Is it safe to fly with equipment?

[alexzobi]

So next week will be my first time flying for a model shoot (not quite professional yet) and I'm heading to New Orleans. I wanted to make sure my camera and lenses wouldn't be affected by security scanners at the airport. I looked around the internet and people seem to be in agreement that there are hardly any issues (other than scaring tsa), but i wanted to hear it from someone here. I've got a tamron 70-200mm lens and canon fixed 50mm for a canon 20d, not that the brand/model matter much...

I didn't know which forum to post this under, so if it isn't the right place, sorry mods.

 

[Mach0]

Digital yes. Film no. Just make sure you have a good case. Your stuff is gonna get banged up.

 

[kathyt]

You should be fine. I carry my Tamrac backpack as my carry-on. You just have to take your laptop out of your bag and run it separate through the security scanner. (If you carry a laptop w/you) That was the only difference I noticed traveling with my gear. I am packing mine right now too. I would NEVER check my gear.

 

[jaomul]

I have worked at airports the last 13 years and under no circumstances would I ever check camera gear into cargo. Carry on is the only option for me. Scanners wont affect digital

 

[Steve5D]

There's no need for your gear to get "banged up". Carry it onto the plane (you're permitted two carry on bags) and you'll be absolutely fine.

It's also safe to fly with film, although there is a caveat regarding the ASA of the film (I think it's either 400 or 1000 that gets affected). If you were flying with rolls of Plus-X, you would be fine. And, if you were still worried about it, you could always ask for a physical inspection of your camera gear, and TSA will gladly oblige...

 

[Steve5D]

You should be fine. I carry my Tamrac as my carry-on. You just have to take your laptop out of your bag and run it separate through the security scanner. (If you carry a laptop w/you) That was the only difference I noticed traveling with my gear. I am packing mine right now too.

I also believe that, if the laptop is the only thing in a bag, that it can remain in the bag. I'm not entirely certain about that, but I seem to recall reading something like that on an airport placard one time...

 

[tirediron]

It's absolutely safe - just be careful! There are two ways to do it. If you're only taking a small amount of gear, get a GOOD bag; my personal favorite is the ThinkTank line, of which I use the Airport International model. It's carry-on size, and it is truly built like a tank! If you're taking a lot of gear (lights, grip-gear, etc) then send as secure cargo via Fed-Ex, UPS, etc since that method allows you to actually lock your cases. Under NO circumstances should you ever send your gear as checked luggage now that we're no longer allowed to lock our luggage; it's VERY unlikely that much, if any would make it to your destination!

 

[runnah]

Yep, do it all the time. Bag and tripod are carry on and clothes are checked.

Good to have a bag for the tripod.

 

[alexzobi]

I'm definitely not checking it. i have a camera backpack that holds all of my lenses and attachments (flash, remote shutter release, cords, extra batteries, etc.) nicely. It was those carry-on scanners that i was worried about. I figured I would ask for a physical inspection, but I thought that would look shady. As long as nothing will get damaged by the scanners, I don't have a problem running them through, but the equipment otherwise will have to be pried from my cold dead fingers. That 70-200mm costs more than my last truck .

 

[runnah]

Well the scanners can see right through your lenses. As long as they look like lenses and camera componets it's not a big deal. They see it all the time.

 

[alexzobi]

Alright thanks everyone! hopefully I'll have something to show for my trip in a week.

 

[EIngerson]

Just flew from Okinawa, Japan to Bangkok, Thailand back to Tokyo, Japan and then back to Okinawa. Camera is fine. Enjoy your travels and I look forward to seeing your photos.

 

[Coasty]

You know, all you untrusting people out there that carry your stuff on the plane are the reason I still haven’t been able to upgrade my gear. But on the flip side, I got me some cool designer underwear.

 

[rexbobcat]

I try to carry as much a possible on the plane. I've made friends carry one of my camera bags on before so I wouldn't have to check it. Lol

 

[The_Traveler]

You should be fine. I carry my Tamrac backpack as my carry-on. You just have to take your laptop out of your bag and run it separate through the security scanner. (If you carry a laptop w/you) That was the only difference I noticed traveling with my gear. I am packing mine right now too. I would NEVER check my gear.

^this