1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Is theft still a problem with checking in your camera gear on flights?

Is theft still a problem with checking in your camera gear on flights?


4 years 11 months ago #642986 by Patrick G
A couple friends and I are going to travel to Argentina in November.  With all the technology in airports now and security cameras.  Is it safe to have your gear in a hard case checked in below the plane with out having to worry about theft?  
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643067 by garyrhook

Patrick G wrote: A couple friends and I are going to travel to Argentina in November.  With all the technology in airports now and security cameras.  Is it safe to have your gear in a hard case checked in below the plane with out having to worry about theft?  


Not without a lock. Nothing's changed in any significant way; not sure where you got that idea.

Take what you want to carry on-board. I use a Pelican 1510 that works a treat and carries a lot. I could also get a small amount into a camera bag., if that sufficed. But I won't risk the important stuff, no.

Frankly, my CPAP costs more than most of my camera gear.  Thieves aren't too smart.
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643077 by Nikon Shooter
Yep, the 1510 I take on all flights…
most of the time within Europe!
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643117 by Barbara Fite
I have not seen that 1510 before.  Will you lock it and keep your gear in hotel room when traveling?  
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643119 by Garbo
Pelican 1510 in tan is pretty sweet, but don't you think that case stands out and draws attention to you?
Nikon D300: 24-70 2.8 | 70-200 2.8 VR |Sigma 150 2.8 | 50 1.4 | SB-800
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643157 by The Gardener
Agree, that tan is nice.  What's funny is that I've only seen those in black.  That olive green is nice too.  I seem to recall another company called Nanuk which has orange cases that are pretty nice too. 
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643210 by garyrhook

Barbara Fite wrote: I have not seen that 1510 before.  Will you lock it and keep your gear in hotel room when traveling?  


Nope.
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643211 by garyrhook

Garbo wrote: Pelican 1510 in tan is pretty sweet, but don't you think that case stands out and draws attention to you?


Nope.
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643250 by Ian Stone
Nanuk 950 is what I have.  It's a nice case and solid construction.  I got mine black however thinking back, kind of wish I got the orange they offer.  
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643254 by Troponin
Locking my things would be great, except that they are allowed to break your locks if they want anyway. They also want you to label firearms with big, shiny letters so that everyone knows what it is. lol 

I have to stop. TSA is a sore subject for me. 
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643257 by Shadowfixer1
I pack my camera gear which is in a sling style backpack and my CPAP machine in a small non descript carry on suitcase. People would never know what's in it. It stays with me on the plane. I never, ever check photo gear. The one exception is my big tripod if I take it. That goes into the bottom of my checked luggage. I haven't taken it in a long time as I now have a small travel tripod that folds to 14" and extends to about 60". If you like your gear, don't check it. The risk is too high.
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643259 by Troponin

Shadowfixer1 wrote: I pack my camera gear which is in a sling style backpack and my CPAP machine in a small non descript carry on suitcase. People would never know what's in it. It stays with me on the plane. I never, ever check photo gear. The one exception is my big tripod if I take it. That goes into the bottom of my checked luggage. I haven't taken it in a long time as I now have a small travel tripod that folds to 14" and extends to about 60". If you like your gear, don't check it. The risk is too high.


I never check my camera either. Put it in a bag small enough that you can keep it under a seat in a worst case scenario. If the bag is relatively big, you could be forced to check it if you are sitting close to the back of the plane. If it fits under your seat, they are likely to let you carry it on. 

Packing medical supplies with your camera isn't a bad idea either. If you do this though, they could still give you trouble. I have a CPAP and two diabetics, and they once tried to force us to check all of our life saving diabetic supplies and the flight attendant replied with "Guess you should have thought of that before you boarded..." I RIPPED in to him. I thought I was going to get kicked off the plane, which wouldn't have been horrible, considering there is a chance my wife or daughter could die without those in the plane with us. 

One thing you can do is preregister with TSA. They will still harass you, but they have more trouble arguing with you if you are pre-screened etc. 
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643276 by Toby J
I wouldn't check my gear below regardless of what the case looks like.
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643309 by Sawyer
Can you request your checked hard case to be inspected, and once inspected zip tied shut?  With like a special zip tie that only TSA has?
Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon 35L | Sigma 85 1.4 | Helios 44M-6 58mm(M42) | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 (C/Y) | Canon 135L | (2) 430EX II
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #643311 by garyrhook
There are TSA-approved locks, I believe, that they can open. The google will find information about them.

Your best bet is to pack a firearm in the case. Even a starter pistol will do the trick. That will allow the locking of luggage after inspection.

It won't stop your luggage from being "lost", however.
Photo Comments
,

  1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Is theft still a problem with checking in your camera gear on flights?

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages/stories/ad_agency/2/1552465945.pngSponsored Imageimages/stories/ad_agency/2/1550848144.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Urban Photography 101

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024
10 Reasons Why the Nikon D850 is a Great Camera in 2024: Timeless Features and Performance

The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.

Apr 30, 2024
Best Beginner Camera for 2024

The best beginner camera isn’t the same for everyone. That means having choice is of the utmost importance. In this guide, explore five excellent beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond.

Apr 25, 2024
The Art of Child Portrait Photography

Child portrait photography is a unique undertaking requiring special skills and talents to get the best results. Start mastering this photography niche with these essential tips!

Apr 25, 2024
Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Guiding the Eye: Mastering Leading Lines in Photography

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024
Must-Have Insta360 Accessories

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024
5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024
More Articles