Domestic air travel with DSLR - any tips?

Mike Goltsman · May 3, 2010

I am taking my D200 and several lenses on a trip to Disney World, and it just occurred to me that perhaps it might cause issues going through the security line. I plan to pack the D200 body, several lenses, SB-600 and various sundries (batteries, chargers, filters, mini-tripod) into a SlingShot and simply putting it through X-ray machine. I thought I would ask here whether there are any suggestions - will the packed camera cause problems? Will I be required to unpack every piece of gear? I never traveled with a DSLR other than by car, and would like to know what to expect. Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated.

pierrebnh · May 3, 2010

edwardaneal · May 3, 2010

I have flown several times with my camera packed in a pelican 1450 along with three lenses a flash and as you say various sundries.

I have been asked to open it, but I have never been asked to take anything out, perhaps this is just because they can easily see everything. This is my old setup, but you get the idea

I highly recommend the pelican 1450 for air travel, easily fits on any aircraft and really protects your gear.

Mike Goltsman said:
I am taking my D200 and several lenses on a trip to Disney World, and it just occurred to me that perhaps it might cause issues going through the security line. I plan to pack the D200 body, several lenses, SB-600 and various sundries (batteries, chargers, filters, mini-tripod) into a SlingShot and simply putting it through X-ray machine. I thought I would ask here whether there are any suggestions - will the packed camera cause problems? Will I be required to unpack every piece of gear? I never traveled with a DSLR other than by car, and would like to know what to expect. Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated.

--
Primary kit - D200, 10.5mm f/2.8D, 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm f/1.4G & 70-300VR
Backup kit – D80, 18-105VR
SB800, SB600 and other misc lighting equipment

Lenses worth mentioning owned and sold– 12-24 f/4, 17-55 f/2.8, 35-70 f/2.8, 80-200 f/2.8, 20mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4D, 60mm f/2.8, 85mm, f/1.8. 105mm f/2D-DC, 180mm f/2.8, 300mm f/4D-ED

Sagittarius · May 3, 2010

Mike Goltsman said:
I am taking my D200 and several lenses on a trip to Disney World, and it just occurred to me that perhaps it might cause issues going through the security line. I plan to pack the D200 body, several lenses, SB-600 and various sundries (batteries, chargers, filters, mini-tripod) into a SlingShot and simply putting it through X-ray machine. I thought I would ask here whether there are any suggestions - will the packed camera cause problems? Will I be required to unpack every piece of gear? I never traveled with a DSLR other than by car, and would like to know what to expect. Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,

It will totally depend on the person checking and the airport. A couple of years ago I traveled to Cleveland, OH and got stuck in Philadelphia. Every time I entered airport, they unpacked and checked every piece. Last year I traveled to Costa Rica and had a backpack full of photo gear. Nobody opened it even once on each way. Go figure.
--
Best regards

Chuck Yadmark · May 3, 2010

I am a traveling photographer and have gone with much more. Occasionally they pull it to look over but it's not a big deal
--
http://www.sportsshooter.com/cyadmark
Ann Arbor, MI USA

No that TC won't work with that lens, and no you're not getting that camera/lens at
that price.

Equipment in profile

Ryan Stewart · May 3, 2010

Two years of traveling 3 weeks out of each month and I have yet to have the line stop on my camera equipment in my Kata backpack (I have to take the laptop out of course)

That is with a D300 body, 80-200afs, 16-50, 11-16, 50/1.4, 80/1.4 and two strobes in it. Along with remote cables, TTL cables, etc.

Edit: like above my layout forces all of the gear into a single layer, save for the cables and such that reside in pouches on the top.

squeamish · May 3, 2010

I would put cards, chargers, batteries* and other unbreakables in my checked bag. Wear the body around your neck if you want to, you can always sit it in your lap or stick it under the seat.

*you can do that now, right?

Mike Goltsman · May 3, 2010

Thanks to all for the helpful info. Looks like I will have no problem, as I suspected. I just wanted to make sure there were not any unexpected things to keep in mind - I don't fly frequently and usually end up having to toss a pocket knife, toothpaste or some other dumb thing that I did not think or forgot about.

va_bank · May 4, 2010

I wrap my D200 in a sweatshirt and throw it in my carry-on backpack. Over a dozen airports in the last two years - no one ever said anything about it, never made me pull it out to check.

njtrout2000 · May 4, 2010

I have been doing quite a bit of travel for business and taking my D200, 18-200mm, SB800, charger, etc along in a Think Tank Urban Disguise 30.

I tell the security agents right before scanning that I have cameras in the bag. Telling them more to be gentle than anything else.

The only problem I have ever had was last year going through security in Brussels, Belgium. I had a monopod in my backpack. Well, talk about causing a scene. I think the agent on the x-ray scanner was new and had never saw one before. But it took 10 minutes to allow me to open up the backpack and demonstrate how a monopod is used. There was only one agent who recognized my D200 and he intervened and explained in Flemish what the item was.

I was surprised to be stopped at that point since I had cleared US, British, and Hungarian customs with the same monopod in the backpack.

BTW, ALWAYS have copies of your original receipts for your cameras and lenses when you travel outside the US.

Andy

Jennifer O · May 4, 2010

Last year I travelled with a d50, d300 and atleast 5 lenses from europe through New York to Seattle, then home from LA via Chicago and back to Europe without a problem, no one asked me to open my bag nor did anyone ask me to unpack it. The only problem I ever had was st Sydney with some lego, apparently it looks very suspicious under xray. jen

PHXAZCRAIG · May 4, 2010

Domestically - really no problem at all. Really! Just be sure you can fit the bag under a seat, in case you get stuck in a small regional jet with tiny overheads. Probably your biggest worry domestically is getting on late, finding no overhead space, and having to gate check the bag, which is a lot less likely if you can fit it under the seat.

Here is what I travel with domestically and internationally:
http://www.cjcphoto.net/misc2/tt-accelerator.html

Thinktank bags fit on airliners...

Flying outside the country your biggest issue is likely to be weight as there are a number of airports starting to enforce 7kg weight limits. (Half the US limit, and in the US I've never seen a carry-on weighed).

One trick to be aware of is to fly with a photo vest or something with a lot of deep pockets. In case you exceed some limit, or need to gate check a bag, you shift as much gear as possible into your vest.

As far as security lines go, I've never had an issue. Maybe 1 time in 10 they want me to unzip the bag so they can peek in at it. But don't have a packet knife or one of those many-in-one Leatherman tools - the security scans seem pretty good at flagging those.

squeamish · May 4, 2010

njtrout2000 said:
BTW, ALWAYS have copies of your original receipts for your cameras and lenses when you travel outside the US.

You can also go to a Customs Office before your trip and they will record the serial numbers and descriptions of items for you and issue a stamped form that provides proof of ownership. Mine is stapled in the back of my passport. I take cameras and shotguns to/from South America all the time and it has never been a problem.

Builder · May 5, 2010

Just check your weight allowance - some airlines are stingy with weight allowances and you don't want to have to check that gear.

Mike H · May 5, 2010

will make the stop you bag and really look it over in the xray machine. After about 30 seconds od staring at it. They passed it thru and didnt ask me to open the bag.
--
Im having too much fun with my D 300 to worry about what camera comes next

James Sherman · May 6, 2010

Probably thought it was a mortar shell.

malch · May 6, 2010

Mike Goltsman said:
I am taking my D200 and several lenses on a trip to Disney World, and it just occurred to me that perhaps it might cause issues going through the security line.

Generally, it's not a big deal but there's always a risk of encountering a "difficult" airline or TSA agent.

I do avoid cleaning fluids since folks can go bonkers over any liquids. I bought a big box of pre-moistened Zeiss lens wipes at Walmart. Only cost $3-4 and they're perfect for travel.

Every now and again they want a closer inspection and/or to swab for explosives. Apparently, lenses are quite opaque to the x-ray machines so don't be surprised if they want a close look. Politely but firmly explain that your gear is both delicate and valuable.

Bob Moulton · May 6, 2010

--I have checked similar gear in a slingshot 200 with no problems. I would separate the extra d200 batteries if you have them as there has been some concern about having 2 + batteries near each other without any plastic protectors on them. Otherwise enjoy, and look at J. Kost's Window Seat for ideas about photographing while flying.
Bob M

RonHrl · May 7, 2010

I often pack my DSLR in my carry-on, and it has always gone through screening with no problems, questions, or additional review.
--
Ron
CP5700, D70, D300, ZS3
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl

Every man has a right to his opinion, but no man has a right to be wrong in his facts. --Bernard Baruch

Robert Cohen · May 7, 2010

I recently flew from Albany NY to St. Louis and back. I had a photo backpack with two bodies, three lenses, TC, flash, batteries and CF cards, etc.

In Albany they decided to give me a good going over, including opening the backpack and inspecting the major items. The TSA personnel were reasonably respectful, and although it took some extra time, I just let them do their thing.

On the return trip nothing special. Nothing I carried on seemed to attract their attention. I don't think they even looked in my checked baggage with my dirty laundry.

Each direction I was dressed essentially the same and carried a photo backpack and a standard-size roller case that held computer, personal stuff, reading material, etc.
--
--Bob

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