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Extra camera bag (empty) in checked baggage. Has yours ever been taken en route?
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Sep 9, 2019 15:05:54   #
Linda S.
 
Hello! I did purchase the Vanguard Alta Fly 55T. The workshop leaders (Iceland) said it wouldn't work very well when out of the vehicle taking photos. I have a Think Tank Speed Racer v2.0, which I really like but cannot carry the lens and 2 bodies . . .too small. I am flying Iceland Air ... shortest time (5.5 hours vs 12-15 using a US plane) BUT Iceland Air has the absolute most stringent carry-on rules. The Speed Racer is too wide.

If I pack it in my suitcase which will be checked, will it be there when I open it at the hotel? Has anyone had good/bad experiences? If bad, any steps to take to make it more difficult for it to be stolen?

Thank you in advance.

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Sep 9, 2019 15:20:48   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
Never ever had any problems with baggage when flying anywhere.

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Sep 9, 2019 15:35:11   #
philo Loc: philo, ca
 
You can put a luggage lock on your bag as an extra measure of peace of mind.

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Sep 9, 2019 16:07:06   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
philo wrote:
You can put a luggage lock on your bag as an extra measure of peace of mind.


Be sure it is TSA approved or you'll defeat your purpose.

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Sep 9, 2019 16:13:19   #
Linda S.
 
I have TSA locks. I thought they were able to unlock the bag.

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Sep 9, 2019 16:15:14   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
Linda S. wrote:
I have TSA locks. I thought they were able to unlock the bag.


Yup, that's the idea. They'll cut off others if necessary.

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Sep 9, 2019 16:29:15   #
philo Loc: philo, ca
 
quixdraw wrote:
Yup, that's the idea. They'll cut off others if necessary.


i understand that not everyone in tsa has a key.

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Sep 9, 2019 16:31:44   #
LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY
 
Linda S. wrote:
Hello! I did purchase the Vanguard Alta Fly 55T. The workshop leaders (Iceland) said it wouldn't work very well when out of the vehicle taking photos. I have a Think Tank Speed Racer v2.0, which I really like but cannot carry the lens and 2 bodies . . .too small. I am flying Iceland Air ... shortest time (5.5 hours vs 12-15 using a US plane) BUT Iceland Air has the absolute most stringent carry-on rules. The Speed Racer is too wide.

If I pack it in my suitcase which will be checked, will it be there when I open it at the hotel? Has anyone had good/bad experiences? If bad, any steps to take to make it more difficult for it to be stolen?

Thank you in advance.
Hello! I did purchase the Vanguard Alta Fly 55T. T... (show quote)


Your checked bags will be scanned by TSA here in the US and by whatever security is in place when you leave Iceland. Will either open your bag? They certainly will if the scan shows something suspicious or that they can't identify, even if it means cutting your locks off. There are the so-called 'TSA Locks' which airport security can open and re-lock without damage. Most of the time anyway. Will security agents steal from luggage? It happens but the odds overwhelmingly favor the traveler. Can baggage handlers get hold of the TSA keys and open luggage or simply steal the luggage? It too has happened, but, once again the odds are on your side. The fact is that despite the horror stories that no doubt will be related to you, millions of people travel by air every day and yet lost luggage and stolen property happen to only the tiniest percentage of flyers. I have flown many times with no problems, but, I do tend to keep my most valuable items in my carry-on.
Have you thought about taking 2 bags, even if you have to buy another? One sized for the max carry-on size so that you can keep as much with you as possible and the other, for your workshop, in your luggage. Compressed down or filled full of clothes it shouldn't take up much room.
You could put double locks on your bags. If security decides to open your bags they would still cut the one lock and yet be able to re-lock the TSA lock. Hopefully! No guarantees! If your bags pass without being opened the extra lock could help deter other thieves, even if they have TSA keys. My wife's best friend is a former travel agent and that's how she does it. We never felt the need to try it but it seems to make sense.
Luggage often gets a rough ride during handling. Pack sensitive items with care. A hard-side bag could be a good investment for any gear you have to put in your checked bags.
Whatever you do, talk to your insurance agent and make sure you are covered. Find out the details of your coverage. Don't make assumptions. You will rest easier.
Have fun!

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Sep 9, 2019 16:36:46   #
via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP
 
I just packed an older D800 in a suitcase coming back from Costa Rica. I did that because the camera no longer works and it did not matter if it got taken. However, it was still in the suitcase upon arrival. Normally I carry on all gear. There is always a chance that your gear will get taken at some point so I would not normally pack any expensive gear in my suitcase.

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Sep 9, 2019 17:54:43   #
juan_uy Loc: Uruguay
 
The OP is thinking of putting the second backpack EMPTY in checked luggage. You should be OK and have no issues, but that can't be guaranteed.
It will probably be as tempting as clothes. Anyone looking to steal would aim smaller and more expensive items (easier to remove, hide, take out of airport and sell, for a bigger margin) like electronics or even expensive perfumes.

From my point of view, the lock doesn't prevent someone from stealing of your luggage, it makes you notice that your bag was open right in the airport instead in the hotel or back home :)

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Sep 9, 2019 18:41:03   #
splatbass Loc: Honolulu
 
I always put a smaller backpack in my carry on so I don't have to carry the big one around all the time while I'm there. I have never had a problem, and I fly frequently.

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Sep 9, 2019 23:34:53   #
Linda S.
 
RichardTaylor wrote:
Never ever had any problems with baggage when flying anywhere.


Thank you for letting me know! This is a dream trip for me...photo workshop in Iceland - Northern Lights and ice caves and many other great locations!

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Sep 9, 2019 23:47:49   #
Stardust Loc: Central Illinois
 
In over 600 flights (and 52 countries) I have never had anything stolen from inside my luggage, even in the days of no locks allowed after 9-11. Now put on a TSA-approved lock, only will be opened in rare scan question. Even if bag is opened, I would bet there are no TSA handlers that would know or care what it was or cost, just another bag to them.

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Sep 9, 2019 23:52:52   #
Linda S.
 
LFingar wrote:


...You could put double locks on your bags. If security decides to open your bags they would still cut the one lock and yet be able to re-lock the TSA lock. Hopefully! No guarantees! If your bags pass without being opened the extra lock could help deter other thieves, even if they have TSA keys. My wife's best friend is a former travel agent and that's how she does it. We never felt the need to try it but it seems to make sense.

Have fun!


So your friend uses a non-TSA lock along with a TSA lock. That is very interesting. I could do that. Thanks for the reminder to talk with the insurance agent!

Flying a non-US flight is more costly in terms of purchasing new bags due to size restrictions. That said, this summer's trip to Tuscany had me sleeping on the floor at JFK! While I truly believe i am young at heart, at 70 years old, I think I should be pass those days! Flight to Iceland is 5.5 hours from Toronto Canada and a range of 13-15 hours out of the US...Everything has to be right before I leave for I live in Rochester NY, 3/4 hours away and have to go through Customs! No way I can take a chance. I'll buy the new bags! Thank you LFingar!

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Sep 9, 2019 23:54:05   #
Linda S.
 
via the lens wrote:
I just packed an older D800 in a suitcase coming back from Costa Rica. I did that because the camera no longer works and it did not matter if it got taken. However, it was still in the suitcase upon arrival. Normally I carry on all gear. There is always a chance that your gear will get taken at some point so I would not normally pack any expensive gear in my suitcase.


Well, no one knew that the camera didn't work so it is definitely good news that it wasn't taken! Thank you via the lens!

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