In the past, I've packed cameras in checked baggage from Atlanta to Washington National and Montreal-Trudeau. I haven't had anything stolen. I secured the bags with cable ties and tamperproof seals. The cameras were Nikon F's from the late 1960's--I guess nobody thought they were worth stealing. More recently, I pack only the accessories. I now take a large case and gate check it. Since the case goes through x-ray like all the rest of my carry-on baggage, I can lock it at the gate. On arrival, I pick it up on the walk way. Gate checking is usually available on just about all airlines--it's how they handle large baby strollers and wheelchairs. Bill -----Original Message----- >From: Robert Read <rread@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> >Sent: Dec 17, 2007 4:53 PM >To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students <photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> >Subject: airports and cameras > >Hi, > >I'm tired of carrying on all my gear when I fly, and I'm considering >buying a modest Pelican case (or similar) so I can pack my gear safely >and check it. But, I'm concerned about how secure it is, since they >don't allow you to lock checked bags these days, at least in the US. A >co-worker of mine just lost two laptops he checked on a flight last >week. (Both his and his wife's bags arrived, but the laptops were >gone, and the airline accepted no liability of course.) Has anyone >had any experiences, good or bad, with checking their gear? Any tips? > >Sorry if this is off-topic, but we can't take pictures if we don't >have the gear, and I'm probably not the only one here boarding a plane >in the near future. > >thanks, >robert >
