Traveling with a camera

[Rachel]

Down the road we are going to be traveling by air and want to take my camera and lens along. How do any of you fly and carry your equipment along on the plane?

Also the SD cards can they go thru the xray when you are checking in or do you have them do a hands check of the camera backpack?

When we were in Florida a couple of years ago and went to the Cape when we went in they had us go thru security check I had to take a picture.

Thanks for any help.

[Edmund]

Rachel, I also have a D-80 and have flown with it on a few occasions. I use a Tamarac shoulder carry on bag with all my gear inside. Camera body ,three lenses, Extra batteries and SD cards , lens cleaning stuff and my tripod strapped on the side of the bag plus all the other junk I take along.. Never left my sight. Went thru security in NY and Wash. DC no problems. The SD cards faired well no problems with them.
Eddie:)

[billz]

Hi Rachel -

I travel a bit with my d80 and have never had any problems with it or associated memory cards going thru x-ray. I have a rolling tote that holds my laptop and camera. I have to pull the laptop out of the case to ensure national security (??) but everything else stays in the tote and gets x-rayed.

Happy travels.

Bill

[genevh]

I've flown a couple of times with my equipment also in my backpack and have not had any problems getting my gear through security. They've never asked me to take a picture, though. And unlike film, the cards will survive x-ray much better. Mine have all been through even loaded with pictures on the return trip and I didn't lose a one. :)

[TonyW]

No problems here either and my D80 with loaded memory cards has been through airport security many times. Xrays won't hurt memory cards. On a couple of occasions in the past I've been asked to turn on electronic equipment but that was at small airports that, at the time, likely didn't have the latest in detection equipment.

Here's what TSA says - it's only film that's a problem.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1248.shtm

Tony

[bnk1953]

I, also, have never had problems. I have had them "swab" my two camera bodies checking for chemical residues. This was only on the outside of the camera body. Of course - there were no problems. I would never put my camera equipment into check baggage. I like to know where it is at all times - that is near me.
~bruce.

[TonyW]

Bruce - I agree - too many things disappear from checked baggage. And if you were worried about X-rays the checked baggage goes through X-rays that are more intense than the ones used for hand baggage. I've had memory cards go through the checked baggage X-rays though by mistake and even that didn't cause any problems.

Tony

[jjvera00]

Nice info to know. I was just told today that I will be traveling to New Jersey for work at the end of the month and be there for 2 weeks. I was hoping to go to New York during that weekend and taking pictures, but was not sure about handling my camera. Thanks!

[bnk1953]

Hope you enjoy "the big city". Always hold the camera close - easy to be "lost". And remember - take the train into the city - no place to drive your own car or rental.
~bruce.

[Rachel]

Sorry about the late reply. But yesterday was a busy day at our household so didn't get a chance to check in. But thanks to everyone for their replies.

I too never have put a camera in the check in luggage always carried it with me. But that was with the old film camera's. And it was one that didn't have all the extra stuff such as lens and etc.

We may be going to New York City for a Christmas in New York. Alway's have wanted to see NYC decorated for the holiday's.

Again Thanks for the info.

[baycruisers]

I've never had problems getting my cameras through airport security in the states, Europe, or Caribbean.

Be mindful of the TSA's new rules about lithium batteries in checked luggage:

http://www.slashgear.com/tsa-limiting-size-of-lithium-metal-and-lithium-ion-batteries-allowed-through-security-289245.php

Also, I do not carry my Tamrac bag when I travel by plane. I use an LL Bean Book Pack (unfortunately no longer available) that is padded and designed for use with laptops and school books. It has many pockets for filters, etc. and holds my camera and lenses with room to spare, but doesn't attract potential thieves' attention as a camera bag. I know some folks who use diaper bags for camera bags (imagine the deterrent effect...) Bottom line is that you might want to consider something other than the traditional camera bag that screams out, "take me...valuables inside."

[mmqc2]

I recommend Crumpler bags...

http://www.crumplerbags.com/

Products are great even if the website's a bit wacky!

[Daviskw]

I really don't know what is happening in the flight industry but on my last two trips my checked luggage was lost... The first was never found.

Nothing of real value on either occasion but I'm glad I did not pack away the camera.

Butch

[lexcell]

Great advice everyone. Thanks for sharing. Just to confirm....
Definitely carry your camera equipment with you. The cameras and CF/SD cards will not be harmed by the xray.

[ljameso1]

A photo vest doesn't count as a carry on and is great for all the little doodads.

[Chuck S.]

A photo vest doesn't count as a carry on and is great for all the little doodads.

But just remember to take it off before you go through the metal detector.....:D