how do you travel?

[hue-e]

When I travel, my general rule of thumb is to always carry on my camera gear. I'm going on a trip soon and I'm trying to consolidate everything into one internal framed backpack (4000ci). I'm going for a small to medium bag and gonna chance just trying to carry it on, but in the event I have to check it, I was curious what some of you have experienced with checked gear.

Ideas, horror stories, "awe hell no," etc?

[Tom]

Not a chance. If you check it, the airlines have no responsibility for the gear. So if (when) it disappears, too bad. It is gone and you won't get it back.

[KenJulio]

I packed a Thinktank Streetwalker HD for my 3 week trip across China last year, the thread can be found here: Think Tank StreetWalker Harddrive

Carried a D3s w/ L-Plate
70-200 VR2 - hood reversed
24-70G - hood reversed
16-35 VR2 - hood reversed
Sigma 50mm 1.4 - hood reversed
Portable External Harddrive
13" Macbook Pro
di-GPS Pro
~100gb of Memory cards
Assorted USB and power cables
Flashlight and batteries
sb600
Assorted filters, 2 ND's, 2 CPL's

All of this was checked in as we travelled from city to city. I had no issues with the commuter planes as this bag fit everything and in the overhead bin with no issues.

The comparable lowepro, well, it didnt fair too well as it was too wide and when we got back, he bought the ThinkTank SWHD because he had to unpack the body and lenses and put them in his vest and let them check the bag at the plane.

The tripod and head were checked in with my clothes as I only had a single bag for clothes.

[shnitz]

Great advice here. I wouldn't take a bag unless it was guaranteed to conform to carry-on standards.
Weighty Advice--Traveling With Cameras

[rfortson]

Agreed, I'd never check camera gear. If you have something too big to carry on, ship it to your destination with plenty of insurance, or rent it at your destination.

[ggeen]

I took a Tamrac Expitidion 7x backpack to Hawaii in 2010. Stuffed it with a D700, 24-70, 70-200, 105Micro, SB-600, batteries and charger, and took out everything else to save weight. This time, instead of a laptop, I just took extra memory cards. They don't weigh near as much. The bag stows under the seat nicely. Depending on the plane it will fit nicely or snug in the overhead. I then packed a small(ish) carry on bag with clothing. Hey, it was Hawaii, t-shirts and shorts is all I was going to need. I learned that from my first trip. If something was getting checked, it was going to be my clothes.

The TSA agent spent a lot of time on viewing my camera gear. I even joked with her about it. Finally a TSA agent with a sense of humor.

I don't know if they still make them, but here is a link to the bag I have. Tamrac - Model 5587 Expedition 7x Photo Backpack

[lfmerrell]

Why not a Zuca. Fits in the overheads, you can stand or sit on it plus rolls easily.

Daughter and grandson have traveled international a couple of times with their Zucas, as carry on, no problem.

Also the Pacsafe line on Amazon may hold some interest. Especially the titanium open mesh weave expandable backpack protector you can lock to something substantial.

[Melany]

Be sure and get a window seat! Lately, they board those seats first, and isle seats last.
By the time the isle seaters get on, all the overhead spots are full, and they start making people check their carryons (free of chargs, of course) if it won't fit under the seat.

[bryanlindsey]

Just make sure it fits under the seat and you're good. The airline can check my gear...AFTER THEY PRY IT FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS

[Abel]

i never check my gear... always carry on.

[d2creative]

Always carry-on, either in a small shoulder bag or Think Tank Airport International, depending on how much gear i need.

[rdf1951]

There are plenty of good carry on cases made ranging from $150.00 up that will fit in domestic and international flights (different deminsions) that provide excellent protection. Why take a chance with your equipment that you probably value right next to your first born?
Think tank and Pelican case are two that I have experience with. Never ever check your equipment unless you are in the bag too.

[panhandler]

I would never check my gear...I've sat in the window seats too many times and seen the brutallity the bags receive. My wife and I are headed to Uruguay for Christmas and my gear will fly with me and my Think Tank.

[Angelo]

Originally Posted by d2creative

Always carry-on, either in a small shoulder bag or Think Tank Airport International, depending on how much gear i need.

I carry all my camera gear (excluding tripod) inside a Think Tank Airport Intl as well (it's on wheels). It fits to all aircraft standards. It even fit under the front seat on a commuter aircraft. However, I carry an empty Lowepro w300 just in case they deem it too heavy. Then I split the contents between the Think Tank and Lowepro. So far I have never had to send it unaccompanied but there have been instances when they made me sweat.
Tripod always in my checked baggage.

One other thing. Try all you can to board the plane early and not last. You may not find room in the overhead bins and then you'll be in a pickle if the bag does not fit under your seat.
If I board late, what I do is begin looking for space as I walk to my seat. Many times my camera equipment has ridden in first class overhead compartment while I rode in the last coach seat :-)

[Jim Victory]

Never check your gear!

I use a Kiboko 30L for Domestic flights and a 22L for International flights.