So, I’m flying to Arizona to visit my family for Christmas, and I am thinking of taking my camera. I can’t take the whole camera bag as a carry-on since I usually take a backpack with a change of clothes and some books as my carry-on.
What are some good ways to take a SLR camera with me on a plane? Would putting it in my backpack amidst socks and underwear provide it sufficient protection in an overhead luggage compartment?
You might check with the airline - I had no problem bringing both my camera bag and a carry on bag for the flight, plus my handbag, despite the claim that I was only allowed 1 bag + handbag, but I checked with the airline beforehand. If you’re male and don’t carry a handbag, then it’s not likely to be a problem at all.
If you can’t bring a carry on bag, perhaps investing in a roll of bubble wrap would be a good idea. I’d wrap the camera snugly in the bubble wrap, then probably add an extra layer of protection by sticking it inside a sweatshirt or something. If the bag wasn’t overly big, I’d probably stick it under my seat instead of in an overhead bin.
I have always carried a large camera bag (two SLR bodies, three lenses, mini DV camcorder, flash unit, 3-4 filters, extra batteries), personal shoulder bag, and one other carry-on item (like a backpack or gym bag) and have never been challenged. I have done this over the years on dozens of domestic and international flights, most recently to Egypt this year. I agree with the advice above to check with the airline, to prevent any possible surprises.
If you have to go with one package, tucking the camera inside some clothes would work fine (do you have additional lenses or other accessories you carry in your camera bag?). A camera bag really provides only minimal padding itself so nominal padding for a hand-carried item should be enough. (Much different situation if you were going to check it. I never check cameras.)
You can get a Zing Pro–a neoprene camera cover. It fits a standard SLR/small zoom like a glove.
Carry-on luggage doesn’t get jostled around all that much. Pack your clothes around it and it should be fine. That’s basically what camera bags do anyway isn’t it?
OK, thanks a bunch. I’ll call the airlines in question (American Eagle and American Airlines) to find out their rules on carry-ons. My friends tell me I can have a big carry-on (overhead compartment) and a little carry-on (under the seat) when I board the plane in addition to checked baggage.
I fly weekly for work and so far haven’t had my carry on luggage refused. As long as you can fit the second item under the seat in front of you there shouldn’t be a problem. Offically the rule is one carry on and one small item. My carry on is normally a rolling suitcase and my small item is a laptop backpack or mid size camera bag. I was a bit suprised a few weeks ago at the security checkpoint when the woman in front of me had a carry on case, a medium small purse and a plastic shopping bag. The TSA agent told her she’d have to consolodate. This was in great contrast when I came back from Frankfurt two summers ago. I nearly burst a blood vessel shoving my carry on bags through the portal they used to check size and I had an enourmous department store bag full of German swag for my family.
If you are on one of the small Embraer or Canidair regional jets, the ones that only have three or four seats per row you will often have to gate check carry on bags. I doubt if it gets rough handling but the crew agreed that it would be best if I took out my laptop before handing over the bag to them.
Speaking as a TSA minion here:
Do not put film in your checked baggage, the x-ray machines used for checked baggage are far more powerful than the ones at the check point and will damage film. Film in carry-on is usually ok, the general rule is 800 speed or slower is fine. If you will be going thru multiple check-ins, have high speed film or just want to be careful ask to have it hand checked. If the checkpoint isn’t real busy this will only take a minute or two, but if things are getting backed up you may get some opposition or have to wait a wile. The general policy of the TSA is to honor a passenger’s request for a hand check on film and medications, but not magnetic media, so don’t even bother asking about the video tapes, the x-ray wont hurt them and we are required to x-ray them. Just had to put this in since it happens all the time.
Yes, ask for a hand check for luggage with film in it and don’t be clever and stick it in a lead-lined bag. They’ll just turn up the juice and wreck your film even more.