I don't want to bore the people that know me but I am flying to the great US in May for a fantastic photographic experience.
I have a photo back pack and will be taking it with me on the trip as hand luggage with all the cameras and lenses with wires and i-pad. Are the security guys used to this kind of thing by now or am I going to get a grilling because of the suspicious equipment in the bag? I have heard the airport security is tough and unforgiving.
What should I expect?
splinter wrote:
I don't want to bore the people that know me but I am flying to the great US in May for a fantastic photographic experience.
I have a photo back pack and will be taking it with me on the trip as hand luggage with all the cameras and lenses with wires and i-pad. Are the security guys used to this kind of thing by now or am I going to get a grilling because of the suspicious equipment in the bag? I have heard the airport security is tough and unforgiving.
What should I expect?
You just might find that someone else on your flight has electronic equipment: computer, DSLR, chargers. The inspectors are used to this type of thing. What really matters is the particular inspector and what kind of a day he has been having. It shouldn't be a problem at all. Just be polite and make it easy for him. (Oh, that's right, you're from the UK. Of course you'll be polite.)
Be sure to vist all fifty states and see all the sites each has to offer. :D
On the rare occasion they ask it is usually out of interest more than anything.
If you would like, let us know where you are planning to go and we may be able to help with the local spots!
Going through UK customs you have to take laptop out of bag, so I assume ipad too, not sure about rest of stuff though, maybe the same in the US.
I have thrown so much electrical stuff in my carry on that I'm always amazed they just give it a glance on the x-ray machine and let it thru.
I was pulled over last time going thru security for a chemicals test. Wiped my forearms down with some sort of steri-strip and put it in a little machine for a read out.
Surprised I passed considering how toxic I am.
I have travelled a couple of times recently with a full backpack without any problems. It looks like airport security are fine with the camera, lenses and associated kit, just leave it all in the pack. As mentioned above they do look for the iPad being taken out and put through separately. Airlines themselves are not a problem. If you have anything in your checked baggage such as a tripod its best to use a tsa approved padlock because that allows security to check the content of your case without damaging it as they can open the padlock. Be sure to post you pictures on UHH. Enjoy
I had no problems last year when we went to the USA. As has been mentioned, the only thing we had to take out was the laptop my wife took and the iPad I brought home. No problems either with internal flights.
If you are taking internal flights you may need to check the size of your bag relative to the overhead boxes, the ones on the internal flights were very small compared to the transatlantic aircraft.
Enjoy your trip, and let us see some of the results in due course.
Sheila
Loc: Arizona or New York
Check the weight as well as dimensions of your carry on. Are you flying anywhere on a smaller regional plane. Sometimes they have a more restrictive policy. If you case is too heavy, it may not be allowed in the overhead compartments.
Take locks for you bag in case you have to gate check or have to put it in an area separated from your seat. Most of the time there are no problems but you do not want to risk anything on such a major trip.
Dadyassa wrote:
Going through UK customs you have to take laptop out of bag, so I assume ipad too, not sure about rest of stuff though, maybe the same in the US.
Not in customs. Just in airport security on your way into the gate areas.
I hate to say this but: Just be sure to carry all expensive stuff with you...not in your checked luggage.
There has been a huge problem at JFK Airport in NYC with the baggage handlers stealing stuff from luggage. Other large cities might also be an issue.
splinter wrote:
I don't want to bore the people that know me but I am flying to the great US in May for a fantastic photographic experience.
I have a photo back pack and will be taking it with me on the trip as hand luggage with all the cameras and lenses with wires and i-pad. Are the security guys used to this kind of thing by now or am I going to get a grilling because of the suspicious equipment in the bag? I have heard the airport security is tough and unforgiving.
What should I expect?
I got pulled at Manchester airport and got the full treatment ( no gloves involved thankfully )
Guy emptied my main suitcase and went through everything. Then came to camera bag. Told him to be careful with it as theres some expensive kit in there.
He handled it with kid gloves took one lens cap off had a look put it back on and I was on my way.
So
Dont worry
Whatever you do please put your name address and telephone number in every bag and container of everything you value. Have a wonderful trip.
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