nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Two points;
1. TSA must have access to locked baggage.
2. Haven't you seen the way the baggage handlers throw
the bags onto/off the conveyor?

When I fly with photo equipment I only bring what I can carry on myself. Now if you are doing this for a living then breakage/loss can be written off as an expense.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I use a Lowepro backpack-style camera bag which can fit under the seat, so I can carry it on even on the smaller commuter planes. On some trips where I want to take extra equipment, I put the least expensive items - and generally items I could survive without - in my hard-side suitcase. This includes extra flashes, the tripod, etc. The lenses and bodies come with me. And you can lock your checked baggage with "TSA Compliant" locks - the TSA can open these locks with special keys, but the baggage handlers cannot open them to see what goodies you might have.

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Ron:

I travel by plane several time a year with my camera gear. In the past I used a back pack for my equipment, but was never really comfortable with the security/safety of my gear. A year ago I purchased a Pelican 1510 and absolutely love it. The 1510 is designed to fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. Is extremely strong, has built in wheels and a retracting handle. It comes with a lifetime warranty and you can get an optional identification tag that fits into a slot and becomes part of the case, no chance to loose it. I have two locks that I carry with the case, should I have to stow it in the cargo area of the plane when boarding, has not happened yet. I am able to pack my D300s, with battery pack and 24-70mm attached, my 70-200mm and my 14-24mm lens. I have my SB800 flash, lee filters with mounting hardware, lens cleaning kit, 2X extender, small flashlight, battery charger and a few other small items. I liked this case so much I purchased a second that my wife and I use for our overnight carry on, no insert, just an optional mesh storage system that attaches to the lid. These cases are so strong that we have used them as seats in the waiting area when not seats are available. The customer service is excellent and the cases are made in the USA, which was a positive point for me. Hope this helps you out with your decision. Good Luck in your search. :thumbup:

joealdrich Loc: Texas

I've been looking into those same kind of cases for an overseas relocation. Everything has to go: cameras, lenses monitors, computers - everything. Once overseas, I'd be hauling everything to a new locations every 6-12 months.

I'll be packing ALL my gear in Pelican cases.
Pelicans are very sturdy, great for everyday use, but not really large enough for all my needs - so I'm leaning towards a "smaller" (half pallet) size ATA airline cargo case to load up with all the gear cases and other stuff

Bottom line: whatever hardshell case you opt for, customize the internal foam padding for each trip & keep the extra pieces - if your case isn't reconfigurable on the inside you can find material at the Container Store or online.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

I use the largest carry on pelican and can carry two bodies several lenses,filters,flash, and batteries. However, I would strongly recommend the newer models with wheels as I am fairly strong and find it a struggle when walking from one concourse to another to transfer. To address my need for a back pack I stuff an empty one with socks, underwear and other stuff and it really doesn't take much room in my large checked baggage.

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

I use a gura gear bag it looks small but packs a lot of gear. You can see you tube vids showing how much gear they will carry. Next week I will have 2 D610's 70 to 200, 24 to to 120, 16 to 35. 16 mm fish eye , plus a set of lee filters with 2 holders. 4 extra batteries, a charger, 2 rain sleeves for camera ( it's going to be a muddy motorcross shoot). On the plane my ball head will be packed in my carryon bag. Also several lens cloths and remotes, note pad. Ect.......

Took similar kit to Iceland but with a d700 and d7000

Look at the video' s on packing these things
My big tripod goes on my checked bag without a head on it

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Checked out the you tube videos and the gura looks very efficient and interesting from a capacity and weight standpoint but someone looking at pelican is looking from a bullet proof durability and protection perspective.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

I'm sure with the proper case and interior packing, making sure that lenses, bodies, flash, etc. are packed unattached to each other, that you can put together a package that will withstand some very heavy abuse. MY fear would be that I would fly to Iowa and my camera equipment would end up in Atlanta, Chicago, or somewhere else where I am not. To me that creates a bigger pucker factor than figuring out the packaging.

Tjgphoto Loc: South Carolina

Well this is a subject I May can help u with, I travel frequently, although I do video also, and must carry a fairly large video camera. I carry a lowe pro back pack that will hold , 2 bodies, 5 lens, speed lights, batt chargers, etc, i also carry on a pelican 1510. I check in a pelican 1650. With all my support gear. Lighting etc. I also cram my clothing in this same check in. Maybe look into those cases.

Robeng Loc: California

Ron,

What are you planning on shooting. I travel a lot and carry everything in a Tamrac camera bag.

SirLan Loc: London UK

What about seeing if you can rent some of the heavy gear at the destination and only packing your camera body and some relevant lenses? You could arrange for the nearest camera rental gear to leave the gear at your hotel ready for you when you arrive? Owning your own jet is a better idea... lol
Just a thought in an ideal world :)

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

When I took a trip to Alaska I sent my suitcase with clothing to the hotel I was first going to. My carry on was my camera equipment. Coming home, my check-thru was my suit case, camera equipment was carried on

amehta Loc: Boston

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
It's all about priorities!

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

Rappar, there are many answers as we now are seeing. This is how I handle a situation such as yours. I have a large Pelican case and a LowePro AW 200 backpack that fits nicely inside the Pelican case. I ship it FedEx express saver (3 day) and it has never failed to be there waiting at the FedEx Airport office. I leave the Pelican case in my room and take off with my backpack full of my favorite camera gear. Have fun, J. Goffe

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

When I travel, I use several Pelican cases, the 600's go as luggage, the 610 I can carry on, as well as softcases. And I have also gear stored in my regular luggage.