Traveling with a camera

Hi all:

I'm trying to stay organized for my trip to Antarctica...so wondered if anyone knows of a website that has some good advice on what can be taken on a plane when it comes to camera gear. I understand the carry-on lbs. and size etc, but my questions are about batteries/laptop batteries in the camera, cleaning fluids for lenses and I thought I heard somewhere that you can't take the Eclipse sensor cleaner on the plane because it's flammable. Also, does anyone ever register their equipment with US customs?

Thanks for you input.

They seem to be letting batteries slide if they are smaller ones. If a battery is inserted in its device it's OK. Also, I think it's the lithium batteries they are more worried about, rather than the NiMH or alkalines. I flew to Chicago and back in April and had x10 Nikon SB-28 flash, x10 CyberSync triggers, plus my D300 & spare battery. Grand total was 63 batteries, LOL! They did notice it on their scanner and mentioned it, but let it go through both times. Instead of Eclipse cleaner you might consider bringing Dust Aid. I would email the Eclipse company to find out what they say.

Kent in SD

Do some digging over at Luminous Landscape. Michael has hosted lots of photo trips to Antarctica, including packing advice for participants.

I'll be flying through Sydney, so I've heard they want you to take out the laptop battery for inspection. By the way Hank I like your quote.

I have all of my equipment registered with the U.S. customs. I've never been questioned coming back into the country, but the small inconvenience of registering your equipment could save you a huge headache.

I went to Ecuador in February with 12 Olympus lithium batteries and 12 NiMH AA batteries. No one said boo. I carry a small lens cleaning kit with 1 oz of cleaning liquid. I put my bigger cleaning kit in my checked luggage.

I learned from hard experience to carry a small repair toolkit with screwdrivers that fit the itsy little screws on my camera.

I've traveled all over Asia, South America, and the Pacific with my gear and have had few problems. Recently, the security guys have been consistently asking me to take my camera out of my carry on for inspection. They always want you to take out the laptop. I've never had them question spare batteries and I carry 5 with me. Be aware of the weight of your carry on. Air New Zealand in particular can be pretty strict about weight allowances. Don't bring your tripod as a carry-on. I've had mine pulled from me twice now to go into baggage claim relatively unprotected. Just pack it and hope for the best, but you can always carry the tripod ballhead with you. I would leave your cleaning stuff in the checked bags. I've never registered my gear and have never been questioned about it.