Comments

B.Verlik wrote on 7/15/2005, 7:30 PM
If you're talking about a smallish camera, I'd bring it on board the plane in the case. X-rays never bothered my tapes. (I don't think they'll let you film inside a plane anymore) If you can fit 'em in the overheads, bring 'em on board. Although, I set my camera bag under my legs, once seated.
If you're going to let the goons throw it around, I'd use a very well constructed, nicely padded and lockable case.
TheHappyFriar wrote on 7/15/2005, 7:40 PM
what about my tripod? any suggestions on that? it's about 2 feet when all compacted.
ScottW wrote on 7/15/2005, 8:54 PM
My bet is given the air miles that Spot accumulates, he could probably write a book about this.

Personally, I would not trust my camera to the baggage hold. First, TSA gets very upset with locked luggage and unlocked luggage with valuable items in it results in missing valuable items - usually from TSA or the airline baggage handlers.

Something like a tripod is probably ok in baggage, even if you spent $1K+ on it, since most folks can't tell the difference between an expensive one and a cheap one - plus, in a pinch they are usually more easily replaced then a camera.

Just my 2 bits.
--Scott
farss wrote on 7/15/2005, 10:00 PM
Not that I travel that much in the USA but from my recent trip over there and experiences with lots of damaged kit (not mine thankfully).

Pelican or Storm cases are great but not cheap, failing that the cases sold for handguns are pretty good and cheap. For tripods make your own from a length of PVC sewer pipe and some end stops, they'll probably get broken if dropped but they are so cheap to make so what. If your sticks are short enough (like the Miller Solo) they'll probably fit in your luggage, at least they'll not get broken, stolen is another matter. Miller also have purpose built tripod flight cases but boy do they cost.
Have charged batteries at hand, if the security guys are doing their job right they should ask to see any significant battery powered gear work. I've only been asked to do this twice and both times weren't in the USA and both were pre 9/11, go figure.
If you're going to use padlocks buy TSA approved ones, I picked up four at Walgreens in Vegas, seem impossible to buy outside the USA.
Bob.
craftech wrote on 7/17/2005, 5:52 AM
Buy a twin size foam egg crate and cut it up as necessary to pad whatever.
That includes using regular luggage.

John
TheHappyFriar wrote on 7/17/2005, 5:58 AM
ohhh... that's a GREAT idea! much better then using penuts. :)
riredale wrote on 7/17/2005, 10:15 AM
On the road trips I've taken with the choir to Europe the past few years, I've always hand-carried the camcorder with me onto the plane. I was never challenged by anyone in the States, since it was obvious I was shooting a documentary of the group. But the Europeans are much more hyper about videotaping inside an airport. I've been challenged in Paris, Frankfurt, and Munich, so I guess it's pretty universal over there.

I carry a small backpack that contains my personal essentials, tapes, and supplies. If I get tired of hand-carrying the camera I can disassemble it and wrap it in a small towel that I also carry before putting it away in the backpack.

All the other stuff, including tripod, goes into my suitcase. I stand near the inspection point and make sure they know I'm watching, since I would hate to lose some of the gear I've accumulated over the years. I don't lock the suitcase (not allowed, and personnel have no reservations about breaking the locks to look inside) but instead have a large strap that wraps around the whole case. You can assume that the security people will be extremely interested in looking inside the suitcase after it passes through the xray tunnel, since batteries and such can look just like plastic explosives.