Carry-on restrictions and photographers

By Rick Walker | September 1, 2009 6:10 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

At the same time that photography is flourishing and more and more photographers are getting serious their work, airline carry-on restrictions are getting tougher.  Within the US, things aren't too restrictive at present, but there's noise about making guidelines tighter.  Internationally, weight restrictions can be quite tough, with 8-10kg limits quite common and some airlines having even tougher ones.  If you're planning to photograph wildlife at your destination with a larger lens or even if you're taking a more modest kit with you, weight restrictions can wreak havoc. Note that these are not just theoretical, unenforced guidelines; I've seen scales in active use at airline gates in some countries. What can you do to work this added challenge (other than causually swinging your camera bag around to the side of you that the gate attendant can't see)?  Yes, I actually did the latter once. :)

First, think hard about what you really need to take.  Going light can be a blessing rather than a hindrance, but I realize it doesn't work for every subject.  Nevertheless, scrutinize what you're packing, do it several days in advance, and then start pulling things out that fall in the optional category.  Chances are good that those optional items really are optional, and that through a bit of creativity, you can work around their absence.  Do you really need every lens you own?  Is it necessary to bring every grad filter you have or would one two-stop soft grad suffice?  These are some of the things you need to consider.

After that, consider what can go in checked luggage rather than your carry-on bag.  I almost always place my tripod in my checked bag, surrounded by layers of clothes and with the ballhead removed so that the tripod isn't wedged in tightly.  There should be ample space around it so that your tripod isn't absorbing the shock of a direct hit to the bag.  Other items that routinely go in the checked bag include a flash unit, occasionally a back-up body, and sometimes a lens that would serve in a backup role.  The tripod is obvious because of its size, but my judgment on the other items is based on their replacement costs and the impact if the bag disappears.  Again, this is for flights with severe weight restrictions.  If I'm flying in the US, I go with something that will fit in the overhead compartment of the plane and worry less about the weight.  I can always pull out optional items and leave them in a car or hotel room (preferably one with a safe), if I want to lighten my load while I'm out shooting.

Next, think about the style of bag you're taking.  Ones with wheels are certainly convenient, but you don't want to use up 70% of your weight allowance on the bag.  Check manufacturers' websites for the weights of bags you're contemplating.  If you have your own, weigh it. Incidentally, a fish scale works great in this situation.  There are relatively high capacity bags that weigh only one to two kgs or a few pounds, so there really are viable solutions on the market.  Some that come to mind are made by companies like ThinkTank, Gura Gear and Moose Peterson.  Some don't have as much padding as others, but if you're careful with your gear (like I tend to be), you don't necessarily need a lot, especially if it never leaves your hands.  Many of these bags are good solutions on regional jets, too.  I've been amazed at what I can fit in my ThinkTank Airport Acceleration, and yet it fits on most regional jets, one way or another.

Finally, some photographers have started shipping their larger equipment to a destination, whether it's a lodge, a hotel or a private residence.  This isn't cheap nor is it risk-free, but it is an option.  I haven't exercised that one yet, but it's one to consider.  Make sure you take out the appropriate shipping insurance in case something goes awry and be meticulous about how you pack the equipment.

Hopefully these ideas help you and good travels!

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