air travel question. security checks.

thanks for reading this.

we are traveling to New Mexico in April, Oklahoma in May. (SouthWest Air). Cleveland to Albuqurq, Cleveland to Ok City.
we will need to bring several digital cams, a notebook computer, lenses

a scanner (canoscan, very light and powered by the computer), and associated battery chargers etc....(some clothes too, i think).

i was planning to take a D-60, notebook computer, lenses (3-4 L's) with me on the plane, my wife will be hauling a fuji, lenses, scanner, etc.

it seems the security rules have changed. considering the above are we in for a hassle? is there a preferred way to pack/carry this mess to lessen the security hassles? we of course would never put any stuff in check-thru other than non-breakable and a tripod (carbon).

any insight would be helpful

thanks,

robert
--
robert
Native Eye Photography
mitakuye oyasin
('we are all related'. Lakota language)
http://www.pbase.com/nativeeye
Canon D-60, 'L' lens membership card holder, good eyes.

I travel on Southwest all the time. They follow the basic airline rule--One carry-on bag plus one "personal" item. The latter can be a camera bag, computer, etc. Note a women's purse counts. The first bag can be pretty good size--check their website for exact size. The second bag cannot be as large but you can use a pretty good size camera bag. I use a Tamrac bag that has space for two cameras with lenses on plus four lenses in soft cases.
--
John S

I recently flew from Oklahoma City to San Francisco with my laptop and Canon. They pretty much ignored the Canon, but made me turn on the laptop at one point to make sure it worked. On the other security points (about 8 since 9/11) they just put the laptop on a carrier and ran it through the machine by itself (i.e., they took it out of it's case).

Again, overall they ignored the Canon. I have been pulled out of line once for a more complete search, and once again, they just ignored it.

Regardless of whether you are talking about a laptop or clean underwear, it all comes down to having something easy to open for them to look into, small enough to run through the X-Ray machine and stay relaxed. Overall, since the TSA took over the searching, I actually get to my plane quicker than before the new checks were implemented.

--
Life is short, eat the dessert first!

http://www.oktrails.com

... and took EVERY single lens out of the bag and looked through it, handled my 1D (scary to watch) and asked a zillion questions. I got 'wanded' top to bottom (and even had to open my pants).
Apparently I'm a suspicious looking character.
KP

robert said:

thanks for reading this.

we are traveling to New Mexico in April, Oklahoma in May.
(SouthWest Air). Cleveland to Albuqurq, Cleveland to Ok City.
we will need to bring several digital cams, a notebook computer,
lenses
a scanner (canoscan, very light and powered by the computer), and
associated battery chargers etc....(some clothes too, i think).

i was planning to take a D-60, notebook computer, lenses (3-4 L's)
with me on the plane, my wife will be hauling a fuji, lenses,
scanner, etc.

it seems the security rules have changed. considering the above are
we in for a hassle? is there a preferred way to pack/carry this
mess to lessen the security hassles? we of course would never put
any stuff in check-thru other than non-breakable and a tripod
(carbon).

any insight would be helpful

thanks,

robert
--
robert
Native Eye Photography
mitakuye oyasin
('we are all related'. Lakota language)
http://www.pbase.com/nativeeye
Canon D-60, 'L' lens membership card holder, good eyes.

Click to expand...

--

29 lbs. of Canon stuff in a backpack that I carry everywhere. A closet full of things that are banned in Britain. A minivan and a Fender Stratocaster. A three bedroom ranch with three owls on an acre. An aversion to rumours. Also, absolutely no Canon 1200mm f/5.6. Yet.

I've gone on three trips since December. They did give me the full shakedown the first time. This included holding every lens up to the light to make sure light passed through them, taking off my shoes, and swabing every piece of equipment I had, especially the fan on my laptop.

The other two times, they didn't care as much and just x-rayed everything.

I have travelled extensively since 9/11/01 (Europe, China, Japan, Israel, and throughout the U.S) and no one has paid much attention to my camera kit, even when I have been pulled aside for special screening. (I really hated being pulled aside at the gate, with the resulting delays and loss of access to overhead storage!)

Laptops, however, are another thing. In the U.S. and many other countries, one is required to take laptops out of their bag/case for screening by security.

robert said:

thanks for reading this.

we are traveling to New Mexico in April, Oklahoma in May.
(SouthWest Air). Cleveland to Albuqurq, Cleveland to Ok City.
we will need to bring several digital cams, a notebook computer,
lenses
a scanner (canoscan, very light and powered by the computer), and
associated battery chargers etc....(some clothes too, i think).

i was planning to take a D-60, notebook computer, lenses (3-4 L's)
with me on the plane, my wife will be hauling a fuji, lenses,
scanner, etc.

it seems the security rules have changed. considering the above are
we in for a hassle? is there a preferred way to pack/carry this
mess to lessen the security hassles? we of course would never put
any stuff in check-thru other than non-breakable and a tripod
(carbon).

any insight would be helpful

thanks,

robert
--
robert
Native Eye Photography
mitakuye oyasin
('we are all related'. Lakota language)
http://www.pbase.com/nativeeye
Canon D-60, 'L' lens membership card holder, good eyes.

Click to expand...

They x-ray'd the heck out of my small laptop with no affect on the data or machine. Haven't travelled with a camera and film since 9/11, so I can help with how they treat photo equipment. Nice to get custom stamps on equipment you are taking out of the U.S., although it appears your travel will be internal. Helps when bringing it back, especially if it really looks new. Since 9/11, I suppose proof you left the U.S. with it also helps on the return trip if there are questions.

robert said:

thanks for reading this.

we are traveling to New Mexico in April, Oklahoma in May.
(SouthWest Air). Cleveland to Albuqurq, Cleveland to Ok City.
we will need to bring several digital cams, a notebook computer,
lenses
a scanner (canoscan, very light and powered by the computer), and
associated battery chargers etc....(some clothes too, i think).

i was planning to take a D-60, notebook computer, lenses (3-4 L's)
with me on the plane, my wife will be hauling a fuji, lenses,
scanner, etc.

it seems the security rules have changed. considering the above are
we in for a hassle? is there a preferred way to pack/carry this
mess to lessen the security hassles? we of course would never put
any stuff in check-thru other than non-breakable and a tripod
(carbon).

any insight would be helpful

thanks,

robert
--
robert
Native Eye Photography
mitakuye oyasin
('we are all related'. Lakota language)
http://www.pbase.com/nativeeye
Canon D-60, 'L' lens membership card holder, good eyes.

Click to expand...

--
[email protected]

I usually travel with a Lowepro Stealth 650 packed full of all sorts of electronic gear. My camera body, 3-4 lenses, a laptop, scanner (as in radio), various circuit boards/debugging tools/etc. related to my job (engineering embedded systems), magazines, railroad timetables (yes, I'm a railfan / rail photographer by hobby, hence the camear gear), and all sorts of other odd stuff.

I travel a bit (fly 2-3 times/month), and the only airport that has ever even given the stuff more than a casual once-over was Tampa, where some pre-TSA security guy pulled out every single piece of equipment and asked what it was - including asking "What's this?" to every single lens he pulled out. You'd think after the first 2-3 he'd get the idea. It was fun explaining to this genius what the small box of chips/boards/strange looking electronic test gear was...

Other than that, I've found that since the TSA has taken over, they're a lot more professional and a lot less annoying. Just don't stick it in your suitcase - their handy new checked bag X-ray helps the baggage goons find the valuables faster and more accurately... (Okay, I'm kidding, but I'd still never stick my camera or my laptop in checked luggage.)

Annoying

I think these experiences demonstrate how random the treatment is applied. My own experiences have been highly variable. In the last couple of months I have traveled to CA, FL, D.C., Israel, and Europe. On some occasions my bag has been essentially disassembled with hand inspection and swabbing of each and every lens, accessory, etc. Other times, it has zipped throught the x-ray without question. Go figure.

robert said:

thanks for reading this.

we are traveling to New Mexico in April, Oklahoma in May.
(SouthWest Air). Cleveland to Albuqurq, Cleveland to Ok City.
we will need to bring several digital cams, a notebook computer,
lenses
a scanner (canoscan, very light and powered by the computer), and
associated battery chargers etc....(some clothes too, i think).

i was planning to take a D-60, notebook computer, lenses (3-4 L's)
with me on the plane, my wife will be hauling a fuji, lenses,
scanner, etc.

it seems the security rules have changed. considering the above are
we in for a hassle? is there a preferred way to pack/carry this
mess to lessen the security hassles? we of course would never put
any stuff in check-thru other than non-breakable and a tripod
(carbon).

any insight would be helpful

thanks,

robert
--
robert
Native Eye Photography
mitakuye oyasin
('we are all related'. Lakota language)
http://www.pbase.com/nativeeye
Canon D-60, 'L' lens membership card holder, good eyes.

Click to expand...

For most international flights I've travelled on the Max weight of hand luggage is around 5 - 8 kg per person

They are not "too" bothered about the size, as long as it will fit in an OH locker

My experiences to date:

Handluggage over weight, had to go into the hold (unprotected camera bag - tho I was allowed to carry through to the plane, but not allowed to collect straight from plan on landing as promised) Got Peli case since - x 1
Tripod wasn't allowed in cabin - x 3
Pelicase inspected (just opened) - x 3
All lenses checked - x 1
Swab tested for handling drugs - x 1
Hand luggage inspected - x 2
Charged excess baggage - x 1

All this from 50 + international flights

Most of this happens on the outbound flights from the UK

Luggage delayed too many times, the bags counted on were all counted off. I have no choice but to put the majority of my camera equipment into the hold, as I'm usually carrying in excess of 22kg of stuff not including a tripod which goes over my shoulder since some "monkey" bent the pan/tilt handles

Make sure all your baggage is waterproof, I seen my bags (and every one elses on the plane) wait for 1 hour in pouring rain on the tarmac, also make sure everything is well padded...I once saw a bag fall off the conveyor as it was being loaded into the plane...10ft drop onto concrete, glad it wasn't mine!

Most of this happens on the outbound flighs from the UK

Check in early, just in case they fancy a poke through your stuff, it's less stressful when you're not in a hurry

--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Always give the client a vertical-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
I shoot on 35mm Canon and 6x7 Pentax
http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder.tcl?folder_id=280578

Thanks to all:

i'll make sure to wear clean underwear for the body-check!

anyone know if a tripod put into checked in luggage will cause that luggage to be searched?

again,
thank you.

r

robert
Native Eye Photography
mitakuye oyasin
('we are all related'. Lakota language)
http://www.pbase.com/nativeeye
Canon D-60, 'L' lens membership card holder, good eyes.

I've broken mine into it's parts, centre column, legs and head and it's gone into my hold luggage, when I have a bit more latitude (weight wise) if I'm traveling with someone else...No problems, when it went on it's own the handles got bent, but it wasn't in a bag...all airlines have let me carry it through...it just depends who you get on the checkin desk

Other wise it goes over my shoulder
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Always give the client a vertical-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
I shoot on 35mm Canon and 6x7 Pentax
http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder.tcl?folder_id=280578

robert said:

Thanks to all:

i'll make sure to wear clean underwear for the body-check!

anyone know if a tripod put into checked in luggage will cause that
luggage to be searched?

again,
thank you.

r

robert
Native Eye Photography
mitakuye oyasin
('we are all related'. Lakota language)
http://www.pbase.com/nativeeye
Canon D-60, 'L' lens membership card holder, good eyes.

Click to expand...

Robert,

I alway put my Gitzo tripoid plus my wimberly head (well padded) in my checked luggage and it has not been opened and searched to my knowledge. You must leave your luggage unlocked. If a search is necessary, they will break the lock to gain access.

TSA is probably the best thing that ever happened to airport security. The search at the gates, however, really upsets me, especially if my stuff has already been checked. However, it is my understanding that most airports have eliminated this.

I am sometimes amazed at how the x-ray screeners can sort stuff out in a large camera bag full of equipment. But they seem to do it and gear goes through without a second look 95% of the time.

Marty

10 ft fall onto concrete?

Unless you're packaging lenses, etc. into foam-encased Pelican cases, ain't much gonna survive THAT.

Graham Snook said:

Make sure all your baggage is waterproof, I seen my bags (and every
one elses on the plane) wait for 1 hour in pouring rain on the
tarmac, also make sure everything is well padded...I once saw a bag
fall off the conveyor as it was being loaded into the plane...10ft
drop onto concrete, glad it wasn't mine!

Click to expand...

--
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons
http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net
Photography -- just another word for compromise

I work as an auxilliary baggage handler at Geneva airport (weekend job - I'm a Uni student) and I would definately recommend getting a Pelican case or anything stronger if you have to put your equipment in the hold. Also, you it's a good idea to cover your luggage in "Fragile" stickers - one label on the handle won't do it, we don't have the time to be 'careful' with baggage.

Often enough, you can convince airlines to allow you to take baggage into the cabin, so long as you notify them in advance.

--
Zadig Zahad
Geneva, Switzerland

Why do you think I went for the Pelicase?? ;-)

Gonna get a bigger one with wheels built in, I have a trolley which I use, but it has to go through oversizes/fragile because of the wheels

It's covered in Fragile stickes in lots of different languages...bright orange ones at that ....but it's still got bangs and scrapes all over it...I dread to think what they do with it when it's out of sight
--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Always give the client a vertical-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
I shoot on 35mm Canon and 6x7 Pentax
http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder.tcl?folder_id=280578

Just give yourself some time . . . the more "stuff" that you have, the more attention you'll get, and the longer it takes to sift thru all of your gear. The only advice . . . pack in a way that you can get to everything, and so help the process move along.

GO BROWNS! (a native Clevelander, myself)
--
Mitch G.

D-60, 17-35 L, 28-70 L, 70-200 L 2.8, 1.4X II, 420 EX, lots of bills to pay!

NDHolmes said:

Just
don't stick it in your suitcase - their handy new checked bag X-ray
helps the baggage goons find the valuables faster and more
accurately... (Okay, I'm kidding, but I'd still never stick my
camera or my laptop in checked luggage.)

Click to expand...

Just to alleviate some fears. I work for the TSA as a baggage screener. The baggage handlers don't see the the screening process so they don't know what is in the bags. I see probably 10 SLR's a day. Yesterday I helped (since I know cameras equipment, I always get pulled over to help with these) a case with 3 1d's and a 600mm and a bunch of other lenses. That is all that was in the case. The passenger was evidently a sports photographer, as there were envelopes and such for Sports Illustrated.

--
Bob Fischer
http://www.bobthephotoguy.com

Mitch...

where do you want the Browns to go? (tee hee). hopefully this season will be better.

anyhow.....

good advice from all who responded, and i WILL take all the advice.

thanks again!!!

r

Mitch G. said:

Just give yourself some time . . . the more "stuff" that you have,
the more attention you'll get, and the longer it takes to sift thru
all of your gear. The only advice . . . pack in a way that you can
get to everything, and so help the process move along.

GO BROWNS! (a native Clevelander, myself)
--
Mitch G.

D-60, 17-35 L, 28-70 L, 70-200 L 2.8, 1.4X II, 420 EX, lots of
bills to pay!

Click to expand...

--
robert
Native Eye Photography
mitakuye oyasin
('we are all related'. Lakota language)
http://www.pbase.com/nativeeye
Canon D-60, 'L' lens membership card holder, good eyes.