Taking Your Gear on the Plane

LeeHowell

I did a search and didn't find anything in the threads - If there's already something out there, just point me in the right direction

I don't do much air travel, and I'm taking a short hop from Tallahassee to Asheville next week on a Delta flight - Probably just one of those small 20-30 passenger commuter jets

I plan on taking my Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack w/ me...It'll just have one body, a few lenses, flash, misc chargers/batteries/etc, and a laptop - So not full weight, but maybe 20 LB'ish? Does anyone have experience using a backpack this size as a carry on item? How about nimh aa's??

I would just hate to get there and be told to check it :cry I'd rather leave my gear then let them bang it around...

I've measured, and it's less than 45 inches combined (height, width, depth). So it meets the requirements they have online...But I've learned it's best to get actual first-hand experience, b/c you never know with these folks - It seems to be more dependent on mood and traffic than actual regulations :deal

Pixoul

I'm guessing you'll be on an Embraer ERJ 145, my favorite regional puddle jumper; double-check your itinerary to see which tin can you'll be on (it may be labeled ER4). The ERJ is a smaller puddle jumper with only three rows of seats and limited storage space. A normal full-sized carry-on suitcase (eBags Mother Lode eTech Mini) or large camera bag (Lowepro Stealth Reporter 650 AW) will not fit in the overhead compartment.

My Lowepro Pro Roller x200 insert (when removed from its shell) and my Lowepro CompuDaypack will fit in the ERJ overhead and the CompuDaypack will also fit under the seat. So, based on that, take a look at the Lowepro Web site and compare your CompuTrekker's size to my bags. You should be fine.

Weight is not a concern for a smaller backpack; they won't say anything if you're easily carrying it over one shoulder. Worst case scenario you may be asked to gate check your bag; this is usually a VIP service where they store the bags up front and have them waiting for you as you leave the plane. In the case of my Pro Roller the shell gets gate checked while I have the option to keep the insert full of equipment safely within reach.

For batteries, make sure all metal contacts are covered. Up until now I've just been using gaffer tape (not duct tape) to tape AAs together and cover their contacts but I'll be ordering AA battery cases before my next trip. For your spare camera battery packs either use the plastic protective clip-on that came with the batteries or use gaffer tape to cover all electrical contacts.

Any batteries that are rattling around loose with the contacts uncovered will be confiscated if noticed on the security x-ray so I stress using gaffer tape to keep contacts covered and batteries organized.

When you pack your bag make sure your notebook can be easily removed for security check and make sure all your cables/batteries/etc. are clearly organized with cables Velcro-tied. A jumble of cables will get your bag hand-inspected.

Oh, and if you are on an ERJ, try to transfer to Row A if you do online check-in. You'll have your own private row (especially A12 which is an exit row): http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Delta_Airlines/Delta_Airlines_Embraer_ERJ-145.php

Also, if you have a passport, use your passport as your photo ID instead of your driver's license. You'll pass through security much quicker and your bag won't be under as much scrutiny.

LeeHowell

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

That's excellent advice - I really appreciate it! I already know they'll want to bomb sniff my C-PAP...Never fails...So knowing all this ahead of time is going to help a bunch!