fear for your gear 1

Fear for Your Gear While Running Through the AirportA guide for getting your photo gear throughthe airport... and beyond

By Doug Murdoch

(Note: We will be publishing a follow up to this article that will expand the suggestions and comments from photographers. Please e-mail your comments to me at: [email protected]. Feel free to alert your friends and colleagues about this article and to post information about it at photogra-phy and travel sites.)

www.ThinkTankPhoto.com



Let’s face it, no photographer wants to be forced into checking valuable photo equipment at the ticket counter where it will be subsequently beaten on by automatic luggage systems, baggage handlers, and automated bar code systems. That is, if it isn’t lost altogether.

Since an SLR system can range in value from $1,000 to $50,000 and more, most professional and serious photographers make it a rule to carry their equipment onto the plane. The reason is simple: if the airline loses their luggage they can’t do their jobs.

This process of navigating the potential obstacles at the airport can be nerve-wracking, to say the least. Based upon interviews and comments from professional and serious photographers, here is the best advice for transporting your gear, step by step, through the airport and safely onto the plane.

It is very important to note that the photographers quoted in this article do not necessarily agree with each other or the author on how to deal with airline travel. It is a controversial subject, and we hope that this article will stimulate further discussion. The most important thing for any photographer is to become comfortable and confi dent with their chosen approach to airline travel. A special thanks to all photographers that e-mailed comments, tips, and tricks!

(Note: although this article contains quotations from photographers, inclusion in this article does not constitute an endorsement of Think Tank Photo or their products)

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

The Psychology of Travel .................................................................................................. 3

Strategic luggage planning – Checked Luggage ................................................................. 7

Strategic luggage planning – Carry-On Luggage ................................................................ 9

At The Airport – Checking In .......................................................................................... 13

Going Through Security .................................................................................................. 18

Boarding the Plane ........................................................................................................ 21

And Beyond ................................................................................................................. 24

Fear for Your Gear While Running Through the Airport 2 www.ThinkTankPhoto.com


THE PSYCHOLOGY OF TRAVEL

CONFIDENCE AND EXPERIENCE

Simply stated, the more confi dence photographers display and the more experience they have in travel-ing through the airport, the more successful they will be in getting on their fl ight with the minimum of interruptions. Confi dence really does matter as much as experience, for the more confi dence you have, the more relaxed you will be, which will help in every aspect of your trip.

PLAN, RESEARCH, PLAN, AND RESEARCH SOME MORE

Proper planning and research are absolutely essential prior to your trip. For instance, by knowing what the carry-on and weight requirements are for that particular airline and what you plan to check as op-posed to carry on will help you in crafting your strategy for dealing with any potential or unexpected problem.


“Believe it not, in my 30-plus years traveling with my photo gear I have never had a problem. The secret is to think smart. Know what you can and cannot bring on the airplane.”

Rich Pilling, Director of PhotographyMajor League Baseball www.sportsshooter.com/pilling

“My feeling is that if you know what you’re doing, and you know the rules, and you follow the rules, then you don’t have problems getting yourself and your gear on the plane. Being pre-pared. Giving yourself enough time. Acting civil to the airport and airline personnel. These are all things that make your life easier in the long run when traveling.” Robert HanashiroUSA Today, www.sportsshooter.com/bert

“By being prepared, I mean do advance planning. Know what type of aircraft you’re traveling on. Know what the airline boarding policy is. Know the seating confi guration of the aircraft. Knowing these, you can then book a ticket so that you board in the fi rst two groups and have plenty of overhead space for that one big piece you’re carrying aboard.”

Robert HanashiroUSA Today, www.sportsshooter.com/bert

www.sportsshooter.com/bert

www.sportsshooter.com/pilling



REDUCING ANXIETY AND FEAR/COPING STRATEGIES

This whole process of traveling can create a huge amount of “separation anxiety.” If you don’t have your gear, you can’t do your job.

DEVELOP PERSONAL STRATEGIES

It’s really important that you develop a personal strategy that you’re comfortable with, for if you’re feeling discomfort it will show on your face and in your actions every step through the airport. For example, carrying on a maximum allowable sized piece of luggage on the plane is not for everyone. For this reason, many photographers specifi cally select an undersized piece of luggage that will easily fi t into the overhead bin or under the seat. Others carry a reasonably-sized shoulder bag, which they know will fi t under the seat. Whatever your solution, you need to be confi dent that it will work for you.


“Plan ahead. I always try to get the earliest fl ight possible the day of or, even better, leave the night before. You never know what might happen with a plane. It could be delayed or canceled, leaving you high and dry. Have a plan B (and maybe even a Plan C), and at least know what other airlines fl y to where you’re going.”

Grant Halverson, Cary News, North Carolina, www.sportsshooter.com/ghalverson

“I don’t even think about checking my equipment. I’ve been on month-long trips where the last time I saw my clothes was when I fi rst checked them in. Travel is stress-ful enough, especially if you’re going to a place you’ve never been.”

Kurt Rogers, San Francisco Chronicle

“My goal is to be in the fi rst group to board, no matter where my seat is. Because the waist-list for upgrades isn’t fi nalized until the fi nal 10 minutes before the doors close, I avoid wait-listing. Were I not to be upgraded I would be told, ‘You’re back in seat 30F.’ By then the plane is full, as are the overhead bins. I have no place to put my stuff.”

Jack Gruber, USA Todaywww.jackgruber.comwww.sportsshooter.com/guygruber

Kurt Rogers. Photo: Doug Murdoch

Jack Gruber. Photo: Doug Murdoch

www.sportsshooter.com/ghalverson

www.jackgruber.com

www.sportsshooter.com/guygruber


“After several years of travel invested in attain-ing 1K and Premier Exec status with my travels, I have a set of rules I live by when I embark on my airport adventures. First and foremost, invest in comfortable clothes that don’t hold you up in security. I usually stick to wearing my sandals, T-shirt, and no belt. Secondly, I have my entertain-ment easily accessible in my small backpack. My computer, iPod and noise-reduction earphones, a couple of DVD movies, and a book. Finally, and most importantly, after I check in my clothing bag (depending on the duration of the trip), my long glass case (holding 400/2.8, 500/4, chargers and some remote gear), I carry on my rolling case holding my bodies and short glass and zooms. After numerous assignments where I showed up


“My only advice is, make sure you have everything you need to do your job upon arrival on your person and in your carry-on. My Pelican case, containing clothes and cables, once went to Bangkok while I was going to Fiji to cover a political crisis/coup. Adaptors, cables and chargers that have gone absent without leave on a fl ight can cause serious problems with your coverage of an event.”

Darren Whiteside, Rueters, Indonesia

“As for the advice about getting through airports it’s pretty simple: Simple preparation. Use modular packing so that everything can be taken apart at security and easily repacked. If stuff is randomly jammed into a bag that is diffi cult to view, things get lost and broken and everyone gets frustrated.”

Bill Frakes, Sports Illustrated, www.billfrakes.com

Donald Miralle. Photo: Juan Villa

but my checked gear didn’t, as well as multiple trips to the chiropractor after carrying my long glass through airports and onto airplanes, this approach seemed to make sense. And at least if my big lenses don’t make it, I am still comfortably carrying a basic camera kit that could get the job done if called upon. I still use this approach even if I have several cases for an assignment that require lighting, but I just give myself a little extra time checking in and remember that I’m going to get reamed for excess baggage if I haven’t already Fed-Ex’ed them to my destination. Amazingly, this system has not only saved me during late check-ins with only 30 minutes until my fl ight, but also makes the return fl ight after a very long assignment more bearable.”

Donald Miralle, Getty Images, www.sportsshooter.com/miralle

www.sportsshooter.com/miralle

www.billfrakes.com


TIME BUYS CONFIDENCE

Your stress getting through the airport will exponentially increase if you arrive late.

STRATEGIC LUGGAGE PLANNING – CHECKED LUG-GAGE

Checked luggage is a very controversial topic – some photographers never, ever check their gear, while for others it causes no concern. The reality is that in most situations you have to check something— clothing, monopods, extra pho- to equipment, etc. Strategically planning your checked luggage and being hyper organized will help tremen-dously.

Airlines have different size and weight requirements for checked items. It pays to research these require-ments beforehand. For USA domestic information, click on this link:

http://thetravelinsider.com/travelaccessories/airlinecheckedluggageallowances.htm

The most common method of storing camera gear for checked luggage is either a hard plastic case (like Pelican) or a reinforced shipping case (like Lightware). Other items that are not particularly break


“I prefer to send my long lenses in my checked luggage and I use a roller with my short lenses and camera bodies on the plane. It fi ts in the overhead.”

Al Bello, Getty Images www.albello.com, www.sportsshooter.com/albello

“GET THERE EARLY. It seems pretty self-evident, but some people forget that fi nding a parking place, returning a rental car, checking luggage, and getting through security always take three times longer than anticipated.”


“I always arrive early so I am not rushed if they need to search my bags…and they always do. I mostly have an easy time going through airports. I say ‘easy’ because I have a routine that I never vary from. It comes by way of the experiences of other photographers, as well as learning from mistakes. Back in 1984 as I was fl ying from the east coast to Los Angeles, I packed the papers I needed to secure my credentials in a locked case and checked it in. Wouldn’t you know it but that one piece was nowhere to be found on the car-ousel. After going into a minor meltdown I was able to track it down 24 hours later. I learned the most important rule: Always carry everything on the plane you will need with you to do the job if your luggage never arrives. I never stray from this! I always arrive early so I am not rushed if they need to search my bags (and they always seem to choose my bags for a hand check). I am never stressed when they pull my bag aside; they sense that I am not nervous or anxious about them going through my stuff. I like to talk (chit chat, tell them what a wonderful service they are doing for my safety, etc.) with them as they check my bags so they are at ease as well.”

Anacleto Rapping, www.brooks.edu, www.sportsshooter.com/arapping

Al Bello. Photo: Juerg Schreiter

Anacleto Rapping. Photo: Al Seib

www.sportsshooter.com/albello


www.brooks.edu

www.sportsshooter.com/arapping


Checked luggage is a very controversial topic – some photographers never, ever check their gear, while for others it causes no concern. The reality is that in most situations you have to check some-thing— clothing, monopods, extra photo equipment, etc. Strategically planning your checked luggage and being hyper organized will help tremendously.

Airlines have different size and weight requirements for checked items. It pays to research these require-ments beforehand. For USA domestic information, click on this link:


The most common method of storing camera gear for checked luggage is either a hard plastic case (like Pelican) or a reinforced shipping case (like Lightware). Other items that are not particularly break-able, like tripods, can be shipped in a regular piece of luggage or duffl e.

Rod Mar presents an opposing point of view:

STRATEGIC LUGGAGE PLANNING – CHECKED LUGGAGE


“I used to check my gear but stopped when I took a trip to Atlanta or Florida; can’t remember which. I had checked my long lens box and waited for it at the baggage check. I watched as the bag carrying my clothes and everyone else’s bags come out but not my lens case. Just before I started to freak out I found out that there was an ‘odd sized’ baggage pickup at another part of the baggage claim. I walked over there and discovered well over 200 to 300 bags just sitting in the middle of some big room, unguarded. After sifting through the bags for about fi ve minutes I found my lens case. Picked it up and left—no one checked if it was mine. Yikes! Ever since then I travel with all my gear. Carrying the weight sucks, but at least there are rolling cases these days.”

Nhat Meyer, San Jose Mercury News, www.sportsshooter.com/nhatgnat

“My biggest tip for simplifying airport travel is this: If it’s an overnight trip, I check my camera gear. I admit it. But in over 15 years of travel, the airlines have yet to misplace my bag (knock on wood!). While I’d never want to miss an assignment for lack of gear, my decision rests with the odds of a bag being delayed versus the hassle of carrying it through the airport. Worse case, if somehow my gear doesn’t arrive in time, I always have faith I can either fi nd some gear to rent or borrow, or have a really fun and creative time covering a National Football League game with my point-and-shoot.”

Rod Mar, www.sportsshooter.com/rod


www.sportsshooter.com/nhatgnat

www.sportsshooter.com/rod


CHECK ITEMS THAT CAN BE REPLACED

Does owning your own gear or using gear supplied by your employer make a difference in approach?

FED EX – AVOID THE HASSLE

A tried and true method for getting your equipment to your location is to send it via Fed Ex, UPS, or another overnight carrier beforehand. This seems like a reliable method, but like all solutions you better have a back-up plan just in case it does not arrive in time or it disappears.


”Know what you have and how your weight can be distributed. I weigh each bag at home before I leave for the airport. That way I know that they’re wrong if I’m told that it’s overweight. I also know what’s in each bag and how much each bag weighs so that if I have to shift weight between bags I can do so and have all bags remain within the weight limit. I toss chargers and other replaceable items in the bags to be checked. I also carry an extra empty bag so that I can check through items I may have picked up on the trip.”

Jack Gruber, USA Today, www.jackgruber.com, www.sportsshooter.com/guygruber

“My checked bags are always double labeled, inside and out. I include a ziplock bag full of tie wraps inside the cases with a note to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) asking them to please ‘relock the case.’”

Bill Frakes, Sports Illustrated, www.billfrakes.com

“As a photographer, I always try to carry on my basic gear, two bodies, and at least three lenses, strobe, and laptop. It doesn’t matter if I own the gear or if it is owned by my employer. Ultimately, I still need my gear close at hand.”

John Mabanglo, European Press Agency, www.epa-photos.com

“I never check gear, whether it’s mine personally or belongs to the company. The only gear I may check is long glass in cases.”

Justin Sullivan, Getty Images, www.sportsshooter.com/sullyfoto

“I’ve always owned my own gear, which is very expensive and valuable , thus I like to keep it with me as much as possible. I always try to take my gear with on the plane as carry-on in a rolling case.”

Brad Mangin, Sports Illustrated freelancer, www.sportsshooter.com/brad, www.manginphotography.com

www.jackgruber.com


www.epa-photos.com

www.billfrakes.com

www.sportsshooter.com/sullyfoto

www.sportsshooter.com/brad

www.manginphotography.com


The next time you get on a plane, take a look at all the crazy things people try to carry on: monstrous duffl e bags, odd-shaped garment bags, gigantic rolling briefcases, and even paper shopping bags fi lled with who knows what. It’s amazing the airlines even let these people try and carry on these items.

As photographers, we are hyper-sensitive about the carry-on issue and tend to forget that most passen-gers are not as cognizant of carry-on rules or the exact size of what their luggage is supposed to be. The carry-on luggage situation can make photographers practically schizophrenic in their quest for the best solution because there is always the tendency to carry everything on, despite the fact the “every-thing” usually translates into a large, heavy bag.

The best advice is that you need to choose a carrying solution that fi ts your personal style and your specifi c photographic needs.

For information on USA Domestic carry on requirements, click here:

http://thetravelinsider.com/travelaccessories/airlinecarryonluggageallowances.htm

For information on International carry on requirements, click here:

http://thetravelinsider.com/travelaccessories/internationalcarryonluggageallowances.htm

THE SHOULDER BAG STRATEGY

Medium-sized shoulder bags are the least problematic for boarding be-cause they can usually fi t in the overhead or under the seat. Most photog-raphers have abandoned large shoulder bags and opted for backpacks because of the back and shoulder problems shoulder bags can create. The size or weight of medium-sized shoulder bags are never questioned. The problem, as Brad Mangin notes, is that most professional photogra-phers and serious enthusiasts transport much more gear than would fi t in a medium-sized shoulder bag.


STRATEGIC LUGGAGE PLANNING – CARRY-ON LUGGAGE

“I don’t like to play games, or have arguments with gate agents or fl ight attendants: I don’t want to take any chances. So I stay within the legal limits the airlines set for carry-on bags.”

Robert Hanashiro, USA Today, www.sportsshooter.com/bert

“Before rollers were invented I carried the 400 and everything else in a shoulder bag—it really sucked. Way too heavy. Never again.”


Brad Mangin. Photo: Michael Zagaris

http://thetravelinsider.com/travelaccessories/airlinecarryonluggageallowances.htm






THE LARGE BACKPACK STRATEGY

In general, backpacks have become the most popular method of transporting gear simply because they allow for the most speed and maneuverability up stairs, on trains, buses, and through crowds of people. Backpacks are more comfortable to carry, as compared to shoulder bags, but can become excessively heavy if large lenses, like a 400 2.8, are being carried. Large backpacks that are loaded close to the stated maximum carry-on size will normally fi t only into the overhead. If fully loaded with large lenses, they can easily exceed the stated carry-on weight limit. On most airlines it is impossible to get such a bag under the seat, although it has been done.

THE SMALLER BACKPACK STRATEGY

Many photographers intentionally choose a smaller backpack so that they have the peace of mind knowing it will fi t into the overhead or under the seat, if necessary. For many, knowing the bag has a home even on a small regional jet, is a huge psychological relief.

THE BACKPACK + BIG LENS STRATEGY

Another common approach is to have a reasonably-sized backpack and then to hand carry a large lens separately. The lens can then be put either under the seat or in the overhead compartment.


“When I’m preparing to travel for a shoot I know what gear and computer I’m going to take. I also know what bag I’m going to take on that plane. I know where all of my equipment fi ts in that bag; each individual piece of equipment goes in a specifi c spot. This way I know that I have all of the right gear and that I’ve selected the right bag to fi t it.

“For example, I basically have two backpack setups. One is for news travel, which is more light-weight, where I have my camera and computer in the backpack. It’s a whole different situation with sports.”


“I think I have stayed with the smaller backpack because it suits my needs best even though the small rollers are good. I think I can navigate airports and the like much more easily with the backpack. The small backpack works best for air travel simply because it doesn’t attract a lot of attention and in a pinch it will fi t under the seat if there is no overhead space. It has saved me a few times.”


“I carry on my 300 all the time. Doing so seems to work fi ne, but I tend to get a lot of com-ments like, ‘Is that a thermos?’ or ‘Now that’s a lens.’”


www.jackgruber.com





THE ROLLER STRATEGY

Rollers are very popular because they take the stress and strain off your shoulders. It is very important to remember that the base/starting weight of a roller is always over 10 lbs. That’s 10 to 13 more pounds that you have to lift and put into the overhead. If you’re traveling internationally and weight becomes an issue, the mere weight of the roller can be half the stated allowed carry-on weight. The base weight of the roller is why many international photographers opt for a much lower weight backpack. It helps reduce the total weight by 5 to 10 lbs.

DEALING WITH LAPTOPS

The one item that is always carried on is the laptop computer. The challenge carrying on laptops pres-ents usually relates to the two carry-on bag limit, which is why many photographers prefer a backpack that will also hold the laptop.


“My favorite bag these days is a roller, with a backpack in emergencies when needed. On assignments of two weeks or more, or winter sports when I have to carry extra fl eece or other clothing, I end up bringing at least three bags. Having a roller and a backpack is very conve-nient when I have to drag or roll my other two bags to the check-in counter. Once I checked in my bags, the roller/backpack becomes just a roller bag.”


“Rollers are good if the wheels are good and it really rolls. Most of the time, overloading a roller defeats its purpose. If it is overloaded and tips while I’m rolling it or the gear bangs against each other, or I can’t lift the damned thing to get it into an overhead compartment or just can’t handle it, I’m screwed because I’ve just added that much more stress and time to my travels.”


“I like to have the laptop with me at all times. I prefer to have a case—backpack or roller—that also can fi t my laptop case or at least have the capability to have it connected so it is like one piece.”


“When I travel with my laptop, a 12 inch Powerbook, I carry it on separately in a small shoulder bag.”


www.epa-photos.com






INTERNATIONAL CARRY-ON REQUIREMENTS

Depending on which countries you are traveling to, it’s best to thoroughly research what the carry-on and travel restrictions are before you go to the airport. For information on international carry-on re-quirements, click here:


“DIGITAL” FILM AND 35MM FILM Since Compact Flash cards and other types of memory media are not sensitive to X-ray machines, trans-porting images has become a non-issue while going through security. On the other hand, if you’re still using fi lm, then security checks have become much more diffi cult.

Most photographers no longer use lead bags to protect their fi lm, since they instigate an almost manda-tory inspection. The most common method used today for coping with this is to place fi lm inside a clear bag unprotected in your bag, or to request that security hand-check the fi lm. That said, in many interna-tional countries requesting that security hand-check fi lm is simply not possible. The other approach is to send the fi lm there and back via a courier service, like FedEx.


“At some airports, like Srinagar in Kashmir, where security has more than doubled because of the tense situation, we had trouble carrying cells in the same bag. Adding a separate padded pouch where all cells can be stored and removed from the bag when needed is an excellent idea. These days, at least in this part of the world, airport security does not allow anyone to carry cells and batteries inside cabin baggage. I assume the situation is the same in the West as well.”

Reggie Varghese, Gulf News, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, www.gulfnews.com

“Two years ago I was traveling from Cologne to Kunduz with the German Air Force. I had those things with me a photojournalist has to bring these days: a laptop, vari-ous lenses, a camera body, a fl ash, batteries, chargers, and cables. That made in total a weight of 14kg. At the check-in I was told, ‘No way, too heavy for carry-on luggage.’ The discussion went on and on until one of the Transall pilots, who also was on my fl ight, jumped in to help me. He offered to split my gear, which was eas-ily done because I had it all packed in several different pouches that were attached to a belt and a backpack. So he went through the control with one half of the bags and I went through with the other half.”

Stefan Sobotta, Germany, www.visum-images.com, www.stefan-sobatta.de

Stefan Sobotta. Photo: Stefan Sobotta


www.stefan-sobatta.de

www.visum-images.com

www.gulfnews.com


For more info on checked baggage and fi lm, click here:

http://thetravelinsider.com/2002/0104.htm

RANDOM SECURITY CHECKS

Check-in lines vary from country to country, but some airlines have a random screening/security check before you reach the actual ticket counter. They usually take place at the entrance to the line leading to the ticket counter. The best technique for dealing with this is to avoid making any eye contact and just walk right by, if possible. Making eye contact will almost guarantee an inspection. If they do ap-proach you, as always, be nice and courteous. See below “At the ticket counter” on how to deal with this situation.

RANDOM WEIGHT CHECKS


AT THE AIRPORT – CHECKING IN

“If I have fi lm I always ask them to hand-check it and not put it thru the x-rays no matter what they say about them not ruining my fi lm. It is our right to have them hand-check on our request. This advice was given to me straight from head of security at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport).”

Anacleto Rapping, www.brooks.edu, www.sportsshooter.com/arapping

“When fl ying within or into and out of the UK, they’re likely to laugh if you ask for a hand-check of fi lm. Ever since the Pan Am 103 disaster over Lockerbie, they don’t mess around at all and take travel security very seriously and deliberately. Always remember to never, ever, put fi lm in your checked bags. They will be damaged by the x-rays as the machines checking checked-bags are much more powerful than those used to check carry-ons.”

Michael P. King, Student, Ohio University www.sportsshooter.com/efl ens

“Virgin Air is the worst. They have a guy at the check-in lines who’ll grab your backpack off your back to weigh it. It’s a money maker for them if it’s overweight.”


http://thetravelinsider.com/2002/0104.htm

www.jackgruber.com


www.sportsshooter.com/arapping

www.brooks.edu

www.sportsshooter.com/eflens


THE BOX

Many travelers talk about the “box,” the metal framed boxes used to see if your bags exceed the legal size. The majority of photographers surveyed have never been asked to check the size of their luggage in one of these boxes, but some have.

Have you ever been asked to put your bag into the “box” to check the size? Kurt Rogers: “Never.” Jack Gruber: “Never.” Justin Sullivan: “Never.”Brad Mangin: “No.”Robert Hanashiro: “Yes, many times. Especially at Southwest and America West.”John Mabanglo: “Quite a few times. That’s when travel gets stressful and you have to convince someone that it was no trouble before. I have had to use this line several times: ‘I will not be able to travel on this plane if I have to check this bag!’ I make sure the bag is as slim as pos-sible by removing anything from the outside pouches.”

AT THE TICKET COUNTER – THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY

In the United States, checking in at the ticket counter is usually not a problem because they rarely check the actual weight of carry-on bags. Internationally, rules are stricter and more checks take place. The ticket counter is where the fun really begins because there are a number of loopholes in the system that everyone knows about, yet somehow are allowed anyways.

Rule #1: Be Nice

This may seem self evident, but being courteous and friendly can help tremendously, especially if prob-lems arise.


“I just act normal, being nice and engaging them as real people.”

Deanne Fitzmaurice, San Francisco Chronicle, www.sportsshooter.com/fi tzmaurice

“You have to schmooze. Greet the ticket person with a smile and a ‘So, how you doing?’ It not only helps you get on the plane, it can get you a seat closer to the front.”


Deanne Fitzmaurice. Photo: Brad Mangin

www.sportsshooter.com/fitzmaurice


Rule #2: Don’t ask Stupid Questions

Never ask dumb questions like, “Is my bag over the size or weight limit?” because that forces airline personnel into examining your bags.

Rule #3: Make it look lightweight.

Rule #4: Out of sight, out of mind.

When approaching the ticket counter, some photographers recommend that you put your carry-on items directly in front of you between your legs. This prevents the ticket agent from being able to size up your backpack, shoulder bag, or roller.

Rule #5: If traveling with a friend, don’t take your carry-on bags up to the ticket counter.


“Act like a pro and act like you have been there before—do not cause attention to yourself.”


“Don’t try to fi ll the bag, just take the bare minimum, or either you break your back and/or you exceed the 17 kg allowance. In any case, behave like the bag is extremely light.”

Bobby van der Putten/Jours de Chasse/France

“Right now, domestically (in the USA) , weight isn’t an issue. I haven’t had a problem with the ticket or gate agents with the weight or the size.“


“One thing I do recommend is this: when you’re really pushing the limit on both checked and carry-on bags, especially if a fl ight is crowded, leave one of your carry-ons—the bigger one!—with someone else while you check in. You are much more likely to get the extra bag comped and not be hassled about the size of your carry-ons.”

John McDermott, Photographer, www.mcdfoto.com

www.jackgruber.com




www.mcdfoto.com


Strategy #1: To make a statement or not to make

If you are questioned about the size or weight of your bag, some photographers believe that the fi rst and best strategy is to politely make a statement about how you can’t be separated from your gear, which applies to both serious enthusiasts and professionals. Such as:

“I’m a photographer and my equipment is valuable and fragile, and cannot check the bag.”

Professionals may take it one step further by saying

“I’m a professional photographer working for_____, this is the equipment I need to do my job and I can’t be separated from it.”

Some photographers will also mention that they have never had problems before with that particular piece of luggage or that airline, or that they are a member of the media, or that they will not be able to get on the plane if they have to check the bag. According to those pro photographers who employ this technique, it works most of the time. Robert Hanashiro disagrees with those who use those techniques on a regular basis:

Other photographers, like Brad Mangin, have used this technique selectively in emergency situations:

Strategy #2: Mention the dollar value and insurance replacement costs

Given the high dollar value of your equipment, airlines would prefer not being responsible for it.


“Since I am up front with stuff and follow the rules, I have never, ever, in 27 years in this busi-ness—15 with a national publication—used those statements. If my gear is packed well and I follow the rules, then I don’t have to use B.S. like, ‘I’m with the media.’ Don’t get me wrong, not all photographers hide behind the ‘I’m in the media’ B.S. I am tired of ‘the media’ being self-important, especially in public, like at lines at airports. To civilians they don’t care if ‘we’re in the media’ and don’t particularly think we deserve special privileges.”


“I have been lucky—actually this happened once on the way to the World Series with my Lightware roller. The overheads were full so I impressed on the fl ight attendant that I was fl y-ing to New York to shoot the World Series for major league baseball and my bag could not be checked. Which was the truth. She then put it in the employee closet at the front of the plane.”






Strategy #3: Tell them your equipment is not adequately protected to be checked and that your gear will be damaged.

Although camera gear is generally considered to be fairly rugged, most equipment stored in carry-on luggage is not designed to be checked or to endure potentially damaging treatment. By mentioning this and the dollar value of the equipment, most agents will reconsider their demand.

Strategy 4: Remove gear and wear it.

The most common loophole in the system is that airlines do not count items that are being carried direct-ly on your body—in your pockets, on your shoulders, or around your neck—as carry-on. This situation most commonly occurs when traveling internationally.


“I inform them that I’m a media member and the liability for them is great if I’m forced to check my equipment. Would they rather me carry it on or have their guys responsible for $50,000 to $200,000 worth of equipment. I also let them know that I need it in order to get off the plane and hit the ground running.”


“My camera bag comes with me as a carry-on, even though it is as heavy as a ton of bricks. Only once have I been to have it weighed and then had to beg the attendant to let me bring it on unless she wanted to be responsible for $50,000 worth a camera gear. I won.”

Matt Hoyle, Photographer, Australia, www.matthoyle.com

“If they still are insistent, I let them know that I can break it apart—pulling my loaded beltpack bag out—making it half the weight. Nine times out of ten they’re fi ne with this. The one time in the past three years when they were insistent was on a Lufthansa fl ight to the Greece Olympics. I started grabbing bodies and lenses and wrapping them around my neck. Later, when I com-plained to the airline, they were apologetic and refunded the price of my ticket.”


“Several years ago I was fl ying back from Cairns, Australia. When the lady at the check-in counter saw my big photobag she told me that there were new regulations and I would have trouble at the security check if it weighed more than 7kg. But, she said smiling, no one would weigh my jacket. So all the heavy lenses went into my jacket pockets (thanks to Patagonia for designing them so large) and magically, in seconds, my bag lost weight.” Stefan Sobotta, Germany, www.visum-images.com, www.stefan-sobatta.de

www.jackgruber.com

www.jackgruber.com



www.matthoyle.com

www.stefan-sobatta.de

www.visum-images.com


Strategy 5: Put one bag in another

If you’re questioned about the number of carry-on bags, you can always put one bag inside of another.

Strategy 6: Be nice, but state repeatedly that you cannot check the bag

It helps to nicely repeat about you not being able to check your bag, for the reasons mentioned above. The repetition tells them that you are serious about your claims and are unwilling to back down. Getting angry is simply not an option. If you become overly demanding or verbally angry, they will call security and that will be the end of your trip.

THE GOAL

The goal is simply to get through security as quickly and quietly as possible, preferably without an in-spection. One of the smartest things you can do in preparation for going through Security is to take out or take off anything that might trigger the security screener. These items includes wallets, keys, coins, a belt with a metal buckle, larger jewelry, etc.


GOING THROUGH SECURITY

“Traveling internationally with big glass is always a problem. Many European carriers weigh your bags. (They have ludicrously low weight limits.) ‘You are overweight!’ I then take out the 500 and a pro-sized SLR and sling them on my shoulder. I then weigh the bag and take the 500 as a personal item. The bag is then reweighed and I’m fi nally told, ‘You are within weight limits.’ I then walk to the gate, put the 500 and pro SLR back in the bag, and walk on the plane. Ludicrous.”

Trevor Peterson, Compass Advisers, LLP, NY

“I have only ever had one problem and that was at Atlanta airport when I had three bags, one of which was a small ‘bumbag’ and I was allowed to have only two bags. In front of the security guard I put the bum bag inside of one of my other bags and all was OK. Of course as soon as I was past security I took it out again. No problems.”

John Palmer. Photographer, Austria

“Know where all of your equipment is stored in your camera bag because you’re always going to be stopped going through security. Before going through the x-ray, I’ve already opened up the bag and pulled out my computer case, which is wrapped in a plastic bag. I’ve placed my


TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES, STUPID.

The right shoes can expedite your trip through security.

TAKE OUT YOUR LAPTOP

Your laptop should be easily removable when going through security, and just as easy to put back in.


cell phone, wallet, and anything metal in the pocket of my camera bag, as opposed to putting them in one of the plastic bins, as it is one less thing I need to keep track of. At international airports you’ll have higher security but it will be less intrusive. Except in the Middle East, where they tend to do more hand inspections and fewer x-ray inspections. Most importantly, don’t talk.”


“I always wear slip-on shoes. Even though it’s not the law, always take your shoes off. The se-curity staff doesn’t know if you’ve been through 3,000 airports before or are a fi rst-time fl yer.”


“I now travel with slip-on shoes. I have some new Keen Black Ashlands, which are very comfortable. They are easy to slip off at security or while I am nap-ping on the plane. Plus, they go with jeans, khakis, etc. If I want something more dressy, I also like the Ecco black slip-ons. They are easy to pack and they will handle more dressy assignments.”

John Mabanglo, European Press Agencywww.epa-photos.com

“I’m the exact opposite. I wear hiking shoes so if anything happens on the plane, I can run out as quickly as possible.”


“Computers were always stored in hard-to-get-to pouches, making them diffi cult to remove and to replace. To take advantage of these earlier bags, I had to stuff loose bits and pieces of gear into whatever open space was available to make it all fi t. When I got stopped going through the x-rays (as I always do), I had to dump everything out to be hand checked...and then take forever (while holding up the line) to put it all back where it belonged. With the Airport Addicted back-pack, I slide the computer out of its easily-accessible, dedicated pouch and place it in the tray. And when I’m stopped, I lay the backpack down on its back and just unzip two or three zippers

John Mabanglo.

www.jackgruber.com

www.jackgruber.com



www.epa-photos.com


BAGGAGE X-RAY

What almost always triggers a search are big lenses and excessive amounts of cords, cables, batteries, and other types of specialized equipment. Photographers that carry one or two SLR bodies and lenses the size of 70-200 2.8 or smaller, are routinely passed through security without an inspection.

BANNED CARRY-ON ITEMS

Of course you should not intentionally carry on items that may trigger a search. For a complete list, click on:

http://thetravelinsider.com/info/Bannedcarryon.htm

THE INSPECTION

If security requests an inspection, the most common advice is not to talk unless they ask you questions.


and everything is there for the screener to check. I don’t have to take anything out and I don’t have to stuff anything back in. It’s about 1000 times easier, and that’s one less thing for me to worry about. From them on I can just concentrate on hoping that my underwear doesn’t end up in Yuma while I’m in Pittsburgh.”


“Unfortunately, I’ve had round-tipped scissors, fi nger nail fi les, and a wine corkscrew confi s-cated. At that point I just want to keep moving forward. They do have a way I can send the stuff back to myself, but at that point forget it.”

Deanne Fitzmaurice, San Francisco Chronicle, www.sportsshooter.com/fi tzmaurice

“I usually have to tell my story to security about why I have so much camera gear. Mostly they are just inquisitive; it’s not a problem.”

Matt Hoyle, Photographer, Australia, www.matthoyle.com

“Every time I’ve gone through security they’ve wanted to inspect my bag. I now expect my bag to be inspected.”


http://thetravelinsider.com/info/Bannedcarryon.htm


www.matthoyle.com

www.sportsshooter.com/fitzmaurice


DON’T FORGET

While going through security, you need to be highly aware of where all of your items are, making sure not to let any out of your sight or to leave anything behind.

“PREMIER” STATUS

When you fl y with the same airline regularly, it is possible to board early if you have “Premier” status or something similar. Getting on the airline in the fi rst group of people will insure that there is room in the overhead bins for your equipment. One way to increase the likelihood of boarding early is, when booking your fl ight or at the ticket counter, ask for “Zone 1” or “Zone 2” seating.


BOARDING THE PLANE

“I get inspected 95 percent of the time. At smaller airports, where there’s less traffi c and they’re not used to seeing this type of equipment, they’ll take all of my gear out to inspect it. They’ll use a swab to check every piece of equipment for explosives. They take my wallet and my ID, ask for my social security number, and fi le a written report. No longer do they make me start up my computer. The inspectors always want to put the equipment back in the bag. I tell them, ‘If you’re done, I’ll put it back into the bag.’ That way I can pack everything back the way I know.” Jack Gruber, USA Today, www.jackgruber.com, www.sportsshooter.com/guygruber

“Expect to feel fragmented as you’re getting through security: you have your laptop in one plastic bin, your shoes in another, and fi nally that one bag you want to keep an eye on. Then, while they’re inspecting your bag, you’re trying to put your shoes on and keep your eyes on your computer.”


“When they’re done inspecting my gear and me and I’m walking away from the security station, I always look back under and around the chair and at the inspection station to make sure I haven’t left anything behind. I’ve left cell phones, cables, and other things like that on the fl oor before.”


www.jackgruber.com

www.jackgruber.com




CUT IN LINE/ACT IGNORANT

This is controversial, but sometimes in desperation photographers simply get in line early before their row is called and more often than not they get through. If not, feign ignorance: “Oh, I thought I was in this zone.” Usually the boarding staff simply want to meet their “pushback” deadline and will do any-thing to get everyone on board in time.

GETTING ON THE PLANE

RANDOM SECURITY CHECKS

Some airlines, especially during heightened security, schedule a last-second security check before al-lowing you to go down the ramp. The best recommendation is not to make eye contact: Simply don’t acknowledge them unless they speak specifi cally to you. If they do request an inspection, as always, be nice.

WALKING DOWN THE RAMP

In general, do not attract attention to yourself if your bag appears too large or too heavy.


“With some airlines, I’ve heard of some photographers telling the person at the gate that they’re a media member carrying lots of equipment and need to get on fi rst to stow it quickly. I’ve never had to do that. What does work with some airlines that board in groups (Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3) is that you can go online at midnight, or ten after midnight, on the date you’re traveling and you’ll get a boarding pass for the group that boards fi rst.”


“You have to take your backpack off your back when you’re boarding the plane. If you wear it, the stewardesses are going to take one look at it and say, ‘You can’t take that thing on,’ no matter how legal in size it is. You need to take it off while you’re walking through the door of the plane and carry it in front of you, making sure you don’t hit the seats while you’re walking down the aisle.”


“If you fl y a cattle car airline like Southwest, getting there early will put you in the fi rst group of passengers to board. Getting there early also gives you a chance to sweet-talk the gate crew, who may take pity on you and your gear and let you pre-board. A gentle reminder that board-ing early will keep you from holding up the line of passengers is also helpful. If you can choose your seat, get one as close to the front of the plane as possible to avoid having to drag your carry-on bags down the narrow aisles.”


www.jackgruber.com

www.jackgruber.com






PROBLEM: NO ROOM IN THE OVERHEAD

When fi nding your seat, don’t wait to put your luggage into the overhead bin directly over your seat, especially if the fl ight is crowded. Most photographers recommend storing it in the fi rst available bin.

SMALL REGIONAL CARRIERS

If you get on the plane and your luggage does not fi t in the overhead, you probably have not done your research on the type of aircraft you will be fl ying. For a full list of airline types, click here:

http://thetravelinsider.com/airplanetypes.htm

“If you happen to board late, locate the fi rst overhead bin with open space to store your gear. Don’t wait until you get near the rear of the plane and notice that all the overhead is used up. There is nothing more stressful than backtracking and holding everyone up. It usually draws the attention of the fl ight attendant, who will tell you that you have to check your luggage. It’s easier for them to say that than to help you fi nd some space!”


“Take any overhead space you can fi nd.”


“My biggest concern is getting on a regional air jet. I’m a big guy and I don’t fi t well in them, much less get my gear on board. But, I’ve found that if I stress to the fl ight attendant that I need to have my gear stored in the closet, they usually will do so. I try to be polite and say something like, ‘You know I am a working photojournalist and my bag has a lot of valuable equipment that doesn’t need to be thrown around, could you help me out?’ I’ve got to tell you it’s worked every time. I think the important part is just being nice to the attendants and treating them with respect.”

Bob Carey, Photographer, www.bcarey.net, www.sportsshooter.com/jourprof

“With regional carriers you always know its going to be ‘plane side check-in.’ I have no trouble with that because of what I do with my computers. I grab the computer out and put it into the bag I’m bringing on board.”


http://thetravelinsider.com/airplanetypes.htm

www.jackgruber.com

www.jackgruber.com



www.epa-photos.com

www.sportsshooter.com/jourprof

www.bcarey.net,


MAKING INTERCONNECTING FLIGHTS

There are usually no issues in making interconnecting fl ights while traveling domestically in the USA (unless, like at Chicago O’Hare or Dallas Fort-Worth, an airline’s domestic fl ights can be found in more than one terminal), but when traveling internationally, you can expect multiple inspections. Usually these secondary inspections are not as stringent as the earlier ones, but still be prepared to be inspected.

CUSTOMS

Having “Nothing to Declare” is the best policy. If you bring anything that is questionable, such as alcohol, excessive amounts of cigarettes, fruits or vegetables, you are inviting an inspection. You have to weigh if getting these items into the country is more important to you than the time you will save by having nothing to declare.

EXIT AIRPORT!

FINAL ADVICE: Have a back-up to the back-up plan


AND BEYOND…

“My worst experience: I was on my way from Raleigh, NC, to Jacksonville, FL, the day after Christmas to cover a 1 p.m. Jaguars game for Getty Images that same afternoon. My family dropped me at the airport at 4 a.m., then drove off to Orlando where I would meet them that night.

“Unfortunately, and unbeknownst to me, my plane (and many others) had been delayed and later canceled because a series of winter storms in the midwest had wreaked havoc with all the major airlines. I found this out at 5 a.m., just as a snow and ice storm started up outside of the airport. After frantically racing to several other ticket counters, I knew I was toast. The closest plane fl ying to Florida was in Charlotte, three hours away, and it wasn’t taking off until noon—way too late for me. Plus, I didn’t have a car.

“In desperation I called my family, who turned around (an hour into their trip) to come back and get me, with the plan that they would drop me in Jacksonville on the way through. Sadly, we were driving right into the teeth of the storm, which slowed traffi c to less than 20 miles an hour from Raleigh to the South Carolina-Georgia border. This was followed by an accident in Savan-nah that brought us to halt for over an hour. So even with my best, most desperate effort, I didn’t make it to the game until the fi nal two minutes.

“Lesson learned: be aware of what’s going on that might affect my fl ight—weather or other-wise—and have a backup plan (or two), and never get stuck without a car again.”




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