I've never had a problem with any photo gear in my carry-on. I often wear a multi-pocketed Scottevest or Scottevest Pack Windbreaker to carry everything from cameras, batteries, iPhones, food, etc. Just toss it onto the TSA XRay belt. A big DSLR will not be a problem. See:
https://www.scottevest.com
Silverman wrote:
I would guess the more "Visible" your gear is will be less subject to any delay in your inspection process. The TSA inspection requires those inspection Officers to show respect but also to make sure NOTHING that is dangerous to the Aircraft or the Passengers to be eliminated during the Inspection process. Hopefully with the full cooperation with all Passengers, knowing it is done for THEIR safety.
It is highly unlikely that the 20 seconds it takes to take your camera out of the bag and shove it back in after the inspection will delay the flight in any way. Especially if you think ahead and remove the camera from the bag while waiting in line for inspection. The better you are organized and know where everything is, the smoother it will go.
I have always carried my DSLR around my neck on airplanes. The Security people sometimes require me to take a photograph with it when I check it through. (I guess to prove it isn't a gun.)
flashguy
I have traveled a lot and have many times carried my camera on board. Best thing is If you can find a case to put it in so you don't bang it around and then you could put it in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
NEVER check your camera. I recently traveled from LAX to IAD. I had loaded my suitcase with tons of pictures to give to family. It was pretty heavy. When it got to Washington it came down the baggage belt in a plastic bin. It was unzipped wide open so somebody wanted to check what was in it. If TSA checks your bag they put a note in it saying they did so and they will close it.
Thank you to all who have replied! Lots of good info......
willaim
Loc: Sunny Southern California
No, unfortunately, you'll have to take it off and put in on the conveyor belt. I have my camera and lenses, etc. either in a camera backpack or camera bag and is a carry on. BTW, you still have to empty your pockets and if wearing a camera vest, you'll either have to empty the pockets or put the vest through the conveyor.
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
Almostageezer wrote:
Is it possible to wear a DSLR Nikon D610 on the strap around my neck on USA domestic flights? I realize that it needs to go through security on the conveyor, but thought it may get gentler treatment if I wear it on the flight rather than being in checked baggage. Your thoughts?
Never ever put valuables in your checked baggage. That includes your camera. I cannot even count the number of times that I have opened my checked baggage and found the TSA slip that said they had opened my baggage for a check. All it takes is one "bad apple" TSA agent and all your valuables, including your camera, are gone. I know it is true since I am married to a travel agent. And her associates talk about their customer's losses all the time from leaving valuables in the checked baggage. Some customers even try to sue the travel agent for their losses.
All valuables need to be carried on to the plane. Anything not carried on should be of such a nature that it can be stolen and it will not really impact your trip.
I never carry my camera on my neck on a plane. I never carry them in check baggage either. I pack them in a backpack and carry with me on the plane.
I have found that small regional jets usually lack enough space for carry-ons. On the tarmac, they ask passengers to check their baggage for that flight, with the plane right there. The items then do not go through regular baggage handling.
As I recall, these checked carry-ons return to the passengers immediately after the flight ends, again avoiding regular baggage handling.
CanonTom wrote:
Not to hijack the threat, but I am currently considering purchasing a Lowpro Flipside 400 AW II. Can anyone with experience with this bag tell us whether it will fit under the seat in front of me on domestic flights? Small regional jets?
I had to take mine out of my carry on bag recently since it is considered electronic equipment like you do a laptop computer. This was after my bag went through the scanner and then detected, then it was rescanned. I never put it in a checked bag. To easy to steal. Ask what to do when it is your turn at the scanner.
Paaflyer wrote:
I had to take mine out of my carry on bag recently since it is considered electronic equipment like you do a laptop computer. This was after my bag went through the scanner and then detected, then it was rescanned. I never put it in a checked bag. To easy to steal. Ask what to do when it is your turn at the scanner.
With TSA PreCheck, I've never had to unpack any camera or computer gear.
See:
https://www.tsa.gov/precheckTSA site says "As you know, standard screening requires that you remove all items and place them on the X-ray belt for screening. With TSA Pre✓®, you are able to speed through security and don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. Learn about how you can receive expedited screening with TSA Pre✓®."
lev29
Loc: Born and living in MA.
David in Dallas wrote:
I have always carried my DSLR around my neck on airplanes. The Security people sometimes require me to take a photograph with it when I check it through. (I guess to prove it isn't a gun.)
flashguy
Interesting. I would have thought it wasn’t permitted while flying or during take-offs and landings, but then I would not want the hassle of keeping it round my neck; besides its weight & bulk, I could spill beverages or food onto it. That’s why I have a padded lens holster to put inside my larger carry-on bag.
lev29
Loc: Born and living in MA.
peterg wrote:
With TSA PreCheck, I've never had to unpack any camera or computer gear. See:
https://www.tsa.gov/precheckTSA site says "As you know, standard screening requires that you remove all items and place them on the X-ray belt for screening. With TSA Pre✓®, you are able to speed through security and don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. Learn about how you can receive expedited screening with TSA Pre✓®."
ABSOLUTELY THE WAY TO GO for U.S. domestic travel! I got mine a few months ago: $85 for 5 years. One is then given a
KTN (= Known Traveler Number) that should, ideally, be entered when buying the air ticket. The KTN can also be listed in one’s frequent flyer profile for each airline.
As alluded to, there is at least one caveat that I know of:
it will not work on international flights (though I’m uncertain whether this applies to U.S. airlines that fly abroad as well.)
lev29 wrote:
As alluded to, there is at least one caveat that I know of: it will not work on international flights (though I’m uncertain whether this applies to U.S. airlines that fly abroad as well.)
Not entirely true.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/can-i-use-tsa-precheck-when-flying-us-airport-foreign-country says:"Can I use TSA Pre✓® when flying from a U.S. airport to a foreign country? "
"Yes.
TSA Pre✓® is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the United States. If you travel to foreign countries even once a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA Pre✓®. With Global Entry you’ll receive expedited customs processing when entering the United States, plus you’ll receive TSA Pre✓® when flying from U.S. airports."
lev29
Loc: Born and living in MA.
peterg wrote:
Not entirely true. [See] FAQ: Can I use TSA Pre✓® when flying from a U.S. airport to a foreign country? Yes.
Thank you. I stand corrected!
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