TSA Hack - How to Check in Camera gear without fear of Losing them

[dryicerx]

Schneier on Security: Expensive Cameras in Checked Luggage

In short, checking in camera gear is risky since you might lost it. Trick is to get a hard case, put the camera gear + gun, and declare the case to have a weapon, this lets you lock the case with a Non-TSA lock. TSA does not want luggage to get lost with weapons in them (in your case, the camera gear you checked in)

[Crashoran]

Probably safer to just Fedex your gear

[Atfulldraw]

Although I like the idea of packing a cannon with my Canon -- traveling often means not carrying....

like freaking Illinois, where I have to go practically every year.

[Rson]

or carry it on with you.

TSA jacked my camera and a few bottles of wine at LGA in New York.

[snydersnapshots]

Originally Posted by dryicerx

Schneier on Security: Expensive Cameras in Checked Luggage

In short, checking in camera gear is risky since you might lost it. Trick is to get a hard case, put the camera gear + gun, and declare the case to have a weapon, this lets you lock the case with a Non-TSA lock. TSA does not want luggage to get lost with weapons in them (in your case, the camera gear you checked in)

Sounds like an excellent idea but I wouldn't recommend it when travelling internationally...

[PhotoByLeal]

I always carry it on the plane with me.....
1 camera bag and 1 laptop bag

[Imagebuffet]

I have a camera backpack that I use to carry all my camera gear onto the plane.

[MD2595]

Originally Posted by Atfulldraw

Although I like the idea of packing a cannon with my Canon -- traveling often means not carrying....

like freaking Illinois, where I have to go practically every year.

That's why I like my 50 state CHL. I carry mine into Chicago every year. There's no way in hell you're going to catch me driving up Cicero w/o my gun.

[Tom]

You can get a $25 starter gun and use that as your weapon for flying. Legal in all 50 states.

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by Rson

or carry it on with you...

Just not the gun.

[Coelus]

You can claim the case has a weapon in it, but do you have to prove that it does?

[Cajungaltx]

Starter Pistol: No need for license - but required to be checked.
Flare Gun: No need for license - but required to be checked.

I just did Houston to El Paso with 2 layovers (one each way) with a 2.6 year old, and a 12 year old... if I could have comfortably checked my bag....knowing my gear would be there - you'd better believe I would have done it.

But I couldn't...and didn't....and used everyone of the items allowances for our trip... carseat, stroller, entertainment bag...camera bag....extra bag... *sigh*...

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by Coelus

You can claim the case has a weapon in it, but do you have to prove that it does?

Why lie to these people and risk having the FBI called on you?!? Seriously... You claim a weapon, then they can't find it in an x-ray... MIght raise a red flag.

Also, I read that certain airlines were going to begin charging a special handling fee (up to $50) for special luggage (weapons, golf clubs, hazardous stuff, etc) above and beyond the regular checked baggage fees. It might get pricey to do this...

[snydersnapshots]

All the TSA and security issues aside, as someone working in the airline business for 20+ years, my recommendation is to carry camera equipment on if at all possible. During preflight inspections I've seen quite a few bags or boxes that have fallen off the belt loader at the side of the airplane. It doesn't happen on a regular basis, but it does happen. I'm six feet tall and the bottom of the cargo door on the Boeing 757 is about four feet above my head. In short, if you're not comfortable climbing on the roof of your house and dropping your equipment on the lawn, it's probably not packed well enough to check...

My suggestion for making the carry-on a little easier:

Check in early, get a seat in the back half of the airplane (unless you're flying first class, that is ), and board at the first opportunity. Since most airlines board from the back to the front, if you're seat is toward the back, you should be able to get on before all the overhead bin space is used up. If you get on after all the bins are full, they'll gate-check your bag and it'll go in the cargo hold--and you'll have to pick it up at baggage claim.

Oh, and if you have someting like a D700 or D3 and I'm flying the trip, feel free to store it in the cockpit--I'll take great care of it during the flight!

[Dobick]

I haven't flown all that much, but prior to 9-11 I used to make absolutely certain that I had at least one change of underwear and socks, and possibly a t-shirt or golf shirt packed, and a small toiletry bag (toothbrush, deodorant, razor and soap) so that if I got separated from my checked bag, I would have some essentials. The last flight that I went on, I was able to fit all of those things in with my camera bag/backpack (which also held my laptop) I do not think I will check bags if possible, and honestly if I can drive there, that is my first choice.