See "Plan B".

Insurance is always a good idea, but it won't save the trip if my gear is damaged or stolen. It takes time to get a settlement.

I've had the same problem with all of my Nikon's - D750, D5500, D7000, D3200, D300. I underexpose then raise the shadows for the background. This sometimes will add noise though.

Thanks to everyone that has commented. A lot of good suggestions.

So it seems the reason is that I bought the cheapest tickets on United, and they don't allow carry-on on the cheap tickets. So my fiance is a 1K member and is exempt, so it will be hers for the purposes of boarding.

But being a very careful man, I also have plan B and C. :)

Plan B: put cameras and lenses in neoprene pouches inside padded camera bag. If I have to gate check it it will have extra padding.

Plan C: pay for upgrade.

Hmmmm.....I'll take that under advisement....

That it is. And long flights too. The shortest flight from here is 5 hours to SFO.

Thank you, I'll probably do that. The other option is my fiance, who is going with me, is a Mileage Plus 1K member and can carry on, so she can carry it.

Wish I could, but on a tight schedule.

Thanks everyone, there is some good advice here for me to consider. I discovered that it doesn't apply to Mileage Plus Premium members, and my fiance is a Mileage Plus 1K member, so hopefully that will work. But if not I need a backup plan so I'll consider all of these great ideas.

I'll pobably put my stuff in two bags, a messenger bag big enough for a camera and two lenses which will fit under the seat, and a smaller than normal backpack with the other lenses and second body.

The gear I'm taking is:

Nikon D750 and D5500
Nikon 24-120 F4
Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 G2
Nikon 300mm PF
Sigma 150-500mm (may leave home)
1.4x and 1.7x teleconverters
Nikon 35mm f1.8 (maybe)
Macbook Air

In my checked bag I'll put my Benro tripod and some minor accessories. I alway take a tripod in a checked bag and have never had a problem.

One personal item, but no overhead sized items - like my camera backpack.

I booked a flight to Las Vegas from Honolulu for a two week RV trip. I am taking a two cameras, and three or four lenses. It didn't say anything when I booked the flight, but the itinerary they sent (United) says no carry on bags probably due to a small plane from SFO to LAS. So I'm not sure what to do now. Cancel and pay the cancellation fee? Gate check backpack in carry on suitcase? Check a pelican case and risk theft? None of these options are ideal. It is a once in a lifetime kind of trip, with stops at national parks, etc., including the elk rut at Rocky Mountain NP, so it is essential I take my gear (photography is one of the prime reasons for the trip). I can take a personal item (I have a messenger bag that holds a camera and two small lenses), but the telephotos needed for wildlife won't fit.

Any advice?

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.

Thank you all for your comments.

Critique Please.

Nikon D300, Sigma 150mm-500mm. 1/250, f6.3, ISO 320.

Thanks!

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Exactly. Thank you.