 lenses, three strobes, light meter, color meter, various accessories batteries, etc., then put that into a large rigid plastic case like a NANUK, and secure it with two TSA approved locks to prevent theft. TSA locks are combination locks that have a key the TSA agent will have in case he needs to open the box. The locks are not very big, and you can buy them is most hardware stores. Make sure they say TSA approved. The combination of all this weighs just under 70 pounds, the max for 1st Class for American or Delta, or it will cost you more if you fly coach.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

For the last few years, I have shipped in a Pelican case via FedEx to a local FedEx office and pick up the gear once I arrive. The return is similar - drop off the day I leave and ship to the local FedEx office. no issues, no damage and 90% of the time it arrives the day before I do ! Depending on the airline, The fees are usually very close to the 'extra bag' fees and I don't have to worry about theft.

Harbor Freight now has large cases that are strong and a lot less expensive than actual Pelican cases and the foam inserts are included ( https://www.harborfreight.com/4800-weatherproof-protective-case-x-large-64250.html ). In the large case, I ususlly take 2 bodies (5ds, 70D) long Sigma 500 lens, medium 70-20 zoom, 17-40 zoom and a battery grip. batteries shipped in grip. I carry-on just my backpack with the accessories (filters, remotes, speedlight, etc) and the tripod secured on the side of the bag. Never any issues at security and picking up the FedEx is usually on the way to the hotel ! Only negative is no wheels - but since you don't have far to carry it from FedEx to the car and then into the hotel, its not bad at all.

Ground shipping cost is dependent on distance but so far its been the same or less than an additional checked bag.
Good luck !

1826fairhaven

I travel with 2 cameras and 2 lenses including a 500 fixed Canon lens in a Manfroto rolling carry-on that fits in the overhead of most airplanes. I check a suitcase with my tripod and Wimberly head inside. There are several full size tripods that have 4 or 5 segments that close down to 18 inches. I disconnect the Wimberly head from the tripod. Don't forget to place your Lithium batteries in the checked luggage since they are not allowed in the cabin. I have found that I tend to overpack clothes, so I have been taking less and less clothes and more camera equipment. I have had to check my camera equipment at the door of smaller planes because of minimal overhead space, but you are better of giving it up there than checking it at the check-in. If the plane is not full you may be able to convince them to let you place it in an empty seat as I was able to do twice in Guatemala recently!

stevefrankel

It's definitely safer with you, rather than going as baggage. Disposing of goods stolen by baggage handlers is an underground industry throughout the world -- including at US airports such as JFK.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I have a small Nikon backpack for travel. I had my Nikon d7200 with 16-80mm attached as well as Tamron 10-24 and Nikon 55-300mm. I also had a cellphone, tablet, and hotspot in the pack. This was ok on a regional airplane. I also have a PEN F and 4 lenses in a even smaller backpack. My wife had the MePhoto tripod in her checked bag.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

I suspect this is the type of trip that Rickilu52 does not make often and possibly only once. He is meeting with relatives that he may not see again. He wants to cover all his bases with pretty much all his traveling equipment. And, like you have implied, a lot the equipment will probably not be used. But I have to applaud his tenacity to prepare for everything.

Since he is meeting relatives, he can send some of the equipment ahead of time and they can take care of it until he arrives. Many pros do this when they are taking more equipment than they can easily handle on a plane or at an airport. Then he can return home and the relatives can send the equipment back to him. He just has to cover it with enough insurance for any problems. And that should cost less than taking the extra equipment on an airline.

Mike1017

Buy a think tank has wheels its a approved carry on works great. I travel quite a bit I carry 2 bodies 3 lens a flash and fits very well in the overhead made several trips to Europe that way no problem and you will have your equipment with you all the time. Google Think Tank Mike

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

If separately shipping the camera(s), I would remove the memory cards and take them with you. (No sense losing pictures if the camera comes up missing.)

Rickyb

You may have to drive. With the shut down, the TSA may go on strike. No Flights! No Pay!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

It will also be a challenge getting through security. Guaranteed.

tomcat

I use a small rolling carry on also. I already had 2 Thinktank holsters and put these into my rolling carry on with the camera and a short lens attached. The holsters will hold them very snugly with no jarring. The rolling carry on was a whole lot cheaper than purchasing a "photography backpack" system---at that time. Since then, I found a Vivitar rolling backpack on Amazon for $100 which will now serve me perfectly because it's both a backpack and it has wheels. And it will hold 2 bodies, a bunch of lenses, and a lot of extra pockets for miscellaneous stuff.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I live in Hallandale Beach which is just above Miami.
We travel out of the Fort Lauderdale Airport to PA and DE.
Usually Jet Blue they are very nice to deal with.
I have never had a problem with a smaller backpack. A regular
backpack not a camera bag. I also use it for medications
a very small laptop and a few files. The last time we went
I used My lowepro sling like a pocket book a very light good
camera bag had an Sony RX10 III in it. Add a little padding.
and a body and 2 to 3 lens will go in this great bag.
Other photo stuff goes in my Swissgear backpack
smaller but can carry a lot. Mac Air laptop, hard drive and
maybe another mirrorless body and lens(s) The RS10 III
is an amazing bridge camera 24 600mm I have carried
a small video kit like this a a7s II mirrorless and a couple
of cube lens and a small powerful LED light.
The tripod can to go in checked luggage. I have a smaller
Manfrotto. Or a attach it to our backpack. I prefer not.

I have mentioned in these forums about camera bags. I
want nothing that screams cameras. My wife has a small
roller for her personal stuff and it is a good place to
rest the backpack when walking far.
I guess with Sony mirrorless and a couple of lens one
70 200 this makes it easier.

The crazy thing is my last trip I see people really carry on
heavy suitcases they are shoved hard into the overhead.

Haven't had this in years like at the gate (why dont you
check that bag) because they hand it out as you leave.
My reply is my photo stuff is valuable and I need them
for my work. Politeness big time is a must.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I had a production company for many years. My bigger gear like video projectors was shipped out of NY friends company.
They will not ship to certain countries period. The gentlemen using pro containers and pelican can do that but sooner or
later an emplyee that knows how to heist from registered luggage will. Mexico was always a no no. I worked their
a lot until a few years ago. Their are very good gear suppliers for corp. shows in Mexico.
I think some know what they are doing but are naive to the realities. Happy New Year.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

A few months ago I flew to France for a month vacation. 2 DSLRs, 3 lenses, flash w/Pocket Wizards, monopod, tripod, a G15 pocket camera, portable hard drives along with assorted accessories and a small tablet and a tablet/PC. All on carryon baggage. I packed the monopod and tripod in a 20" suitcase with my clothes and everything else in a PacSafe backpack.
I kept the lenses apart from the bodies because TSA wanted pcs, tablets and cameras visibly inspected and out of the case. So they were packed accordingly for quick access.

Brokenland

Contact the hotel where you'll be staying, inform them that you're sending a few things ahead which needs to be place in their hotel safe. Once there use what lenses you need. When finished repackage the gear and send the items back to a secure location like fed-ex or ups store. make sure you place insurance on these items and send them weeks in advance as Customs may hold them for at least 2 weeks. I was lucky, my lenses were only held up 3 days.