flying with equipment

[dcoatney]

Have any videographers on here ever flown with camera equipment before? I have only driven.

My primary camera bag is bulky (it's for a Panasonic AG-DVX200), and I'm doubtful whether my camera will fit into carry-on luggage. Needless to say, I'm also trepidatious about giving it to handlers to throw around.

Any tips are appreciated.

[KarMa]

Theft of items in bags has been known to happen by baggage handlers or other people, so I would lock it as a mild deterrent. It's also advisable to unmount the lens if possible.

[manono]

Theft of items in bags has been known to happen by baggage handlers or other people, so I would lock it as a mild deterrent.

In the US, it's best not to lock anything. The TSA requires access to all checked baggage. The only exception is if you've bought approved locks for which they have identical keys.

If the bag is locked, the TSA inspector is permitted to break the lock to check the luggage, and a notice is placed inside the luggage to inform of the inspection.

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/airline-rules-locked-luggage-61495.html

Airlines also recommend to not pack specific items in checked baggage, such as valuables, cash, credit cards, jewelry and cameras.

If you absolutely have to send it as baggage, I'd buy an approved lock. That should make it harder for the regular baggage handlers to steal the stuff, but the TSA inspectors have had their own theft scandals from time to time.

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=tsa+locks+for+luggage&tag=mh0b-20&index=aps...l_54sfmazq93_e

[pandy]

Consider to use UPS or similar delivery service... or be prepared to pay additional fee to carry in camera on board as personal but non normative luggage.

[dcoatney]

Thank you all for your suggestions!!

[redwudz]

I always put them in my padded carry on and the accessories in my checked baggage.

TSA doesn't like pointy things like tripods in carry ons. And they have no sense of humor.
I was tested twice for explosives at the same airport because they were bored.

[KarMa]

In the US, it's best not to lock anything. The TSA requires access to all checked baggage. The only exception is if you've bought approved locks for which they have identical keys.

They will cut your lock, which I don't really care if they do. Standard locks cost how much? Not much. I think I would rather be certain that someone cut my lock than the idea that a TSA employee or someone else used a TSA key to open my stuff faster.

If the bag is locked, the TSA inspector is permitted to break the lock to check the luggage, and a notice is placed inside the luggage to inform of the inspection.

Oh no, my $5.

TSA inspectors have had their own theft scandals from time to time.

Which is why I'd rather make them take an extra few minutes finding the tools, using the tool to break the lock, making noise, adding complexity, raising eyebrows, and so on. Than simply having a universal key that could open and close the luggage in 10-30 seconds when no one is looking. And how certain are we that the TSA is the only one with this backdoor key?

[JVRaines]

If the bag is locked, the TSA inspector is permitted to break the lock to check the luggage, and a notice is placed inside the luggage to inform of the inspection.

Oh no, my $5.

Then your bag travels forward UNLOCKED and easy access to any thief along the way.

[Cornucopia]

My recommendation (at least for US-based flights):
Use Anvil-type shipping crates, and pay for TSA pre-check/pre-screen status. Have them (equipment) bonded & insured, use combination locks and give TSA and/or your common carrier reps the code/combination.

Or...

Do not take your own equipment, but pre-arrange to rent on-site.

Or...

Do not fly, but drive everywhere.

Having worked at a midwest production company for 17 years, the only time we flew was to the far coasts. All else, from Rocky Mts to OKC, NOLA to Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania to UP Michigan was driving in a van or 2 (usually 1 mainly for crew and 1 mainly for gear).

Scott

[KarMa]

Then your bag travels forward UNLOCKED and easy access to any thief along the way.

With a TSA lock, you are using a lock where the keys are public knowledge and so are not much better than simply being "unlocked". https://github.com/Xyl2k/TSA-Travel-Sentry-master-keys There are websites selling metal versions of these keys which are seemingly legal. If you want you could use two locks, one standard lock and one TSA lock to provide minimal protection after the TSA cuts open the other lock.