Hi. This topic has probably been discussed previously but I could definitely use some insight and maybe you can guide me to previous posts or offer perspective.
I'm going to be travelling with my dSLR for the first time. I'm used to my "mini" snap & shoot that I can just throw in my purse. But with my dSLR I have the Crumpler 5 million dollar bag (which doesn't flatten) and they Canon bag it came in which is bulky and annoying. I've never flown with this camera so if you have any thoughts about how best to travel with the camera (and the rest of my luggage which would include my purse for carry on) that would be great!
Random questions that have popped in my head:
-what will going through security be like? will I need to unpack the camera bag and will it be treated like a laptop?
-should I pack my camera in my luggage and check it in? But, what if they lose my bags then I'll be pissed.
-If I don't check in, how best do I handle the purse and the carry on (if I have one) and the camera bag.
-protecting my camera and lenses during travel
blah blah blah...
I will be traveling with my dslr for the first time in two weeks - definitely don't check it in. With the airlines I've used, I know electronics / valuables need to be with you at all times, including cameras.
Yeah don't check your camera or your lenses bring them with you. I have the crumpler bag as well and basically I just had to use it as my second carry on, so my advice is to bring a big purse. :)
I have traveled in US with a dslr many times. I use it as my purse, because it has become my purse honestly. I put my lis and other important documents in the bag and then put the empty purse in my luggage. The bag just goes through the xray machine and doesn't need to be taken out. I wouldn't put it in your luggage because then it's out of your sight. Yikes! My lens have stayed safe in the bag too. Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful trip and I hope this helped. I haven't traveled outside the US with it, so you may have a different experience.
Never check it in, but I disassemble it (lenses off and wrapped). I pack it in my carry on but each piece gently wrapped with a sweater or scarf that I may need on the plane. I have yet to have any problems with that. I have a camera bag from etsy that goes flat which is great, because I can pack that with portable tripod, charger, card reader and such in the chekc in, along with my purse. I use my regular tote style (zippered) carry on with the camera in it as a purse and day travel bag.
I don't know about your bag specifically but when I've travelled anywhere I've just stuck everything in my camera bag that I'll need on board.
I would say against checking it in as well, if you must then putting it inside the camera bag inside the case might be the best if you can fit it.
Random note about camera bags, spare compartment is an awesome drinks cooler, the compartment in the lid/top is big enough for a paper back in most and the straps can carry all manner of things, including an umbrella :)
I recently flew with my "Epiphany - Ginger" , which contained my camera and three lenses. It also had to serve as my purse and fit nicely under the seat in front of me (I wasn't letting it out of my sight!) Going thru security was a piece of cake - it just got scanned. Wear shoes that you can slip on and off easily and check all your cosmetics and toiletries, otherwise they go thru your carefully packed bag! Hope that helps! Bon Voyage!
I just throw my DSLR in my large purse. That's all. I never remove it for security, unless they ask. I'm not worried about padding, my I'm quite rough and tumble with my cameras, and the purse I have is plenty enough protection for a plane flight (if the plane crashes I think I have other things to worry about than if my DSLR survived...)
I would NEVER check a camera in checked baggage, that's just asking for damage, unless you have those hard cases meant for photographers.
When I have traveled with my very large Lowepro backpack they swabbed all the bodies for explosives.
I used to fly a lot with my camera kit, and always refused to put it in luggage, carried it with me as hand luggage. Once, on an interconnecting flight with Air Berlin, they gave my bag of kit its own seat, including seatbelt because I refused unless they agreed to pay for any breakages! Anyhow, I just carry the lot in a large rucksack, including laptop. I've often been asked to turn the equipment on, and it gets swabbed, but other than that no trouble.
My friend has sometimes been forced to put larger lenses into normal luggage, and has had a couple things stolen, and just recently returning to his home he had a new 80-200mm lens scanned through customs, and by the time he got to the other side, it was gone. Stolen, he thinks, by security staff in LA.
If you are really worried about space, I usually pack my camera (et al) in its case and then put the whole case inside the smallest size of roller suitcase, on top (which somehow still counts as a carry-on). Once through security, I just take it back out and keep it with me, while the roller suitcase can go in the overhead compartment.
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I would say against checking it in as well, if you must then putting it inside the camera bag inside the case might be the best if you can fit it.
Random note about camera bags, spare compartment is an awesome drinks cooler, the compartment in the lid/top is big enough for a paper back in most and the straps can carry all manner of things, including an umbrella :)
I would NEVER check a camera in checked baggage, that's just asking for damage, unless you have those hard cases meant for photographers.
When I have traveled with my very large Lowepro backpack they swabbed all the bodies for explosives.
My friend has sometimes been forced to put larger lenses into normal luggage, and has had a couple things stolen, and just recently returning to his home he had a new 80-200mm lens scanned through customs, and by the time he got to the other side, it was gone. Stolen, he thinks, by security staff in LA.