Seperate Camera Bag for Flying?

[Mr. B]

I know this is a specialized question but I thought a couple of you might be able to offer some insight.

Next week I will be flying for the first time in four years and this will be my first time traveling with actual camera gear. I will be flying Southwest from New Orleans to Phoenix (later returning) and am planning on bringing my 40D, a couple lenses and some accessories. I have Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW which I am very fond of and holds everything. However I was just going to put what I wanted in my main carry-on bag, each lens and body in its won little case. I just read on TSA's website that passengers must "Remove all electronic devices from carryons for screening." That sounds like a nightmare since I'll be traveling with a small laptop and some other toys.

Apparently I am permitted a camera bag in addition to be precious one carry-on. Is there any reason I wouldn't want to take my camera bag in addition to a carry on or what my original plan better?

 

[Lindley]

All electronic devices? It used to be just laptops and liquids/gels. Huh.

The rule is "one carry-on plus one personal item". This can mean anything from a woman's purse to a laptop bag to a camera bag.

Three bits of advice. First, it's possible they might want you to take the stuff out of the case to run it through the x-ray, but don't volunteer to do so unless they ask. (Do, however, take your laptop out of its case to run through separately without prompting, and have a small ziplock for any liquids/gels handy. This lessens the chances of them getting picky with you.) If there's any traditional camera film involved they might allow that to skip the x-ray because it could be damaging; ask.

Second, keep a bit of extra room in your carry-on so that you can squeeze the camera bag into it, just in case there's some kind of problem with you carrying it separately. There probably won't be, but having the option is nice.

Third, now that baggage fees are becoming common, people are trying to squeeze larger and larger "carry-ons" into the overhead bins. Your camera is going to be a lot safer under the seat in front of you.

As always, arrive at the airport early (two hours prior to the flight is recommended; I find that 1-1.5 is usually enough) so that if there's any difficulty with lines or security you have time to get it sorted.

 

[Mr. B]

All electronic devices? It used to be just laptops and liquids/gels. Huh.

I read the "Remove all electronic devices from carryons for screening." line from the Phoenix airport website... it would certainly be preferable for me for the laptop rule to be true. It was the case the last time I flew.

 

[doubleohfive]

If there's any traditional camera film involved they might allow that to skip the x-ray because it could be damaging; ask.

It will be damaging, yes. Years ago, my then-photographer girlfriend came to visit and took many a photo while in DC. Unfortunately, security at Dulles insisted the camera film be x-ray'd as well, and to my knowledge it was mostly ruined. If there's a way to ship the film otherwise, it'd be a good idea to investigate it.

 

[B.J.]

I've been flying quite frequently recently, and the only thing you need to take out of its bag is your laptop. If there's an issue, they'll just pull you aside and you lose maybe 5 more minutes.

Since you're flying Southwest, you want to be one of the first on the plane so that there's enough room left in the overhead for your carry-on. Those things get filled up pretty quickly, and if it doesn't fit under the seat in front of you, you'll have to check it at the gate to get put into the cargo hold.

 

[clint g]

Having done alot of flying in the last 5 years I can tell you that you can get away with as much as 2 backpacks. Also, as far as electronics are concerned they make you take out all computers as well as gaming devices. Sometimes they make you take out cameras as well. They've gotten a little more lax in the security though it shifts depending on when was the most recent terrorist attack/attempt. Considering what just happened in Times Square, expect things to be a bit more strict.

Also, if you are worried about the camera's film going through the x-ray you can request that they do a physical inspection of the item instead. That being said, it would probably be easier and safer just to check it instead. There is no guarantee that they will listen to your request.

Alot of it will also depend on the type of airport you go to. Small regional airports are more anal about this stuff than larger ones.

 

[Mr. B]

Thanks for the responses thus far.

I am mostly taking digital gear which isn't an issue but I am considering taking one film SLR/lens too. It's my understanding undeveloped film will be damaged by the checkpoint X-rays. the equipment used to scan checked baggage will nearly guarantee its destruction so travelers are advised to carry it. I may not buy any film until I arrive and if I'm really lucky it will be developed before I leave.