SOT: Travel to UK

Tom Pauncz wrote on 3/30/2008, 11:16 AM

Apologies if this has been asked before, but...
I am considering taking a full-size shoulder mount camcorder to the UK in a few weeks.

Are there any gotchas I should be aware of other than carry-on size and restrictions wrt Li batteries? Permits, customs, ????

TIA,
Tom

Comments

JackW wrote on 3/30/2008, 8:53 PM

British Airways will only allow one carry on bag, and they're really hard nosed about this. My wife had to pack her purse away in checked luggage in order to carry on a camera bag.

Jack

Tom Pauncz wrote on 3/31/2008, 7:15 AM

Thanks Jack,
Luckily I am flying Air Canada. In any event, I thought that the carry-on restrictions as to number of items out of the UK has been relaxed.

I guess I am more worried that they might think I would be working professionally without required docs.

How recently did you fly??
Tom

AlanC wrote on 3/31/2008, 7:57 AM

The number of carry on bags and the max weight of hold luggage is down to the airline. But what you actually have on your person and in you hand luggage is controlled by the airport authorities. You need to be careful with door keys, cigarette lighters, make up, medicines. No nail files, manicure scissors etc.

akwaaba wrote on 3/31/2008, 8:05 AM

Check with your airline about cabin baggage.

BAA which operates most UK airports has a policy of only one carry on bag, per passenger and this has size and weight limitations.

Also allow plenty of time to complete the formalities.

Expect you will be using T 3 not the interesting new T5...

Chris

Tom Pauncz wrote on 3/31/2008, 8:05 AM

Thanks Alan,
I am fully aware of those. My question was specifically directed at traveling with a shoulder mount pro camcorder and accessories.
Cheers,
Tom

LJA wrote on 3/31/2008, 8:42 AM

The UK hand baggage rules have recently changed. See http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bagcabin/public/en_usBA announcement[/link]

Tom Pauncz wrote on 4/1/2008, 10:58 AM

Thanks all for your replies.
Tom

NickHope wrote on 4/1/2008, 1:24 PM

In my experience they are usually very strict about 7kg carry on baggage when flying out of the UK these days. 28-30kg is the typical real-life checked-in limit in economy before they start charging extra.

Get a free loyalty card before you fly if you don't already have one. It usually helps a bit, especially to get you a bit extra checked-in allowance.