How to travel with expensive cameras in checked luggage

[LWimages]

Not sure if anyone has read this article lately, but it has worked for me ever since I read Cajungal's post some times ago (which I can't seem to find the posting). I travel a lot now with my camera equipment. It's very little hassle, and have not lost any of my equipment.

Schneier on Security: Expensive Cameras in Checked Luggage

The short of it is that you simply declare that you have a weapon and put it in your checked camera case. TSA will then put a special marking and lock the case and hand you back your key.

TSA does not want to lose a weapons case. This reduces the chance of the case being lost to virtually zero

[KD5NRH]

Originally Posted by louis24x7

The short of it is that you simply declare that you have a weapon and put it in your checked camera case. TSA will then put a special marking and lock the case and hand you back your key.

Might be a little problematic on international flights.

Besides, I still prefer the idea of shipping any large valuables ahead, fully insured. It could easily be worth the extra $200-300 for a guaranteed international delivery to make sure that it will get there in 2-3 days, rather than whenever the airline finds it.

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by louis24x7

The short of it is that you simply declare that you have a weapon and put it in your checked camera case. TSA will then put a special marking and lock the case and hand you back your key.

Let's see, intentionally making a false statement about the contents of your luggage. Yeah, I put that on the top of my list.

Originally Posted by KD5NRH

Might be a little problematic on international flights.

Nope, not at all. However, you do it before you get to the counter. I have seen peeps carrying hunting rifles through immigration and customs, in Russia. I don't know if such were stowed in the cockpit, or if it was handed back to them at the door from checked baggage, so they could declare at immigration.

[kamekaze]

Originally Posted by Howard Barlow

Let's see, intentionally making a false statement about the contents of your luggage. Yeah, I put that on the top of my list.

Spend 20 or 30 bucks for a starter gun and it would no longer be a false statement

[Hanky]

Wont they look at gun in bag?

[KD5NRH]

Originally Posted by Howard Barlow

Nope, not at all. However, you do it before you get to the counter. I have seen peeps carrying hunting rifles through immigration and customs, in Russia.

I can guarantee you they didn't just show up at the Moscow airport with guns and expect to be let in. The paperwork they would have had to do in advance is reason enough to find somewhere else to hunt, IMO.

[candywhitevdub]

I just do carry on for my expensive stuff when im traveling. I know where it is at all times and dont have to worry about someone throwing it around

[Doctorh]

I travel overseas 4-6 times per year and I always carry my equipment with me (in my carry on)

[mooshu2]

I recommend buying one of the camera bag rollar. It looks like a carryon. It will put you back about $350.00

[SecretAgent]

agreed, most airlines have a clause that allows photographers an extra carry-on bag for their photography equipment. as long as the bag/case fits their carry-on dimensions you're good to go. in fact, it's always been my understanding they recommend specifically NOT checking ANY valuables.

[jcopes]

I never check my camera equipment. You can carry on. If you attach your tripod it is considered one piece instead of two. I would rather check my cloths rather than check my camera equipment.

If I had to check, I would then ship to myself in insure it. I have travel more days than I have been home. American Airlines has been my home away from home. So, never check your camera equipment.

My two cents.

[revjvegas]

Originally Posted by jcopes

...I would rather check my cloths rather than check my camera equipment.

+1
I'm the same way.

[Bombsight]

I carry so much, I have to check some of it.

The bodies and lens travel as a carry on in a Pelican 1510 case.

Everything else, water housings, tripod, flash, etc .... travel "Checked in" in a large Stormcase ... DOUBLE LOCKED! Insurance is a must if traveling.

To back things up even more ...

When I have my cases with me in the car, I wrap a small chain w/comb. lock through the handles of the locked cases ... and through the frames of the cars seats.
They may get it if left overnight, which I never do .... but its going to take a while to get it otherwise - hopefully deterring the situation.

After loosing over $2500 worth of uninsured stuff in Costa Rica, one will go to these measures.

[Truckman]

Originally Posted by Bombsight

When I have my cases with me in the car, I wrap a small chain w/comb. lock through the handles of the locked cases ... and through the frames of the cars seats.

I'm off to Lowe's for a chain and lock now...I lost $5K in gear to someone's precious little crack addict once......Ben

[Bombsight]

Originally Posted by Truckman

I'm off to Lowe's for a chain and lock now...I lost $5K in gear to someone's precious little crack addict once......Ben

With what the airlines charge for baggage wt. now, get a small one! It only needs to deter the easiness of it.