Camera Equipment and Airlines

aero-nut

I've been traveling a lot lately, and on my most recent trip, I made the mistake of packing my camera in my checked luggage. I know better, but just wasn't thinking. Of course, that is the time when the airline looses my luggage. :wxwax After talking with the luggage dept there at baggage claim, and getting my paperwork filled out....I read the official policy printed on the form they give you. It states that if they can't find your bag in 5 days, you can submit claim letters for replacement of items, etc. They state a maximum replacement total value of approx $2500...however, they have a long laundry list of things they are not liable for...and photographic equipment is one of them. Doh! Luckily, the bag was found the next day, and was returned to me unharmed and intact. It certainly had me worried for a bit.

Anyway, most of you probably already know better then to pack your camera in your checked bags, but I thought I would share my story just in case. I certainly learned my lesson.

:huh

lynnma

aero-nut wrote:

I've been traveling a lot lately, and on my most recent trip, I made the mistake of packing my camera in my checked luggage. I know better, but just wasn't thinking. Of course, that is the time when the airline looses my luggage. After talking with the luggage dept there at baggage claim, and getting my paperwork filled out....I read the official policy printed on the form they give you. It states that if they can't find your bag in 5 days, you can submit claim letters for replacement of items, etc. They state a maximum replacement total value of approx $2500...however, they have a long laundry list of things they are not liable for...and photographic equipment is one of them. Doh! Luckily, the bag was found the next day, and was returned to me unharmed and intact. It certainly had me worried for a bit.

Anyway, most of you probably already know better then to pack your camera in your checked bags, but I thought I would share my story just in case. I certainly learned my lesson.

oh wow.. what a scare.. I almost wear mine round my neck... I'm so paranoid about losing stuff.. I've lost several suitcases, always got them back, one was 5 days later..I had to go and buy clothes...

photocat

My camera never leaves me... As the story goes here in UK those days, you run the risk of having your camera confiscated by police if you dare point it at children, I think they would have to sedate me before I would let go of my camera... When I fly or wherever I go, my camera is always with me...

Angelo

Hey nutter -

Bad vibes but thankfully everything worked out OK. Good of you to share the story as a warning.

luckyrwe

All my camera gear fits in my pelican 1510 carry-on. One time they wanted to check it because the plane was full. I threw a fit and got to keep it. I'd take a later flight rather than be separated from my gear and risk losing it.

aero-nut

Yeah, looks like I'll be hand-cuffing my camera to me from now on.