RonMe Loc: San Antonio

Your camera bag will normally count as a personal item as long as it meets the airlines size requirement. Like mentioned by someone previously, I pack my camera bag inside of my carry-on bag. I use a Tenba Messenger DNA 13 and it carries everything I really need. My wife and I recently returned from a Viking cruise in Norway and I took my Fujifilm XPro-3, 16mm-55 zoom, 10mm-24mm zoom, Fujifilm XV100 and the two available conversion lenses, all packed within my Messenger bag. Something to note is that many overseas airlines have fairly restrictive weight limits for all carry-on items. We flew home on KLM from Oslo and they didn't pay any attention to the weight of my carry-on items, but they have hassled me in the distant past.

Something else to note is that airline travel to Europe is in a chaotic state recently due to industrial action by SAS. We met many folks on our trip that had become separated from their checked bags. It seems like most of the issues mentioned by those we met had transited Amsterdam, which has always been a challenge for me personally. I suggest that you pack at least one full change of clothes on your carry-on and more if you can.

All in all, our trip was very good but the weather can also be a challenge. For example, it was very cold and rainy the first week in July when we visited Bergen and Eidfjord. Low temperatures were in the mid-40's at night and hovered in the mid-50's during the day on the rainy days. I suggest you pack at lease some warmer clothes and a rain jacket of some sort. We were sure glad that we did.

Enjoy!

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

If you can travel first class or business class, you will have more success in carrying on more.

JBRIII

Some European airlines have strict weight limits for any carry on, solid wall carry on bags alone can be half you limit, varies by class also. Also, we flew from Iceland to Fareo Islands and were limited to one checked bag, could not purchase a second. As a result, we have eliminated most old suitcases and bought light weight ones.

Old Coot

I used a Back Pack camera case. No problem

bajadreamer Loc: Baja California Sur

A long standing quandary for my wife and I. Although we are packing for 2, the concepts we use would work for 1. We use Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Underseat Carry-on Travel Tote Bag (Amazon). Holds 2 full frame cameras with battery grips, 1 100-500 mm lens, spare battery, battery charger, iPhone, various IDs, 15" laptop, sweater, headphones, charger cables. Fits under seat easily; have used it on many different domestic and international carriers. Then I use a Pelican 1535 rolling case. Fill with relatively robust photo gear, like flashes, binoculars, some clothes (to act as padding), post processing materials (card readers, external hard drives, computer mouse, computer charging cords). I lock the Pelican because although I plan on placing it in the overhead storage, I have been asked to check it. If I do have to check it, I feel that it is robust enough to give me a chance of receiving it on the other end undamaged. I use multiple ID tags and Apple Air Tags also. If you get asked to check your "carry on" bag at the gate, you have a much better chance that it will be loaded on the plane and fly with you than if you check it at the ticket gate. I keep the weight of the Pelican at 20#. Have never been asked to weigh my under seat personal item.
I also like this set up because the Travelpro fastens easily to the handle of the rolling Pelican and then I do not have to worry about a back pack.

AnotherBob

Not overseas, but I used the Airport Elements bag for a trip to Hudson Bay, Canada, in a series of ever smaller planes. It was perfect for my needs, and fit within the space limitations of the often picky Air Canada and others. I also found that, although the airlines are strict in enforcing weight limits for your carry-on luggage, not so for you. I stuffed two lenses in my jacket pockets and rearranged things once on the plane. Of course, always check with your airline for current restrictions.

haren

Sounds like a super camera

haren

Quick thinking...thanks I'll keep that in mind

CKAlbion Loc: Mendocino, CA

A few years ago, we flew Air France round trip. On the way out, no problem with my camera bag personal item and a carry-on. On the way home, it was a completely different story.

Make sure you read all the weight and size restrictions. Don't assume that your bag is squishy enough to fit. Some airlines have the "your bag must fit" device to check, but others actually measure your bag and weigh it.

lyndacast

When I travel, I try to take only a mirrorless camera with 2 lenses. I have a great carry on bag that fits my camera and lenses in a smaller bag on one side, my toiletries, iPad (which I take instead of computer) a change of clothes, etc.

haren

Thanks, I am taking the fugi XT3 with an 18 /55 lens. I am trying to decide if I should take the 55 to 200 lens ( a bit heavy) with a little further reach than just 55mm.

timcc Loc: Virginia

Have a great trip to Norway! We were there last month (Bergen, Oslo, and a small-ship cruise through the fjords). It is a very photogenic country -- I've posted some pics on https://timcrossphotos.shutterfly.com/pictures/5. Be prepared for rain and gray weather, though, as well as some beautiful days. And, yes, my camera pack counted as a personal item on the United flight. Good luck!

Alphabravo2020

Is it still a thing to include and declare a firearm component (barrel, cylinder) when checking a camera bag? I remember reading something about that as a strategy to improve the tracking and response if something is stolen.

TIA

Craig Meyer Loc: Sparks, NV

Paring down is always a good idea, especially if alone and carrying it ALL yourself. Just as an example, I once spent 3 weeks in Europe and took one pair of dress/walking shoes, all black pants and grey/black/blue clothes. The only time I was anyplace too long, I was hiking, and NOBODY cares what you wear.

Trick is to put the purse, at least inside another bag, that leaves you with carry on and personal item. The real issue is between the ears. Wearing something colorful and interesting (yeah I know, I'm an old guy!) pleases ourselves. I found the ease of movement and versatility more than made up for the "monochrome" look. Use your juice and wine glass for color.

But especially if you're managing by yourself, keep it small and simple. And get used to washing your stuff every night and give it 2 days to dry when you can. I found Land's End t-shirts dried faster than the special stuff. Depending on where you're going there may not be help available and encumbered makes anyone more vulnerable--and also worn out and prone to injury.

Keep it light, buy it there, send it home by mail.
C

haren

Love your photos of Norway thanks