Traveling on a plane with your camera

In June I am going to be traveling to France. This will be my first time in Europe. Of course, I want to get great photos. We will be spending a week in Brittany near the ocean. Does anyone have any advise for me about taking my camera on the plane, or great photo ops while I am there?

Marjie,  I can't suggest photo ops, but I carry my full camera kit on the plane as carryon and check a suitcase several times every year.  My kit, in a standard soft sided camera backpack (2 SLR bodies, 24-70, 70-200, 400mm f5.6, 180 mm macro, a set of extension tubes, and a 1.4 extender plus a tripod clipped to the backpack) fits comfortably in the overhead bin.  That kit is actually smaller that most roll on bags.  (It is heavy and on a flight to Australia in 2010, they were threatening to weigh the bags going into the overhead bins, but didn't...phew!)  On small (<100 passengers) jets, I have had to gate check it, but that won't be true on a transatlantic flight.  I do remove the tripod head and store it in the camera bag for the flight to reduce the overall length.



Have fun!

If you do plan to bring a tripod, they're normally okay being stuffed in a suitcase or other checked bag.  Use clothes as padding, and it'll likely survive the trip just fine.  However, don't check any electronic camera equipment (including lenses), since theft is more likely and you'll never get proper reimbursement from the airline for that or damage.  Also, don't check your camera batteries, which may not comply with the band on checked lithium batteries and could be confiscated.

Do be aware that international flight restrictions are getting more and more strict in regards to weight.  If you have any doubt whether your camera bag will exceed the carry-on weight limits, be prepared to stuff lenses/gear into pockets at the check-in desk.  Having a jacket or other article of clothing with big pockets that can accommodate a lens or two comes in handy for this reason. ;)  And of course, you can always walk away afterward and re-pack said gear in your bag.

Max

Thanks so much Mark and Max! It is going to quite an adventure for me!

Unless you travel with a truckload of gear, the transatlantic flight should be fine. I usually put my tripod into checked baggage, and carry a camera and three to four lenses as well as all accessories (battery & filters) in my carry on (a backpack).
 

Oh yeah, make sure you have a power converter so you can recharge your batteries (or run/charge other electronic devices).

Spent a few weeks shooting around Brittany, you'll love it. Very under the radar for how beautiful it is.