Air travel can be filled with uncertainty, and more with camera gear. I have traveled domestic and internationally in the United States, learning some strategies on the way. I will share some of these tips to help you fly with photography equipment.
Get global entry or TSA pre-check
Global entry provides US customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. As a bonus, global entry members also get TSA Precheck benefits as part of their membership. The TSA provides early safety screening benefits for flights departing from Priychc US airports. This usually means that you do not need to empty all the ingredients in your bag among other things. sound good?
Pack your imperative in your carry-on goods
I often do not check any goods, if I can take it with me. And I never examine my photography gear. My camera gear is always from my side.
I had a journey to Iceland via Sweden, where the airlines lost my luggage … both in the way and behind! My lost item was found in Iceland, the only reason for this was that I searched the Kflavic Airport for an hour, finally found it in a corner. On the way, another airline lost it again. It took me three weeks to get it back. I have lost my belongings for three days on the way to Morocco. Keep in mind that it’s not If They lose your luggage, but When?,
Because of this, I would recommend that you never look at your camera gear.
In addition, I would recommend carrying anything that you are essential with you in your carry-on bag. When I am determining what else to include, I think, “What do I want completely if the airlines lost my luggage?” For many people, you can choose to bring glasses, medicine, a toothbrush, toothpaste, underwear, paperwork, documents, and further.
While considering the camera gear, you should include anything that you will think of important for your photography. I am a night photographer, so it means LED flashlights, wide angle lens, intervalometer, cable, charger, and, if it is cool, then photography gloves and a child.
memory cards
Memory cards are so important that I am dedicating a sub-section to them. Your memory cards are important, especially if they have pictures taken. If you are photographed for a customer then it doubles. Therefore, they should always stay with you. I use one PGYTECH Creatate High-speed Card Reader Case To keep my card, but in fact, any safe, waterproof case or holder must do.
Since both of my cameras have dual SD slots, what I do often carry a set of cards with me, and keeps another set of cards elsewhere. If I have a laptop or other device, I often take them back to that device as well.
Choose a camera bag that fits under the seat
The location under one seat varies from airline to airline. But it is often about 17 x 10 x 9 “, as with United Airlines in the form of this writing. I have traveled with one Tenba Sankranti 20L Backpack (6.69 “x 9.45” x 18.5 “) and now, a Wandrd PRVKE 31L Backpack (19 x 12 x 7 “). They are both fit under every airline seat I used by me.
There are many advantages to fit your camera backpack under the seat:
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You do not have to worry about struggling with everyone for overhead compartment space.
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People are less likely to pass through your gear or by mistake you backpack.
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You can easily reach different items that you can keep inside, such as your iPad, earbuds, kindle, medicine, or whatever.
If you store your camera gear in an overhead compartment, I would recommend using small locks. You want to reduce people as much as possible, with your luggage, after all. As an additional preventive, I once called the “official-dying” hospital label on my backpack as “urine samples”, although I should accept that I was doing it more for a laugh.
A word about weight
The weight for carry-on vary between airlines. Some airlines do not specify the weight for the carry-on items. The weight range of others is 25 pounds.
International flights also vary by the airline, but often have low standard weight range, often 15–22 pounds (7–10 kg).
As usual, you should check with your airline before your flight, and plan accordingly. If I fully load my Wandrade PRVKE 31L backpack with all my different LED lights, a heavy Pentax K-1 dslr And nikon d750 dslr (off), a big Pentax 15-30 mm lensAnd a heavy but small Irix 15 mm F/2.4 lensEverything will weigh 23.6 pounds (10.7 kg). However, when I travel abroad, I usually do not bring all that. This will probably be between 15–18 pounds.
Coat is not counted as individual items
And the coat has pockets. And pockets can catch a lot of items that you do not need to put in the bag or count as the weight of the goods. What will you do with this information.
Although I have not used this strategy too much with the memory card and the camera gear besides the charger, but I have liberated the important place in my backpacks, well, first, first, first, first, wearing it a coat instead of knee in my luggage, and then used its pockets for items such as gloves, boys, scarves and beanis.
Become an initial boarder
When you can call your zone, board the plane as soon as possible. If you are really concerned about not having enough space for your camera, you can always talk to airline personnel behind the counter and see if they can adjust your needs. Please note that I said “well.” You hardly do any favor by barking on airline personnel.
Sometimes, it may be prudent to explain that you have expensive equipment. Remember to ask well again.
If you become a member of the airline, they can provide special boarding privileges, especially if you pay a little extra for them. And some airlines have credit cards that offer these special bonuses.
use your Individual bag For additional items
Typically, you are also allowed a personal bag – such as another small bag, purse, or tot bag – as well as the camera bag you are carrying. If you need, you can store other camera devices here, such as an additional lens, charger, or similar items. We all know that unexpected conditions can arise, especially on the way back, and the space may be limited. We often bring back more than as we start, whether gifts or other items. An individual bag may help a little with any of it.
‘I have a lot of lithium battery …’
Aircraft are often filled. And it is possible that as you are preparing to board, one of the flight personnel will stop you and say, “Sorry, all overhead compartments are filled. You will need to check your bag.”
You can explain first that you have a lot of delicate camera equipment, and you are worried that it will be damaged. Usually, this is enough. They can try to help you or find another compartment to store your backpack (unless, of course, you have a backpack that fits under the seat!).
If he does not work, try to look down in the mouth as possible (which will not be difficult) and says, “I have a lot of lithium battery …” “Lot” and retreat. The employee will know that they are usually not allowed in the goods check, especially when they are loose, and determine that time and trouble is not worth troubles. In all my trips, I only need to use this phrase once. But it worked. They will instead move to someone else who have hoodie or gifts in their backpack, compared to someone who has a bag full of lithium battery.
A quick word about the storage of battery
Your battery needs to be properly stored for safety reasons. This means that either it is impossible to store them in their related tools or use special organizers or cases so that it is impossible to touch the contacts. They should never be loose in a zip-Lok bag, jump around and beat each other. Also, should you be forced to check your bag anytime, it will be easy for you to take out the battery.
And now, a disclaimer
As you can guess, these suggestions cannot work 100% time. You can still have the security of the airport from your bag. The requirements of size and weight can change. Employees cannot sympathize how delicate your equipment is.
But what you want to do piles obstacles in your side. It is better that you are necessary with you. It is better that there are camera bags that fit under most seats. And it is better that you are able to do things in your coat pocket. It is in favor of preparing fate.
What do you have suggestions?
No article with travel tips can be widespread. If we sit a small group of travelers together, we may probably write a small book on the tips about traveling with camera gear.
For example, I did not mention a detailed list of all equipment, including the serial number to help in case of loss or theft; Get travel insurance; Choosing a appropriate prudent looking camera bag; Keeping sensitive gears in plastic bags for additional protection against moisture; Using Airtags, tracking cards, or tracking devices with your equipment; Non-essential items left behind to reduce weight and stress (especially if they are easily obtained at your destination); And other suggestions.
What do you have suggestions? Share them in the comments!
