What do you do when airline makes you check your camera gear?

I just got back from doing a little traveling and during one of the final legs of my trip, I was boarding a smaller plane and I was told that I had to check in my camera bag.  I told the guy working the counter that it was a camera bag and that I didn't want it below the plane.  He told me that I had to.  I had no choice, either board with my camera bag below, or not board.  With the exception of my nice tan bag getting dirty, there was no damage.

Are there any tricks to getting around this?  Not to ask a dumb question, but you never know so I'm going to ask.  

Thank you.

Smaller planes have limited space; this is not a surprise. On a recent trip I had to gate check my Pelican case. Picked it up on the jetway after we landed. No worries.

The only reason you don't want your camera equipment checked it the possibility of theft. Gate checking and pickup avoids that hazard.

I've learned over the years that luggage and cases for travel shouldn't be "pretty," they should be tough.

Have you ever had anything stolen that was checked?

I've been handed a gate check tag and each time I just smile and ask them if they want to be responsible for 5 grand in camera equipment. They have all backed off. 

Moe wrote: Have you ever had anything stolen that was checked?

Me? No.

Jared-Weaver wrote: I've been handed a gate check tag and each time I just smile and ask them if they want to be responsible for 5 grand in camera equipment. They have all backed off. 

That surprises me, since the purchase of a ticket is a contract (to which you agree) that says they're not responsible past a certain dollar amount. And gate checking means your item goes directly into the plane, and comes right back out again at the destination. The possibility of something going wrong is extremely remote. Thefts occur in the bowels of the baggage handling area under the terminal, I think?

Now IF something did get damaged while it was below the plane after you expressed concerns about having your expensive gear stored below, who's out of pocket here?  

Think about what your luggage looks like after a plane ride.  It's all dirty and almost always some new bash or gash is present on it.  

Rob Conley wrote: Now IF something did get damaged while it was below the plane after you expressed concerns about having your expensive gear stored below, who's out of pocket here?  

Think about what your luggage looks like after a plane ride.  It's all dirty and almost always some new bash or gash is present on it.  

Normal wear would be a tough one to pursue, however if your camera was crushed or damaged then the airline would be financially responsible.  

Amy Porter wrote:

Rob Conley wrote: Now IF something did get damaged while it was below the plane after you expressed concerns about having your expensive gear stored below, who's out of pocket here?  

Think about what your luggage looks like after a plane ride.  It's all dirty and almost always some new bash or gash is present on it.  

Normal wear would be a tough one to pursue, however if your camera was crushed or damaged then the airline would be financially responsible.  

I repeat: up to the limit specified in the terms on the ticket. You need to read the contract.

Google "united breaks guitars" to see just how wrong things can go.

LOL I remember that one. United  ended up losing $190 million On that one. When they finally gave the guitar player the $3000. He had made so much off of YouTube video ads that he just donated the $$.

If you haven't seen it, here you go, kind of catchy tune!  

Him getting interviewed: 

I would take my camera out of the bag and let everything else ride.  Cross fingers and call it a day.  At the end, the airlines have to be mindful of what space is available.  

When your bag is tagged properly, damage isn't the big issue.  Theft is.  But I'd bet if they checked the bag at the airplane, that risk goes why down.  

Honestly, I've not been put in the position where I was asked to check my bag with camera in it.  So can't comment from experience.  

garyrhook wrote:

Jared-Weaver wrote: I've been handed a gate check tag and each time I just smile and ask them if they want to be responsible for 5 grand in camera equipment. They have all backed off. 

That surprises me, since the purchase of a ticket is a contract (to which you agree) that says they're not responsible past a certain dollar amount. And gate checking means your item goes directly into the plane, and comes right back out again at the destination. The possibility of something going wrong is extremely remote. Thefts occur in the bowels of the baggage handling area under the terminal, I think?

exactly!  Once out at the plane, this risk goes way down.