So I am flying to Ireland next week (Wed) and am fairly worried about what I will be able to get onto an International flight. Like many, I take a photo backpack full of gear as a carry on, and then stow the tripod and some other things in my checked baggage.
I am very concerned that no matter what they say today, I may show up to the airport and am told that I need to check my backpack. The only thing I may have on my side is the fact that my gear is completely analog (Mamiya MF). I'm sure that is just wishful thinking, but the less it looks like a fancy digital device right now - the better?
Any thoughts on what to do? I thought about hurrying up and shipping my gear to my first destination, but I am concerned about customs hold ups, things like that. With reservations, plans etc - I can't wait around for it to arrive really. I am kind of on a short timeline at this point. I also ask for a hand inspection of my film - but that is probably out the window right now as well...
And then there is the concern of flying from Dublin back to the US at the end of the month...
We're not flying soon, but have a succession of friends coming our way beginning Monday. As you might guess, we are getting lots of calls with updates, as well as requests for help. The following is a mix of the visitor's reports, what I have gleaned from talking to local airport personel, and my reactions to your situation and plans:
If you're flying BA they were not allowing ANY carryons, at least on flights between the Britain and the US.
Number, weight and size restrictions on both carryons and checked bags are being strictly enforced.
Allow extra time for security checkpoints, especially in major airports.
TSA is not allowing any liquids, gels or cremes on carryons.
I'm guessing that US airlines may be headed toward no carryons sooner or later, because Alaska Airlines at least has dropped all fees for excess baggage for the interim. I talked to one exec, who told me it was intended to allow people to check their normal carryons without penalty. Pre-emptive measure at this point, but a thoughtful attempt to ease passage through security checkpoints.
On feeder airlines from smaller airports, especially those that don't require security on flights, be careful about what you carry. You will encounter the strict regulations the moment you pass into a larger airport, which can be a major hassle mid-trip.
Reacting directly to your plans, there's no free lunch with analog. What are you going to do with your film if you can't have carryons?
Compare shipping rates (including insurance) both ways with excess baggage charges, as well as size and weight restrictions. How about shipping your film and checking your cameras?
When shipping we have the best luck transfering our gear to hard cases and boxing those, rather than trying to box and pad camera bags and packs. We're fond of the Lowepro Omni Pro rather than Pelican cases because it uses a fabric camera bag rather than sticky foam for partitions. On location you can simply pull out and use the camera bag, rather than also shipping a camera bag in addition to the hard case.
As I final measure, I would immediately check the TSA website for latest information directly from the horse's mouth, as well as your airline. Don't bother calling TSA on the phone, because in our experience they are unresponsive at best, and confused at worst.
There is an ongoing discussion on this in Lightstalkers. One recent traveller stating camera bags currently are not allowed as carry on to the U.K. Don't know if the definition of U.K. extends to Ireland.
Thanks Hank and Dave. Good information - I was going to call TSA, but the website is probably my best resource. It looks like Ireland is still under normal operating procedures in terms of carryons, so I *hope* to be ok coming home. I am flying out of DEN -> CHI -> IRL on American Airlines. Really glad we didn't try to fly into UK and then jump over to IRL.
Out of curiosity - has anyone had issues with things getting held up in customs when shipping a personal package? I just worry that I do not have enough time at this point for that option.
If you pack undeveloped film for your Mamiya in checked bags, there's an excellent chance that the powerful X-ray machine used for checked luggage will ruin your film! Seriously. Going or coming.
I have to fly within the US (Oklahoma to Washington DC) with camera gear in about ten days. I'm not taking very much gear, and as long as things are as they are now, I'm not worried about it. I'm flying to Italy (will go to Slovenia while there) in October on a significant photo trip, and I AM a bit fretful on what will happen by that time on that route.
I don't believe bans on carry-on (to my knowledge only in effect in flight from US to/from UK) will last. Too many high-fare business type people depend on using their laptops to work during the flight. And I suspect even now they are getting a LOT of complaints and perhaps difficult behavior or excessive drinking from people bored to tears on transatlantic flights without a book or an MP3 player. The airlines will push hard to avoid having the no-carry on requirement run for long, or be expanded to more flights. The US regulators are pretty sensitive to airline concerns.
The ban on liquids in cabin is here to stay, I suspect. And if they can figure out a way to enforce it, I can see them banning liquids in checked bags. Heck, I'd support the idea myself, though it would be an inconvenience.
I know a number of people who check camera equipment regularly, but I am sure uncomfortable with it myself. If I ever do it (except when forced to in an emergency like the poor saps flying transatlantic now), I'll at most take the least expensive camera I can manage (probably just one), and NOT take high-dollar lenses.
Posted by Basil Greber on August 12, 2006 at 5:35 AM
Two comments from me:
1) Irealand is NOT U.K. territory - except for northern Ireland, and I guess you know that some people there are not too happy about that. To say it in a diplomatic way... so, anyway, if really only the U.K. has these rules, Ireland should be fine.
2) I have experienced a case of a pack held up in custom for something like a month in Germany. Be careful.
Basil
Posted by Rick Dunn on August 13, 2006 at 12:03 PM
I'd recommend having a couple of different plans, allowing for flexibility. It seems that no one airline or airport does things the same as others, domestically or internationally. Being prepared to check everything, including making accommodations for mailing film if necessary will give you some flexibility when you invariably run into a new policy.
Posted by Mike Kovacs on August 14, 2006 at 6:39 PM
I'm flying to Frankfurt next week, returning from Heathrow, so I am a little concerned. I have no issue bringing my camera system with me but I worry about the return leg.
For the last several years we have Fedexed larger camera gear and light kits on both legs when traveling, but are resolved to do so now with all camera gear. It's expensive, but cheaper in the long run than damage or loss. We've only shipped between residences or business addresses, so I don't know about restrictions on shipping to hotels and such.
BTW- We have business accounts with Fedex and UPS, and I highly recommend everyone do the same. We get a discount on our shipments, plus we travel with a stack of preprinted shipping documents. This greatly simplifies the process at most locations.
Discussion
9 repliesI am very concerned that no matter what they say today, I may show up to the airport and am told that I need to check my backpack. The only thing I may have on my side is the fact that my gear is completely analog (Mamiya MF). I'm sure that is just wishful thinking, but the less it looks like a fancy digital device right now - the better?
Any thoughts on what to do? I thought about hurrying up and shipping my gear to my first destination, but I am concerned about customs hold ups, things like that. With reservations, plans etc - I can't wait around for it to arrive really. I am kind of on a short timeline at this point. I also ask for a hand inspection of my film - but that is probably out the window right now as well...
And then there is the concern of flying from Dublin back to the US at the end of the month...
Thanks,
Michael
If you're flying BA they were not allowing ANY carryons, at least on flights between the Britain and the US.
Number, weight and size restrictions on both carryons and checked bags are being strictly enforced.
Allow extra time for security checkpoints, especially in major airports.
TSA is not allowing any liquids, gels or cremes on carryons.
I'm guessing that US airlines may be headed toward no carryons sooner or later, because Alaska Airlines at least has dropped all fees for excess baggage for the interim. I talked to one exec, who told me it was intended to allow people to check their normal carryons without penalty. Pre-emptive measure at this point, but a thoughtful attempt to ease passage through security checkpoints.
On feeder airlines from smaller airports, especially those that don't require security on flights, be careful about what you carry. You will encounter the strict regulations the moment you pass into a larger airport, which can be a major hassle mid-trip.
Reacting directly to your plans, there's no free lunch with analog. What are you going to do with your film if you can't have carryons?
Compare shipping rates (including insurance) both ways with excess baggage charges, as well as size and weight restrictions. How about shipping your film and checking your cameras?
When shipping we have the best luck transfering our gear to hard cases and boxing those, rather than trying to box and pad camera bags and packs. We're fond of the Lowepro Omni Pro rather than Pelican cases because it uses a fabric camera bag rather than sticky foam for partitions. On location you can simply pull out and use the camera bag, rather than also shipping a camera bag in addition to the hard case.
As I final measure, I would immediately check the TSA website for latest information directly from the horse's mouth, as well as your airline. Don't bother calling TSA on the phone, because in our experience they are unresponsive at best, and confused at worst.
http://www.lightstalkers.org
There is an ongoing discussion on this in Lightstalkers. One recent traveller stating camera bags currently are not allowed as carry on to the U.K. Don't know if the definition of U.K. extends to Ireland.
Dave
Out of curiosity - has anyone had issues with things getting held up in customs when shipping a personal package? I just worry that I do not have enough time at this point for that option.
I have to fly within the US (Oklahoma to Washington DC) with camera gear in about ten days. I'm not taking very much gear, and as long as things are as they are now, I'm not worried about it. I'm flying to Italy (will go to Slovenia while there) in October on a significant photo trip, and I AM a bit fretful on what will happen by that time on that route.
I don't believe bans on carry-on (to my knowledge only in effect in flight from US to/from UK) will last. Too many high-fare business type people depend on using their laptops to work during the flight. And I suspect even now they are getting a LOT of complaints and perhaps difficult behavior or excessive drinking from people bored to tears on transatlantic flights without a book or an MP3 player. The airlines will push hard to avoid having the no-carry on requirement run for long, or be expanded to more flights. The US regulators are pretty sensitive to airline concerns.
The ban on liquids in cabin is here to stay, I suspect. And if they can figure out a way to enforce it, I can see them banning liquids in checked bags. Heck, I'd support the idea myself, though it would be an inconvenience.
I know a number of people who check camera equipment regularly, but I am sure uncomfortable with it myself. If I ever do it (except when forced to in an emergency like the poor saps flying transatlantic now), I'll at most take the least expensive camera I can manage (probably just one), and NOT take high-dollar lenses.
1) Irealand is NOT U.K. territory - except for northern Ireland, and I guess you know that some people there are not too happy about that. To say it in a diplomatic way... so, anyway, if really only the U.K. has these rules, Ireland should be fine.
2) I have experienced a case of a pack held up in custom for something like a month in Germany. Be careful.
Basil
BTW- We have business accounts with Fedex and UPS, and I highly recommend everyone do the same. We get a discount on our shipments, plus we travel with a stack of preprinted shipping documents. This greatly simplifies the process at most locations.
I know I am looking for the friendliest looking TSA rep I can find as I approach security at DIA.