mainshipper Loc: Hernando, Florida

Don't worry Splinter, the US airports are staffed by the world's finest rent-a-cops that our bloated govenment can muster so you should not have a problem. I have dragged many a bag of electronics through security and customs without an issue. Also, using the term "tough" to describe US airport security does not include "logical" in the mix.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Good points and one thing that has not been mentioned yet: buy insurance for the equipment that covers having it lost or stolen. Some of the airlines explicitly exempt electronic or expenisve equipment from reimbursement in their baggage policies.

I already noted the problem at New York's JFK airport where the baggage handlers have been systematically going through and pilfering from luggage and the police haven't done anything about it for a couple of years.

And yes, on the full flights nowadays you can be forced to check a bag you are carrying on with you. It does not happen often to modest sized bags but can happen if you can't get it under the seat in front of you.

IzzyKap Loc: Rockville, MD

In USA, one does NOT have to take iPad at the airports.

SR71BLACKBIRD

Where will you be going while here? Maybe can hook Up with some ugly locals for a guided tour...

DK Loc: SD

I limit my equipment to a bag that will fit under the seat in front of me. Stuffing it in an overhead compartment could damage it. You are usually allowed two carry-ons and my camera bag seems to qualify as a tote bag or brief case. My regular carry-on with a change of clothes and necessities goes in the overhead. My MacBook Air, two bodies and lenses fit in the camera bag along with extra batteries and memory cards. By putting it under the seat, I always have it in sight. The only thing I had to take out of the bag going through security was the MacBook Air.

3Stripes Loc: Rocester, UK

without wanted to hijack (sorry Homeland Security if you are monitoring this forum!) this thread can any of our USA friends recommend an airline to fly from New York (any airport) to DFW. Checking on line is a pain so thought you might have experience and insight into deals , better airlines than others etc.

Chris

luckyfon Loc: Bethlehem, PA, USA

You will not have any issue with camera gear in carryon laguage. I have traveloled with camera equipments many times. do not have the tripod with your carryon even it is small, that can creat some issues.

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

This "carry-on" luggage thing is something to be considered. There's no guarantee you'll be able to use the overhead storage bins, especially if the flight accommodates people who must carry everything with them, bands are a good example with their tons of musical equipment. There are size restrictions posted at ticket counters but it seems to me to be first-come-first-served regardless of how much stuff any individual has. If you're one of the last batch of people to board the aircraft you may find the only place to stow your luggage overhead is many seats away from yours. If carrying more than one overhead item they could be scattered anywhere (take note of the seat numbers below your items).
If you do plan on carrying an oversized piece of gear onboard pack this gear in preparation for being checked baggage, as this is what the attendants will do when overhead space becomes full. I've witnessed a couple of pissed off bands having to check everything because of space limitations.
Again, I say have a wonderful trip, remember all the good things and forget the bad ones.

rrforster12 Loc: Leesburg Florida

It has been my experience that the inspectors tend to remove most of the components from the various pockets of my camera bag. The trouble is when they stuff it all back in to the bag it is completely mixed up, which makes it difficult to determine if everything has been put back in. I have lost battery charger components, cables, and other small items several times in the checking process. I have found it helpful to combine similar items and pack those small items in zip-Lock plastic baggies to keep them from going astray. Also try to be at the table where the inspectors are doing the inspection so you can watch for items that may be left behind when they are re-packing your bag.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Last time I travelled by air with my gear, there was no problem. Laptops had to be taken out of their bags but No-one asked me to open my gear bag - and I had a lot of gear!

davids999 Loc: Edinburgh, UK

Sounds like your camera bag won't be too heavy. Just a couple of thoughts. I usually photocpy our passport and put a copy into each bag. If you are tavelling with British Airways or Virgin you will not have a problem. You are allowed two pieces of carry on, subject to size and weight. If you select a seat at an emergency exit the flight crew will make you put your bags in overhead locker as you are not allowed to put your bags on the floor at the exits. If a lot of people have boarded before you the lockers in the vicinity might be filled and you can find your bag being stuffed into a bin at the other end of the plane. You will then worry about it all the way over the atlantic.

Good point about checked bags. It can sometimes take two hours+ to clear immigration (worst case scenario) in the US and you will find that your bags have been taken off the carousel and dumped in a corner of the baggage hall by the time you get to them.

IzzyKap states above that you do not have to take iPads out and put them through separately in the US and I am sure that has been his experience but I came through Newark NJ just a few weeks ago and I did have to take it out, and open it up. Just watch the line as people are approaching to see what they are being asked to do so that you can be prepared.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

My photo bag when flying typically has two camera bodies, 3 lenses, flash, and a wide variety of accessories. I've never had even a question asked in the US going through security whether flying domestically or internationally. It won't be an issue. Enjoy your trip!

cliffetops Loc: Sheffield England

I took my kit out to Miami then onto Gran Cayman no problem I would make sure it will fit in the overhead locker or they will take it from you

CAM1017 Loc: Chiloquin, Oregon

At inspection they will ask you to remove computers and i-pads from the bag and place them in a separate bin from the rest of the camera gear. I believe you can leave the rest of the camera gear in the pack so they can inspect it if they want. All the the gear goes thru a x-ray type machine and you retrieve at the end of the line.My experience has been that this part of the security check goes fast. The slow part is getting my belt and shoes on afterwards. I also have a knee replacement which triggers an alarm and I offen have to go thru an additional body search.
Have fun and hope you take lots of photos! :thumbup:

jrb1213 Loc: McDonough GEorgia

I travel frequently and always have my camera in a backpack. A new agent will take their time looking at the xray especially if your wires are all jumbled up. I have never had them ask me to open it up. And since Oct 2011 have not been asked to take my IPAD out for separate inspection. In my backpack I have
1 or 2 camera bodies
3-5 lenses
IPAD
phone
mp3 player
noise cancelling headphones
flash
ring flash
charging cables for everything
recharger
extra batteries