Will be flying to Alaska early August. I have not flown since 2006 and the luggage regs were not nearly as strict.
Gear: Nikon D700; Nikkor 14-24; Nikkor 35-105 manual; Nikkor 100-300; Nikkor 500 mm reflex; Tripod; MD10 for battery backup with AA batteries; cleaning gear.
Other other stuff: GPS, spotting scope, binoculars.
I will check with the airline but thought some ideas about questions to ask.
1. Camera carry on. Any recommendations? Go with a formal camera pack or something else. Lowerpro?
2. Batteries?
3. How large can the "personal bag" be which I read as being separate from the carry-on?
Larry, I just flew at the end of May for the first time in a few years. I pulled the center pole out of my tripod and packed the two pieces in my regular luggage. (With the head packed secure)
I have a nicely padded backpack that holds my camera and all the gear. I carried this on the plane with me including my extra battries. (Make sure the battery terminals are covered)
I can't remember the size limits but people carried on luggage that was far larger than mine. Maybe they were charged more for that. If you go on the website of the airline your flying their requirements should be listed.
Have a great trip.
John
As a guy who starts every out of state birding trip with an airplane flight, I can offer some experience:
- Airport baggage handling systems are not secure. You can't really lock you checked bags - the TSA-approved locks are a joke - so don't put anything in there you can't live without.
- Camera backpacks are my solution. Keep to the maximum dimensions allowed, and try not to get too heavy. I think that for the major air carriers carry-on dimensions are standard; Alaska Airlines' are here.
- Tripods are problematic. I check mine, on the theory that thieves don't have any idea what it is worth. TSA, in Alaska at least, will not let you carry one through security.
- Batteries, especially lithium batteries, are better carried than checked. The reasons are illogical, and a part of the street theater that is TSA.
- Binoculars are best carried. If there's no room in the camera bag, carry them around your neck. Plus, if the clouds are away as you fly to Alaska, the view is very cool with bins.
If you fly smaller air carriers in Alaska, you'll have to check the bags, but it's much safer, and generally TSA isn't involved.
I normally feel safe enough to check my tripod as well, though I'll often carry on the head if it's a smaller ballhead (the Wimberley gets checked).
If you're looking at brands, I'm a big fan of Think Tank's gear, so be sure to take a look. at what they have in terms of photo packs. Most of their larger bags, such as the Airport Addicted, will fit in the overhead on jets, but they won't fit on smaller commuter planes. Keep that in mind when you consider your flights.
Larry. I just returned from my trip to Alaska. What a great experience. I packed all my camera gear in a LowPro backpack and carried it through. I checked the tripod by putting it between clothes in my suit case. I like the backpack because it is easy to carry through the airport. Just make sure you have no liquids in your carry-on. Have fun!
As a guy who starts every out of state birding trip with an airplane flight, I can offer some experience:
- Airport baggage handling systems are not secure. You can't really lock you checked bags - the TSA-approved locks are a joke - so don't put anything in there you can't live without.
- Camera backpacks are my solution. Keep to the maximum dimensions allowed, and try not to get too heavy. I think that for the major air carriers carry-on dimensions are standard; Alaska Airlines' are here.
- Tripods are problematic. I check mine, on the theory that thieves don't have any idea what it is worth. TSA, in Alaska at least, will not let you carry one through security.
- Batteries, especially lithium batteries, are better carried than checked. The reasons are illogical, and a part of the street theater that is TSA.
- Binoculars are best carried. If there's no room in the camera bag, carry them around your neck. Plus, if the clouds are away as you fly to Alaska, the view is very cool with bins.
If you fly smaller air carriers in Alaska, you'll have to check the bags, but it's much safer, and generally TSA isn't involved.
Enjoy your trip. Email any questions.
This is pretty good advice. Pretty much what I use.
That weird they won't let you carry on a tripod. I fly several times a month and on my short trips I always carry on my tripod.
Discussion
5 repliesGear: Nikon D700; Nikkor 14-24; Nikkor 35-105 manual; Nikkor 100-300; Nikkor 500 mm reflex; Tripod; MD10 for battery backup with AA batteries; cleaning gear.
Other other stuff: GPS, spotting scope, binoculars.
I will check with the airline but thought some ideas about questions to ask.
1. Camera carry on. Any recommendations? Go with a formal camera pack or something else. Lowerpro?
2. Batteries?
3. How large can the "personal bag" be which I read as being separate from the carry-on?
Any and all suggestions appreciated.
the fisch
I have a nicely padded backpack that holds my camera and all the gear. I carried this on the plane with me including my extra battries. (Make sure the battery terminals are covered)
I can't remember the size limits but people carried on luggage that was far larger than mine. Maybe they were charged more for that. If you go on the website of the airline your flying their requirements should be listed.
Have a great trip.
John
- Airport baggage handling systems are not secure. You can't really lock you checked bags - the TSA-approved locks are a joke - so don't put anything in there you can't live without.
- Camera backpacks are my solution. Keep to the maximum dimensions allowed, and try not to get too heavy. I think that for the major air carriers carry-on dimensions are standard; Alaska Airlines' are here.
- Tripods are problematic. I check mine, on the theory that thieves don't have any idea what it is worth. TSA, in Alaska at least, will not let you carry one through security.
- Batteries, especially lithium batteries, are better carried than checked. The reasons are illogical, and a part of the street theater that is TSA.
- Binoculars are best carried. If there's no room in the camera bag, carry them around your neck. Plus, if the clouds are away as you fly to Alaska, the view is very cool with bins.
If you fly smaller air carriers in Alaska, you'll have to check the bags, but it's much safer, and generally TSA isn't involved.
Enjoy your trip. Email any questions.
If you're looking at brands, I'm a big fan of Think Tank's gear, so be sure to take a look. at what they have in terms of photo packs. Most of their larger bags, such as the Airport Addicted, will fit in the overhead on jets, but they won't fit on smaller commuter planes. Keep that in mind when you consider your flights.
Max
This is pretty good advice. Pretty much what I use.
That weird they won't let you carry on a tripod. I fly several times a month and on my short trips I always carry on my tripod.