Flying with camera equiptment

[Stargazer77517]

I am going to Phoenix Az on friday. I have a backpack bag i intend on using, weight is about 30 lbs loaded. I also intend on carrying it on. Can any body shed a little light if I am going to have any trouble. I havent flown since 911 on a commercial airlines and not sure what to expect.
Are they going to have me open my bag, sep the lens for camera etc....
Any info would be appreciated.

[mmuhlenkamp]

I've used a backpack bag for camera stuff when traveling and never have any issues. They've yet to even really open and look at all my stuff, I think the X-ray really shows them that it's all camera stuff and they don't seem too concerned. However I don't think my bag was ever 30 lbs. you might want to check size restrictions to make sure it qualifies as a carry-on bag, if there's anything non-essential and not-fragile (tripods, chargers, etc) put those in checked luggage if needed.

I haven't been on a plane since the underwear bomber, it might be a little more strict now, but from what I've heard, not really.

[Patti Edens]

I've carried my camera and lenses on probably at least 100 flights since 911 and only once did they open my bag and look at my 400mm lens. The guy made me take off the end caps so he could look through it.

No one else has ever mentioned the camera gear or opened my camera backpack.

Now, if you have a laptop, you will have to take it out of the bag and send it down the x-ray belt by itself. Also applies to breathing machines, movie cameras and a few other large electronics, but not SLRs.

Somewhere here I typed up a "how to get through security with the least grief". I'll look for it.

Patti

[mdparthum]

I was in Hawaii when the underwear bomber messed his pants and there really wasn't too much of a change in the inspection process. I think it was more international flights. I sent my gear through the x-ray machine and then gathered it up on the other side. However, last June while I was in Toronto, the inspectors opened my bag and swabbed it for residues etc. He even looked over the lenses. I think it all boils down to the air carrier and the situation.

[Stargazer77517]

Thanks yall for the info. I did find the weight and size requirements. Max weight is 40 lbs for carryon, and 10in x 24in x 16in for max size.
I am taking my tripod but had already planned to place that in my checked bag.
Thanks again
Fred

[Patti Edens]

Here you go... Probably more than you need, but might help.

Here's the best way to get through security with the least hassle:

Disclaimer: Every one of the TSA folks has his/her own rules, so you never know what they will want you to do.

Before you go to the airport:
Packing: If you are planning to check luggage, put all liquids and gels in the check bag so you don't have to hassle with that at security. If not, make sure your liquids/gels (cologne, mouthwash, toothpaste, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, hair gel, hair spray,etc) are in no larger than 3 ounce containers and all the containers are in a 1 quart clear ziploc bag. (1 bag/traveler) There are a few exceptions that can be handled separately like baby formula.

Check in and print out your boarding passes at home if your airline allows. (Most allow it up to 24 hours in advance.) Put them in an easy to access place along with your picture ID.

Wear a pair of shoes that are easy to take off and put on (loafers work great) and wear socks you don't mind getting dirty (dark color preferably or they will be by the time you're done.)

TSA Lock on Checked Luggage
If you plan to check any luggage and you want to lock it, go to Walmart or a luggage store and buy a TSA lock. They are combination locks that TSA can open with a key. If you use any other lock, they might (and almost always do) cut it off. Warning: When I used to lock my suitcase, they ALWAYS opened it and went in and jacked around with my stuff. Read that wrinkled clothes. Now that I've stopped locking my bag, they never mess with it. You can tell because they leave a little strip of paper inside that says they searched your bag.

At the Airport:
Get your boarding pass if you haven't already and check your luggage. There are lots of folks there that will help you with this.

Stuff anything electronic or metal that you want to take on the plane in your carry-on bag or zipped coat pocket. This includes any change in your pocket, a metal money-clip, your cell phone, PDA, Blackberry, pager, pen, belt if it has a big buckle, watch, etc. You can use the little containers for this at security, but I've found it's just easier to stuff in a compartment in my carry-on camera bag and that's one less thing I have to round up on the other side of the x-ray machine.

When you approach the security area, have your boarding pass and picture ID in your hand. After you get past the picture ID check, you can put the ID back in your pocket, but at some airports you keep your boarding pass in your hand throughout the security check in process. Some you can put it away. They'll tell you or you can ask.

When you get to the table with the bins, pull out the ziploc with the liquids/gels and just put it on top of your carry on or somewhere where they can see it. It has to be visible as you are going through. If you have 'em, pull your laptop and video camera out their bag and put them in a bin by themself. Take off your shoes and jacket if you are wearing one. You can put your jacket and shoes in another bin if you want but you can also just lay them on the conveyor belt ahead of your laptop/carryon. Your carryon can go through without a bin.

Stay with your stuff until it starts to move through the X-Ray machine. Then the TSA person will motion you to come through the metal detector. Hold your boarding pass where they can see it ( unless it's one of the airports where you don't need to.)

You will be home free...*. Pick up your stuff and get dressed again. Head for the gate!

*...Unless you are one of the lucky ones they pick to search bags or do the explosive wipe test on. But it usually just takes a minute or two.

[Stargazer77517]

Good stuff Patti, Thanks

[Tom]

Google Flying With Fish. He is the photography travel expert.

[Stargazer77517]

Oh yea! I remember reading something a while back about him
Thanks

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Google Flying With Fish. He is the photography travel expert.

[biggin]

I have preached this for years. My ID and boarding pass are the only things that move once I leave the parking garage. Wallet, keys everything are stuff in a bag... people make fun of my laptop bag but it is perfect for overnight travel for business.

Stuff anything electronic or metal that you want to take on the plane in your carry-on bag or zipped coat pocket. This includes any change in your pocket, a metal money-clip, your cell phone, PDA, Blackberry, pager, pen, belt if it has a big buckle, watch, etc. You can use the little containers for this at security, but I've found it's just easier to stuff in a compartment in my carry-on camera bag and that's one less thing I have to round up on the other side of the x-ray machine.

The airport and day you are traveling makes a HUGE difference.

DFW on a Monday or Tuesday morning can be a nightmare, I have been stuck in lines of 45-2 hours.

Hobby ALWAYS jacks with my cameras, ipod, laptops, etc... I only fly IAH now...delays are longer but it is much more pleasant for me with security.

And remember... whatever the security guys do or say just smile and move on... it is not worth it the pain and agony they can put you through.

[groovyone]

Just make sure you don't carry it like it is heavy. My bag has been 30+ lbs a few times now. The only time I had to pull stuff out is when I had 4 flashes + batteries + 2 HDDs in the top pouch.

[Stargazer77517]

Thanks again everyone for the info

[ronocnikral]

domestically, there is no problem. we check our camera equipment in a pelican case. tsa lock and zip ties. i've also carried on, and they could care less. dslr, p&s, old TLR. I think my old pentax spotmeter would give me the most trouble, but i've never had any issues. I would say I fly fairly often, 6-10 trips/yr.

internationally, not really a big deal either. i went through security 3 times in the same day at frankfurt this month. one time they swabbed my TLR. other times they just let me go through. i've heard there are issues around security and camera equipment in thailand, but that wasn't my experience (just had a single dslr and lens).

if they do want to look through your things. be polite, let them do what they want. don't touch anything they set on the table. if they want you to touch, they will ask you to. if they are going to break something, let them know verbally (and in a calm voice), don't reach for anything or try to grab anything.

it also helps if you have all your ducks in a row. my shoes, coat, watch, belt and toiletries (already in the quart ziplock) go through the x-ray machine first, followed by my lap top and finally my bag. reason being, if they take your bag, you can put on your shoes and stuff while they are inspecting your bag, or at least you can grab everything. that way, you have everything under your watch.

good luck, phoenix is beautiful this time of year. enjoy!

[CaptainTom]

If you are a big guy like me, don't accidentally brush the sides of the magnetometer as you walk through. It automatically sets it off and if there's a line they'll likely pull you aside and do a one on one.

[ronocnikral]

and no one likes the full cavity searches....