Flying with Equipment
 

Can anyone let me know what the traveling climate is right now in the US in regards to camera equipment? I have an XHA1 and a smaller Vixia camera that I'd want to bring, and maybe a LAV and a shotgun mic. Then of course, there's the tripods. Even if I use a small camera bag that I can carry on, I'm not sure how to deal with my big Libec sticks. If we only get one piece of luggage to that we can check, do they charge you a bunch to check your tripod? And the bag doesn't lock...does it mater?

One thing for sure is that I definitely don't want to check my camera. Wonder if should mail my tripod to the location, hehe.

Any advice would be appreciated :)

Jeremiah

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

I traveled this year with many pelican cases , audio gear, tripods,dolly and track. I carried my 5dmk2 and ex3 on board as carry on and never had any issue.

I had a tube for my tripod and light stands. and you dont have to lock anything in fact if you due you have to use tsa approved locks. , my tripod tube had no locks , didnt loose anything but a pair of headphones that disappeared thru tsa screening.

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

Check with your carrier then Fedex the lot to be safe and sure.

Cheers.

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

I only have the standard soft bag for my Libec tripod. Should I definitely NOT check it then?

I might be able to borrow a tube from someone. I guess another option is to just rent a tripod for the event.

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

Jeremiah, that's correct, never ever check a tripod into an aircraft hold if it doesn't have solid protection.

If you have time you could make a tube like this one ..

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-thin...ode-blimp.html

I'd make yours out of slightly more solid pipe and put some light steel rings around the outside for added protection,
but I've been throwing my Blimp case into trucks and aircraft holds for the last 3 years without any trouble whatsoever.

Or you could measure your Libec, then buy a suitable golf bag travel case, there's plenty available.
Note on the outside it's a camera tripod not a golf bag and include its weight. At most terminals and hubs now,
you can get them security wrapped for a modest cost. HTH

Cheers.

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

A number of the major airlines (Delta, American, Southwest) still have "media rate" allowances which let you travel with gear under special provisos, which are generally a cap of $50 per piece for excess baggage (which these days can be quite a bit more than that normally), plus the weight limit goes up from 50 to 100 lbs. You will need to show an ID badge that identifies you as a member of the media.

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

Most airlines allow you to check in an oversized (maxed at ~50lbs) golf club case free of charge. We have brought our very large hardshell golf club case (purchased for $159 at a sporting good store) filled with two tripods, poompole, a small jib and duvetyne/blankets (as padding) on half a dozen international and a dozen domestic trips. I check in a Pelican case with lights, camera rig and audio gear and carry bodies/lenses/etc.. in a backpack on board.

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

do the x-rays damage flush cards?

stelios

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

I managed to fit my XHA1 and my smaller canon into a carry-on sized bag. I also borrowed a tripod tube case and so that's good to be checked. One problem I'm running into now is my Sennheiser shotgun mic. Has anyone been hassled by inspectors of a long microphone? It's the ME67 so even if I take it apart it's still pretty long. I was thinking of putting it in the bottom of the tripod case, but I don't want it going missing, hehe.

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

Is it more relaxed in Europe airports or about the same? Would I be ok to say pack a monopod in my suitcase and carry a small camcorder and Canon 650D on board?

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

Just an update. Except for a slight freakout when my tripod didn't appear in the baggage carousel (it was in the odd package area, hehe) everything was smooth.

Security made me remove the cameras from the bag, but didn't even blink at the shotgun mic.

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

No, the x-ray screening does not affect the memory cards.

Security in European airports is tight, but I believe it is "worst" in the USA.
Never check in any camera. This should be carry-on only. (This is also specified in many airlines' recommendations).

Re: Flying with Equipment
 

Get a golf club/bag case. It can hold a tripod, boom pole and a few light stands plus some small lights. No one gives them a second look.
Dan