rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Do you have a trusted friend at the final destination? If so, ship what you aren't absolutely going to need to that friend.
--Bob

MrPhotog

One additional thought.

Get an insurance policy on your gear. Then you can pack it as baggage and if it is damaged or stolen you get enough cash to replace it.

Might make future travels more convenient.

BobPeterson Loc: Massachusetts

Check out this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJCwB1-cFo8

dbrugger25 Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have a wheeled Pelican case for camera gear thet qualifies as carry-on. I have flown across the USA several times with a dslr, several lenses large and small, with no problems ar all. It fits in the overhead compartment on most planes. It has an extendable pulling handle and adjustable padded velcro dividers. The only drawback is that it is heavy when loaded with gear.

Flyhigh Loc: Seattle, Palm Desert

Put it under your seat. Don't leave it out of site and do not check the bag.

gwilliams6

I use Think Tank Roller bags. They come in sizes for standard carry-on size and sizes for smaller plane carry-ons for overhead stowage or under-seat stowage . I travel all over the country and all over the world with them and it protects my gear and will easily carry my long lenses like my Sony 200-600mm lens along with cameras and other lenses and stuff. Put the backpack in your checked luggage (without your camera gear). and use the Think Tank Airport Roller Derby or one of its sister rollers.

Then use your carry-on personal item for any overflow precious items. Think Tank gear isn't the cheapest but they are super rugged and will last a lifetime of heavy use (I know from years of beating on them) , and have user-replaceable wheels, integrated locks and super support from Think Tank. They really are the professional standard. Your gear deserves nothing less. Ship the clothes or other non-perishable items by an insured shipper, but ALWAYS keep your camera gear with you onboard.

A word of caution, get to the plane on time and don't run the risk of having no overhead space to stow your gear. A photog got late to the plane (on a major USA carrier) and the overhead space was all gone and they made her check the case with her camera gear, assuring her it would be there when she arrived. The $14K of gear was never seen again, and she had not paid her last gear insurance premium. Insure all your gear before any travel .

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/pages/rolling-cases

Cheers
https://www.facebook.com/GSWilliamsPhotography

FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

I have traveled to several continents with expensive gear in carryon luggage. If you are allowed to bring two items on board, reserve enough room for your gear in the smaller one i. e. rucksack. In the event you have to check the larger case, quickly transfer the gear to the smaller one to keep everything with you. In a pinch there is always enough room on the floor under the seat in front of you. But then there is business class too . . . .

Worked well for me! . . .

AlGreg

I travel from NY to TX every fall by air and back to NY in the spring. I have a Loeprow Photostream SP200 Roller that is TSA approved as a carry on. In it I have a Nikon D500 with a 200-500, a D7200 with a 18-140, a 70-300, a 50mm prime, a Nikon speedlite 700, batteries, 2 chargers, a Lenovo 12" Think Pad, an Intel NUC mini desktop (4"x4"x2") and various small items. The inexpensive items I put in my checked baggage. I paid $250 for the Lowepro 3 years ago. It is at Amazon for $218. It has worked great for me.

anotherview Loc: California

My thought as well. FedEx and others, too, can arrange a shipment like yours. I searched on this wording: "shipping a large camera lens". The search returned useful info. In addition, you likely will want to buy some shipment insurance, just in case. Good luck.

dick ranez

Maybe buy a TSA carry on compliant backpack, put the 200-500 in it along with as much else as you can fit. Then put the "leftovers" in your carry-on bag and just take a minimum of clothing or whatever in with them. Backpack wouldn't be much more expensive than a ticket or shipping costs and your gear never leaves your side.