So, tomorrow I'll be going out to the West coast and don't know what to do.

I've got a case/bag thing for my camera and lenses so that's not a problem.

But my question is, how should I check it. Should I put it in my checked luggage or carry-on. If I do the carry-on, will they make a big deal out of it when they check it? Will I have to take all of the stuff out of the case? I really don't want to do that. Ugh.

Thanks, Connor.

 

Its definitely worth the hassle tacking it onboard with you. You don't want it going missing...

 

Take it on board. I've carried multiple large lens in a camera bag without a problem.

 

I agree with the others. Bring it on the plane with you. I was stopped once so they could look inside my camera bag, but it was because I had my external HD in the front pocket of the backpack and they didn't know what that was and couldn't see thru it. Not really a big deal. I actually met a really cute girl at the airport when they made me open my bag. She saw my gear and asked if I was a photographer and we got to chatting about modeling and other stuff...

 

Cram gear into your pockets if you have to, but under NO circumstances should you check your gear (other than tripods, etc.).

The only way I would even *consider* checking something is if I had no choice, it was fully ensured, I had a traveling companion willing to help me spot for it at the baggage claim, and it was packed tightly within a Pelican case.

Even then, I would be praying the entire trip.

 

On board only. NEVER check your camera equipment into luggage. If you read your airline ticket contract, it specifically says they are not responsible for cameras or photographic equipment.

Just make sure it can fit in the overhead bin, and you'll be fine.

 

i was fine with a full gig-rig to south america and back...you are fine to take whatever on board

 

Carry it on for sure. Not that it might go missing(it can happen) but the cameras and lens can get damaged.

 

yeah carry on for sure, I lost a brand new cam by putting it in luggage, they stole it.

 

I ALWAYS bring my equipment as a carry on and make sure I have a good view of it at all times.

$7,000 in gear for me, I better damn well be the only person carrying and handling it.