Techniques for Travelling?

[Whiplash-GT]

in need of help from experienced travellers, as i am far from one :)

potentially have a destination wedding shoot coming up..
wondering what everyone does for securing their equipment when flying?
are the Pelican 1510s carry-on? and will they hold say 2xD80s w/grips attached, 17-55, 70-200VR etc etc etc
or, what could anyone suggest otherwise?
can i trust the airlines to "not lose/steal my stuff" if i have to check it all?

thanx in advance..

Marty

[ljameso1]

I typically put the fragile electronics in either a carry on size back pack or bag (the size of the metal frame at the airport). My tripod goes in a checked bag padded with spare clothing. My waist pack camera bag also goes in the checked bag, but filled with clothing-not photo gear. A photo vest doesn't count as a carry on if you are wearing it and is good to fill with all those little doo-dads. Everything digital is x-ray safe- just don't put memory cards thru metal detectors. Spent 3 weeks in Africa with 2 bodies, 3 lenses(including 100-400IS), flash, teleflash, digi storage device, digi cleaning supplies, and rechargers for all. Had 1 carry on, and 1 suitcase(with empty suitcase inside that I filled with xmas presents coming back). Those expensive drip dry, mix/match travel wardrobes take up very little space:D.
P.S. Imagine the horror of my film-shooting travel companion when a too large carry on with HALF her film was physically wrested out of her hand in Kenya and thrown into the BIG x-ray machine over her loud protests:eek:.

[lexcell]

The Pelican 1510 is borderline for a carry on. It should go ok on larger planes but, they will make you check it on the smaller commuter planes and you do not want to check your camera equipment.
I'd go with a soft sided bag that you can put in the overhead of the plane and not have to relinquish to the baggage gorillas...(sorry to make such a general statement but I have watched them toss cases around too many times.)
The soft, padded bags will give you enough protection for travel and is easier to use on location.

[Grant]

I travel with Pelican's they stand up well to all sorts of dangers including man handling. The one thing to remember is that they are designed to be air tight. There is a valve on them that should be opened for air travel as the difference in pressure on the inside and outside of the case can be can be extreme when the plane reaches heights. Oh yes remember to throw lock on them as well.

[Whiplash-GT]

thanx for the replies everybody, appreciate both your opinions and experience