Air Travel

Question:

>OK, so I’ve searched and researched this flying with camera gear and locking >cases situation.  I am schedule to do a lot of air travel over the next year >with cases and cases of camera gear, and am concerned about the >Transportation Security Administration’s warning suggesting that >checked-luggage not be locked in case they have to re-inspect luggage.  They >will, of course, break the locks.

When I and my former colleagues used to travel to dubious countries with urgently required equipment, we sometimes bought a few more seats on the plane and carried the stuff on board. Is this still possible these days? — Simon Elliott http://www.ctsn.co.uk/

Response:

Nope….not possible. Many, many rules…some of which are logical, some of which are political. Such is life…. John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->OK, so I’ve searched and researched this flying with camera gear and locking >cases situation.  I am schedule to do a lot of air travel over the next year >with cases and cases of camera gear, and am concerned about the >Transportation Security Administration’s warning suggesting that >checked-luggage not be locked in case they have to re-inspect luggage.  They >will, of course, break the locks. > When I and my former colleagues used to travel to dubious countries with > urgently required equipment, we sometimes bought a few more seats on the > plane and carried the stuff on board. Is this still possible these days? > — > Simon Elliott > http://www.ctsn.co.uk/

Response:

> This seems to leave us with Samsonite hard-side luggage with a built-in-lock > out of luck, doesn’t it?

I’m afraid so.  I have had only bad experiences with Samsonite luggage anyway, I think it is inferior, but I believe you’re going to end up buying some soft-sided luggage with zippers.  Sorry! Best Regards, Bill Mattocks

Response:

OK, so I’ve searched and researched this flying with camera gear and locking cases situation.  I am schedule to do a lot of air travel over the next year with cases and cases of camera gear, and am concerned about the Transportation Security Administration’s warning suggesting that checked-luggage not be locked in case they have to re-inspect luggage.  They will, of course, break the locks. Now tarmacs are not the safest places for unlocked cases with camera gear…..and a number of photographers have complained about stolen equipment. Well, I found out if one wants to travel with a firearm – a rifle or marksman’s pistol – then one must declare it with the airline when checking in and MUST LOCK the case! From the Transportation Security Administration’s web site: Guns and Firearms ARE NOT permitted in the cabin of an aircraft, but depending on the policy of your airline and your destination (domestic or international), they may be included with your checked baggage.  If allowed in your checked baggage, the following restrictions apply: