Protecting your camera gear on flights

DavidTO

This article says all you need to do is pack a starter pistol and then declare a weapon. Read the article for more info.

Richard

DavidTO wrote:

This article says all you need to do is pack a starter pistol and then declare a weapon. Read the article for more info.

Clever, but maybe not so smart in the long run. I would certainly not be surprised if everyone who declares a weapon gets put in a database somewhere. Depending on the future hysteria color level, you might find that you can no longer fly at all.

kdog

Richard wrote:

Clever, but maybe not so smart in the long run. I would certainly not be surprised if everyone who declares a weapon gets put in a database somewhere. Depending on the future hysteria color level, you might find that you can no longer fly at all.

Doesn't worry me. Seeing as how I have a concealed weapon carry permits issued from three different states, I'm probably on every imaginable list already. :giggle

Actually, I find the suggestion quite intriguing. My only worry would be getting delayed for some reason and missing my flight. Might be worth trying some time!

wxwax

Richard wrote:

Clever, but maybe not so smart in the long run. I would certainly not be surprised if everyone who declares a weapon gets put in a database somewhere. Depending on the future hysteria color level, you might find that you can no longer fly at all.

If you think the 2nd Amendment crowd's noisy now, see what happens if the TSA ever tries that little stunt.

ian408

I'm not a huge gun fan. But I'm even less of a fan of the TSA and the 'open luggage' plan--passengers have a right to expect everything they put on the plane to come off the plane with them.

If declaring a weapon is the way to get there, then I say go for it.

stuffjunkie

I have met and respect Bruce Schneier. I would like to hear from someone who's tried this technique. I could see missing a flight or being delayed if the TSA agents feels like their being played.

Another respected report here indicates that flights from Canada to the USA are operating under a different set of rules as of 1/14/10. It appears no carry-ons big enough to hold a camera OR a laptop are allowed. This means you're checking all(most) of your gear.

Sam

stuffjunkie wrote:

I have met and respect Bruce Schneier. I would like to hear from someone who's tried this technique. I could see missing a flight or being delayed if the TSA agents feels like their being played.

Another respected report here indicates that flights from Canada to the USA are operating under a different set of rules as of 1/14/10. It appears no carry-ons big enough to hold a camera OR a laptop are allowed. This means you're checking all(most) of your gear.

I will consider checking a bag when I can declare I have $15,000 worth of camera gear, the airline looks at the gear and acknowledges the gear and amount, and agrees to pay for any gear lost or damaged.

It is ridicules that the airlines, who are aware of the continued baggage loss can force you to check your baggage at your own risk. Then when they can't produce your baggage at the end of your flight, try to claim the loss is an act of God or a mystery like crop circles, and they can only pay some minuscule amount so you can buy a Big Mac to console yourself for your loss.

Sam

RogersDA

When they bust or loose your gear use your 5D MII (get one if you don't) to make a video a la David Caroll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

Sam wrote:

I will consider checking a bag when I can declare I have $15,000 worth of camera gear, the airline looks at the gear and acknowledges the gear and amount, and agrees to pay for any gear lost or damaged.

It is ridicules that the airlines, who are aware of the continued baggage loss can force you to check your baggage at your own risk. Then when they can't produce your baggage at the end of your flight, try to claim the loss is an act of God or a mystery like crop circles, and they can only pay some minuscule amount so you can buy a Big Mac to console yourself for your loss.

Sam

The Mack

Richard wrote:

Clever, but maybe not so smart in the long run. I would certainly not be surprised if everyone who declares a weapon gets put in a database somewhere. Depending on the future hysteria color level, you might find that you can no longer fly at all.

It is smart. You're less likely to lose your thousands of dollars in camera gear which you can't just replace if you lose it when you land.

Database? already in one since you're flying.

They can't stop you from flying if you fly with weapons and don't cause problems.

wxwax

stuffjunkie wrote:

I have met and respect Bruce Schneier. I would like to hear from someone who's tried this technique. I could see missing a flight or being delayed if the TSA agents feels like their being played.

Another respected report here indicates that flights from Canada to the USA are operating under a different set of rules as of 1/14/10. It appears no carry-ons big enough to hold a camera OR a laptop are allowed. This means you're checking all(most) of your gear.

If you read all the way to the bottom, that's not what it appears to say. Click on the link to the Canadian government's specifications, you'll see this about permitted carry-ons.

stuffjunkie

I did not click on the link provided. I see (now) there is some leeway for photo gear. One won't make friends on a CA->USA flight when a TT Airport Addicted gets on and a similar sized purse/laptop bag/backpack does not.

FWIW: I flew USA domestic twice in the last week (Chicago to Fort Meyers FL RT). My SO was required to gate check a roller carry-on due to lack of room for more roller bags. I walked on with a backpack of the same size (or a bit bigger) w/o comment and it went right into the over-head-bin. If you can shoulder a backpack and carry it like does not weigh much you can carry-on a lot of gear. Roller carry-ons seem to get more attention.

wxwax wrote:

If you read all the way to the bottom, that's not what it appears to say. Click on the link to the Canadian government's specifications, you'll see this about permitted carry-ons.

wxwax

stuffjunkie wrote:

If you can shoulder a backpack and carry it like does not weigh much you can carry-on a lot of gear. Roller carry-ons seem to get more attention.

That's interesting. I wonder if it's because of the rollers' rigid, bulky shape?

BradfordBenn

wxwax wrote:

That's interesting. I wonder if it's because of the rollers' rigid, bulky shape?

From traveling way too much for work, I can say that is the reason. The rigid frame appears to not allow for the bins to close. However when I indicate that I have a camera lens or 2nd laptop in there, they will make room for me somewhere most of the time.... part of that is likely due to the status level I have.

The other thing I would suggest doing is call the airline and ask how they handle excess valued items. I travel with sample equipment that is over the declared value and they will often let me ship it as cargo on the flight which I can lock. There is of course the option of sending it via FedEx or the like, which I more often do so I don't have to carry all the stuff through the airport.

Yes, traveling with expensive and fragile gear is a problem. There is also a TSA claim form for lost items.