Photographers! This Loophole Will Calm Your Worst Air Travel Nightmare!

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In this week’s episode, we discuss the air travel loophole that will calm all photographers worst nightmare - it sure did for me! Now I don't want to speak for others, but one of the most nerve wracking aspects of airline travel for me has to do with the process of safely getting my expensive camera gear from point A to point B. Over the years I've experimented with many different approaches of achieving this in the most stress free manner as possible and have finally landed on a system that works. In this video, I'll walk you through the process of boarding an airplane with expensive camera gear and how to use this loophole in the dreaded event that you're told at the gate that you must check your camera bag. I hope you enjoy this week's video and as always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
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28 сен 2024

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@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Where is your next adventure taking you?? ✈️🧳

@DaveBerthiaume Год назад

Out of Olympic

@ptenner56 Год назад

Next adventure will be Big Bend National Park. I just recently got back home after a magical Christmas in Yellowstone experience. I much prefer it than other more crowded times of the year.

@stevehayward1854 Год назад

The isle of Rhodes in Greece, a fascinating location with 1000's of years of history the Lindian sea captains that dominated that part of the Mediterranean. Lindos is a beautiful little town locked into history with no traffic as the streets are only big enough for donkeys.

@bkc1965 Год назад

My next one might be to the Swiss Alps...but I can drive because I can see them from the office window in our apartment. 😁 My next flying adventure will probably be either Trieste, Capri, or Ischia, Italy. Not sure which one or maybe the Azores. The wife and I haven't decided yet.

@kencawley3121 Год назад

Going to Death Valley for an astrophotography workshop in March. Was there in December but wasn't in shape to make it up the taller dunes. Missed some great photo opportunities so am doing an hour a day on the treadmill to hopefully be more ready.

@rj934 Год назад

I am a retired airline pilot and professional photographer for twenty odd years. No one packs for flying better than an airline crew member. I must say that I am impressed with your system. It is well thought out, adaptable, and workable. I assume all of your uninstalled batteries are in either your orange “everything chargeable” bag or your ICS bag. Well done!

@woogre Год назад

There are two magic words that almost always convince them not to check your carry-on bag: "Lithium Batteries."

@HStark Год назад

Last month, when that happened, they told me to take out everything with lithium batteries... I had laptop, iPad, cameras, and more in my carry on so it's unrealistic to take them all out, and they eventually just checked it as is...

@visualdestinations Год назад

They have fire safe protection bags you can put batteries in. That will help for sure

@intrinsicimagery Год назад

@@HStark they violated FAA regulations.

@kinlee1636 Год назад

tried that few time, and it did not work. they told me to remove the lithium batteries then checked it.

@woogre Год назад

@@kinlee1636 that's why I say "almost always." The best plan is to pay a little extra to avoid the last boarding group. But I have been saved by "lithium batteries" multiple times.

@jeffsstuff Год назад

Two issues for me: i found when I went to Norway, including Lafoten, most of the flights had weight limits beyond the normal size limits which caused me endless stress although I never had any problems. Secondly, I want to point out that airlines typically allow a camera, coat, and book as free additional items you can bring. If I ever did get forced to check a bag, at minimum, a body and lens would be traveling around my neck

@RealThore Год назад

It's pretty common (at least with most european airlines) that there's a weight limit for carry on but I've never had anyone weigh my bag even tho it's a big one (BP450 AW2)

@alexcostafotografia Год назад

ahahah would be hard to sleep with a pillow made out of lenses and camera body

@jayabramson6702 Год назад

@@alexcostafotografia harder to sleep if they’re lost.

@jayabramson6702 Год назад

If I’m carrying a full set of camera gear (I.e. serious photo trip) and I’m concerned that I may have to check the camera gear, I whip out my photo vest, pack the crap out of it and get in the plane. At the destination if I didn’t plan on using the vest, I unpack it and it stays that way until going home. Never had an issue

@DigitalPhotoMentor Год назад

And stuff lenses into all your coat pockets

@picklebird1261 Год назад

Great summary of how to deal with such a frustrating situation! My husband and I shoot wildlife all over the world including polar regions and I have adopted a similar solution. I use a MindShift ICU in a ThinkTank roller bag and carry a LowePro Backpack as my personal item and it has worked well for big jets, regional jets, Caravans in Africa, tiny planes in Hudson Bay, etc. One thing we do, however, is usually fly Business so that gets rid of the bin anxiety on the long haul flights. That also will allow us to bring a 3rd bag which is helpful in cold, wet weather areas with the extra bulky gear you need to take. Being on the major airlines loyalty programs and having a credit card from them will do wonders for moving you up in the boarding line and is worth it if you are a regular flyer. Catherine

@proteinaggie Месяц назад

Always appreciate your videos. I basically do the same thing, but I use a Peak Design. One note is that I was able to add my camera gear to my home owners insurance as valuable property. If the camera is stolen or destroyed, it's covered through that. Helps with peace of mind.

@wpotrebkaphotography Год назад

Remember to inform the the attendant that you have lithium batteries in the bag. These can not go into the cargo area of the plane as per regulations. When I have had them try to gate check my bag on the plane and I have told them this room has been found for it in the cabin.

@allenahale1 Год назад

Once in Thailand, my carry-on bag containing all my camera gear was rejected due to weight. My explained to the agent what the bag contained and I opened the bag to show its contents. The bag was then accepted. I was prepared to point out the airlines notice to travelers to not check expensive items. This year, on a regional jet flight from Botswana to South Africa, I realized before checking in, that I had an issue with my camera bag not fitting in the overhead compartment. Based upon my experience on the same airline from South Africa to Botswana, I knew that I could only fit the bag underneath the seat in front of me if I was sitting on an aisle seat. When checking in on my return flight, I politely informed the agent of my problem and requested an aisle seat. She weighed my carry-on and when it was 50% heavier than allowed, I opened it and showed her the contents. She assigned me an aisle seat, I thanked her profusely and we enjoyed a hearty laugh together. My recommendation: Be upfront, honest, polite, and work with the agents - an amicable solution can often be found.

@MoonbeameSmith Год назад

Same response regarding batteries. I China - where they take rules Quite seriously - I was overweight/size and it was the batteries that saved me, as they do Not allow batteries in the hold..

@alexcostafotografia Год назад

@@MoonbeameSmith never had this problem... but if I do... I will just point to my 3 drone batteries, 6 camera batteries and my huge powerbank lol...but we never know lol

@CAbbott71 Год назад

Power bank limit is around 160mAh with max of 100mAh for any single battery pack. There may be a limit of only 2 spares batteries. My Power bank is 97 and weighs around a kilo. I also have lithium batteries for the camera and flash, so weight and lithium batteries are becoming an issue.

@climber950 Год назад

Pretty sure this approach would work with nearly every airline except Spirit. Their customer literally stomped his skateboard in half to avoid the fee. The agent literally said after he broke it in half “that wasn’t necessary” But it’s a $50 board and they wanted to charge $80, so yeah, it was necessary.

@r.derrickthomas2909 Год назад

Hey Mark! Thanks for sharing your technique and suggestions. One thing to mention... most of us are at the mercy of the particular gate agent or boarding agent. They often visually scan passengers before the boarding process has even begun and mentally make note of those passengers they will ask to weigh their carry-on. They also already pre-judge if the bag won't fit the overhead bins if the passenger is at the end of the boarding process and are ready to pull you aside for gate-checking your bag. I've traveled all over the world and certain airlines are worse with passenger profiling than others. You can use the "this all contains Lithium batteries" but you can quickly find yourself pulled aside and not allowed to board for having "too many Lithium batteries" and made to wait for a supervisor to come and determine if you can board. The Lithium battery policy is not easily found and you should always have it ready in your phone to share with the gate/boarding agent when they want to use it against you boarding the flight. The hardest part about international travel is limiting the gear you need: the accompanying cords, chargers, filters, etc, and trying to keep the high-value items (which often weigh the most) on a carryon that won't look bulky and trigger a zealous gate agent to flag you for extra scrutiny, weighing and gate-checking the bag.

@tahoeturk Год назад

From 1989 to 2013 I flew some 4 million air miles with a ton of camera and lighting gear shooting travel stories. Over that time I experienced the changes in security as they came (9-11) and the constant growth of limitations. Always smile and be considerate of the gate agents. They used to be able to help much more but now computer systems and security limit their options. But what options they have are given to polite people. Whenever possible spend the extra $ if you can to get an earlier boarding place. Mark, your modular system is very flexible which is so necessary. Above all else I always tried to keep one body and a couple lenses with me just in case.

@mikehines14 Год назад

I purposely got a backpack with a removable hip belt so I could make my backpack look smaller and minimize getting stopped by the gate agent! Every time I take Frontier or United (who don't give you carry ons) I definitely do the "profile turn" as well :)

@ryansones1626 Год назад

Mark great tip! I never thought of removing the ICU pod and although I run the Shimmoda, it is a valuable bit of info!!!. You do a great job with your channel of helping all types photogs out with trivial things other vloggers overlook that I find very necessary to be competent in our craft. Your production quality is top shelf too and I have enjoyed watching you grow! Thanks for your time and efforts!

@owenoatley1331 Год назад

I know a few others have mentioned this, but I also have moved to pairing down to where I can put my camera bag under the seat in front of me. If there happens to be room overhead then great, but at least I know where my camera gear is and that it is safe. I also avoid checking bags when possible so having a smaller backpack allows for me to count that as a personal item and carry a separate roller bag that qualifies as my carry on. This is a great way to cut down on bag fees and the stress of checked bags getting lost.

@tomheim9516 Год назад

Ditto. I do exactly the same thing. I'm not sure Mark could do this as he probably brings more gear than we do!

@RamaSivamani Год назад

Yeah my backpack that carries my camera gear, laptop and chargers fits under the seat in front of me. My tripod will not fit into a roller bag so I do need to check a bag in if I am taking it but if I am not taking my tripod I can go without checking a bag, clothes go in roller carryon that goes in overhead and backpack goes under the seat in front of me.

@travel734 Год назад

Great advice! Travelling with budget airlines in Europe can be a challenge in terms of checked and carry-on. In summer I take an old National Geographic photographer's vest. I can fit an enormous amount of gear in it (after check in and security). In cooler weather I have a jacket that is seriously oversized and can accommodate what I need.

@cameragod1 Год назад

Another thing to be aware of is most insurers regard baggage claim as unsecured so they will not cover you if it gets stolen from there. The airport is superposed to have insurance to cover that but most are limited to under $5000. On one occasion when an airline person was demanding I check the camera in, I asked her to sign something saying she would be libel for the cost of replacing my camera... she let me through very quickly :)

@BitterClinger1947 Год назад

I've been using roller bags/backpacks. Now I'm using the ThinkTank Airport Security v.3.0 bag and have had no problems with it since I generally fly business or first. I am not a professional, only a hobbyist. At my age, especially on a long-haul flight to Australia or Asia, for example, I never fly economy. I'm always in "Group 1" for boarding. One of my "frequent flyer" friends from the UK said once: the only difference between the various flight classes is the degree of discomfort. Thank you for this good video and advice. Cheers.

@PMCN53 Год назад

A very good plan Mark! I traveled to Lofoten in Feb 2020 from Australia. I made a module similar to the ICU for that very reason! I can never predict or trust an airline to safely handle my camera gear. It worked very well indeed. I hope you enjoy Lofoten, it’s s magnificent place & i hope to return there before too long .

@2Gandalf1 Год назад

The biggest challenge I have is not size, but weight. I use a Gura Gear 28 or 32 liter bag. They easily fit into the overhead of almost any plane. The issue is weight. I can get 30 lbs (14 kg) in the smaller of the bags. Many non-US carriers have a 7 kg (15 lbs) limit regardless of size. I end up wearing one of those goofy photo vests to be able to repack camera gear onto my person if I have to. This has been needed twice (not a lot, but a pain and a source of angst.

@ReversusLaxus Год назад

There has never been anyone to check the weight with my backpacks as of now.... And just once (inland flight) did I have to check it in (the compartment was just soooo small)

@2Gandalf1 Год назад

@@ReversusLaxus You have been lucky. Airlines like Quantas and LATAM can be pretty strict on carry on weight. My bag has been weighed many times (and it's smaller than most carry on bags), and I have had to redistribute gear to pockets in my vest. After I get away from the counter, I put it all back in my bag. It's all a pretty silly game.

@jeffkogler6381 Год назад

@@ReversusLaxus Alan says you have been lucky. You have been extremely lucky. In Australia/NZ the carry on limit is 7kg and it is being policed more strictly recently. AU to NZ and return may be 10kg and is a little more relaxed. Mark's idea of placing gear from one carry on luggage piece to another often does not work either - the limit is on all carry on pieces taken together.

@ReversusLaxus Год назад

@@jeffkogler6381 so maybe it differs for Europe and the airlines in particular? Going from Germany to Iceland, Finland, Seychelles and all others I can remember - no one ever asked to check the weight with my carry on luggage. Only regularly for drugs... 😅

@jeffkogler6381 Год назад

@@ReversusLaxus yes I can only assume such restrictions have not been implemented in Europe. And from what Mark says not internally within the US either.

@onourwayeverywhere Год назад

Great video!! I really like the removable interior fStop bag suggestion. I have always found that wearing a photo/travel vest (yes they can be geeky) with lots of pockets works well for getting gear onto the plane. Not once has anyone asked me to remove all the gear in my vest and you can still have the two bags as carry ons. It's not the most comfortable way to fly but I always know critical gear is going to get on the plane with me.

@TheSmartWoodshop Год назад

I know the feeling. As a wildlife photographer with a 600mm $13K lens in my backpack, there is no way it goes in the belly.

@williamkosanda7858 Год назад

I have resorted to buying first class/business class tickets on photography trips because of my fear of having to check my camera bag. This gets you onto the aircraft first and you avoid all the potential problems of having to check a camera bag. I know I am paying dearly for this luxury, but I've found that it lowers my stress level so greatly that I think it's worth the money.

@ronw4975 Год назад

You can buy a lot of camera gear for those fare differences.

@jackiehamilton271 Год назад

Same here. The piece of mind is worth the $. I always buy First/Business for the same reasons.

@RVNmedic Год назад

@@jackiehamilton271 I'm with you. Luckily I have lots of miles to use.

@tim1398 Год назад

I usually pay the extra to get early boarding (and often more legroom). I can't see paying the $$$ for a class upgrade though.

@RVNmedic Год назад

@@tim1398 Depends on how long the flight is.

@arlcrane Год назад

Another tip......get a credit card branded through the airline. It will usually move you up to the 2nd tier for boarding, regardless of the ticket you purchased. And of course, TSA pre-check is a no-brainer.

@BB-uf7oc Год назад

Doesn't help you with other airlines as Mark will definitely fly on to get to Lofoten. Only helps you with your carrier.

@Wingedshadowwolf 6 месяцев назад

I don't know if Alaska Air does that(I have their card) I can't remember, but they do have "Club 49" which gives you 2 free checked bags!

@HR-wd6cw 14 дней назад

The only thing I put in my checked bag these days that's photography related is the tripod legs if it's a larger tripod. This way I can use the tripod head on a Platypod if I have to if the bag gets lost or stolen, but everything else (filters too) goes in my carry-on, since filters can get broken from roughly handling unless you maybe put them in the middle of your bag, in their plastic cases and maybe padded in some clothing but usually I just screw the filters on to the lenses for storage and throw my filter pouch (empty) in my checked bag so I can remove them when I get on location, but it's not a big deal if the filter pouch gets lost. For the bin space, if I'm traveling with a carry-on bag that has to go in the bin, I always just pay extra to board early as it usually ensures I get a bin. If I just have a backpack and 2 days worth of clothes or something that fits under the seat, then I don't care as much because it will fit under the seat.

@openskyphotography Год назад

Thanks for these tips. One thing I'd suggest is keeping your ballhead in your carry-on. For me, I can find a cheap tripod and get by. But my ballhead is a lot harder (IMO) to replace when out and about.

@mariobaert8346 Год назад

I've done the same on my last few trips. I use an acratech ball head and had a really hard time purchasing those for a decent price. Found 2 of them by chance second hand. I would very much miss using those! Nice thing about the acratech ball heads is that they're quite a bit lighter than most ball heads ;-)

@FlyFishingProf Год назад

Hi, I like the video. Very informative. Did you list the brand for the soft storage bags you showed? The one for the drone and the orange one. Thanks.

@stebobrown2893 Год назад

Nice system and I like the modular take on everything. I use a rolling carry on and I will usually book aisles that board the plane early or if it unassigned seating with group boarding, I will pay a cheap "early bird fee" usually $20, to get in the 1st group (at least with Southwest). A friend of mine wears a photo vest on the flight and if asked to check, he will stuff his vest with lenses and bodies, check the empty bagged, put his loaded vest in the overhead. He also does this if he is told his carry on weighs too much. Lots of good options, thanks for sharing yours!

@ptenner56 Год назад

I use essentially the same packing strategy. I also fly with an upgraded ticket so I don't have to worry about overhead bin storage not being available.

@FrankCarroll_Nevada 6 месяцев назад

The video you put together is great; my system is very similar and workable. I experienced a VERY frustrating problem on a flight from Lisbon to Casablanca; however. . . there were royal family members on the flight, and they wanted to fly to Tangier, so that is where we landed. All of the passengers had to place their carryons in the stowed luggage. Long story short, my Pelican bag was my carry-on, and it was placed under the seat (had all of my meds in it too). We finally got the rest of our luggage 23 days later in Tczew, Poland. Of course the airline never accepted any responsibility for the delay.

@donhendricks3190 Год назад

Most helpful! And oh so timely! Have a safe journey and I can not wait to see your photo's from the trip! Cheers!

@MGNphotography 5 месяцев назад

Before watching this video, I created a similar system that worked flawlessly for my trip to the Lofoton Islands. I used the fabulous NYA-EVO core unit system and backpack, except that I worried about carrying the weight so much gear on my back for a length of time through multiple airports. I removed the large core unit and placed it in a Pelican roller (1535 is the exact dimensions allowed for a carryon and a perfect fit for NYA-EVO core units.) The backpack collapsed flat in my checked bag, and the Pelican was far easier to roll through airports and offered the very best protection -- a small laptop backpack as my personal item could sit on top of the Pelican as I walked. Once at my destination, it was a quick switch to move all gear to the backpack. While I wasn't asked to relinquish my roller on the small plane, I was prepared to simply remove the core unit and give my empty Pelican to be checked. Thanks for the great videos, Mark!

@Mehaara 5 месяцев назад

That is what I have been thinking about! Good to know that the large NYA-EVO unit fits, thank you!

@hanzandfranz5337 10 месяцев назад

I'm Moving and doing a lot of traveling very soon. I was incredibly worried about my camera gear. This is will be my first time flying with all my gear. This video kind of eased my mind a bit and gave me some ideas on how I need to go about preparing for this trip. Thank you.

@arlcrane Год назад

Don't check your regular bags, either. I carry lots of camera gear.... full-size body, 4 lenses, filters, laptop, HDD, etc. Also carry plenty clothes and other gadgets. I hate checking bags (for the obvious reasons) and haven't checked one in years. I use a full-size rolling carry-on for clothes, etc, tripod, and things I would be ok checking at the gate if absolutely necessary. I then use the F-Stop Lotus (32 Liter) as my personal item, and slide my 15-inch laptop (in a sleeve) behind the ICU. The Lotus slides under most seats just fine. I also wear a jacket (Scott Evest) with huge pockets that carry my incidentals for the flight, and could even handle a sizeable lens or body. I have never been confronted about the Lotus being too large as a "personal Item". (I also have the Tilopa and Satori [precursor to the Sukha], but don't use them for air travel). It's sometimes a hassle dragging 2 fairly large carry-on bags through the airport and through security, but the peace of mind makes it all worthwhile to me. Thanks for the video, Mark.

@marieta.s Год назад

That was some good advice. Also if you need to take something out of your checked in bag when being slightly above the weight limit, i used to weigh some items that were kind of heavy and knew what to pull out exactly and move it to my hand bags. It has happened to me once and it is quite ridiculous because you do end up taking the same amount of weight but it has been redistributed. So the point if all this is if you have some kind of modular system, weigh them so that you know what kind of thing can be added or subtracted from your bags. 😃

@motionactivated Год назад

Brilliance! 2 becomes 3! Nice work jumping through the hoops that--for me as well--keeps me up at night before a flight!

@shooterntx1 Год назад

Great info. I have the same bag and have done the same things you suggested. So far, no issues. One thing I do is put a peak strap on my camera bag insert so I can pull it out quickly if there is ever an issue. I weigh my bag beforehand and strap everything down so the bag looks as small as possible. Also, check in as early as your airline allows to get a better boarding pass. I do like your idea of carrying a nearly empty personal bag.

@robwaddell9972 Год назад

Mark, if it takes you a 50L bag to do landscapes, I can't imagine what size you would need to do wildlife! I do mostly wildlife with just a little landscape mixed in. I carry a Nikon 500PF, 80-400, one or sometimes two wide angle zooms, TeleConverter, card wallet, two bodies, chargers, cords, filters, cleaning supplies and laptop in a 22L. I feel like my carry on at just under 30lbs is about all I want to wrestle around.

@surflifeimages Год назад

Nice.... I just got back from shooting a surf trip in Panama. I used my carry on for all my camera gear/housing/tripod/lenses etc. I put the lenses in individual neoprene carriers, and the water housing port in a foam encasing. However, I like your idea on compartments. My carryon looked like a disaster waiting to happen and of course I get the secondary inspection. I used my Lowepro bag for my "personal" carryon and that was all my clothes/laptop etc. Another thing people should consider if they are going to humid areas is take plastic bags and silica packs. Electronics, lenses and moisture don't get along too well.... Thanks for the great tip.

@slosmoke1 Год назад

Awesome pointers and ideas. I'll use them. As for my tripod?? I used to check my tripod, but after a trip to Costa Rica and lost luggage, it now goes with me on the flight. I lost several photos the 1st two days of the trip due to low light and slow shutter speeds and having to hand hold.

@jamalali2429 4 месяца назад

The best video if found so far about traveling with camera gear. Thank you so much!

@jeffkogler6381 Год назад

I have one reaction to that video from my perspective in Australia. WEIGHT!!! Internal flights carry on limit is 7kg; AU/NZ or return is 10kg. AND it is policed.

@frstesiste7670 Год назад

I try to use packs that will fit under the seat in front of me. Something around 30l seem to be the limit before a flight attendant will complain and/or my feet will complain. It's not ideal in some ways - limited size, the pack need to be slightly compressible for best fit etc, but it's great when I can make it work. Everything is accessible all the time, I don't have to fight for overhead compartment space, I don't have to fight to board early and it's easier to get off the plane again. Also curious about what you get out of your trip to Norway!

@donmeyers3090 Год назад

Your strategy is the exact same as mine, but with different gear. I have the exact same backpack I use for ski trips. The Tilopa is badass. When I fly here's what I fit in mine and I believe it weighs ~ 40+lbs when I'm done. The thinking is the same though - no gate agent is going to expect a backpack to weigh that much. Turn sideways a bit, smile and waltz on in. I never had it questioned, and I've had it fit (snugly) dozens of times. Inside is: a pair of ski boots packed with medications, contact lenses, sometimes a camera lens in the cuff. Then, goggles, a helmet, sunglasses, a hat, heavy ski gloves, ski pants, avalanche beacon, helmet cam, thermal layers, 1 pair ski socks, various cables and chargers and a few other things I can't recall. All the things I can't afford to lose and enough ski gear that I can ski a day or two if my checked bag gets lost. I wear my timberland boots and ski jacket. I'm ready to go! 2 pairs of skis in a checked ski bag, and all my extra clothes in checked bag #2. The Tilopa is the perfect carry-on size and my personal item carries my 13" laptop, noise cancelling headphones, OMD-EM1 III, and a few lenses, etc.

@borissmit7112 Год назад

Good advice! Looking forward to your Lofoten video. I drove there from the south of Norway last autumn. It is a magical place.

@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Год назад

I just did a video on flying with camera gear - I have the same nervousness around flying! I fly with a Shimoda Explore v2. Unfortunately it won't fit well under the seat (my old ThinkTank would). I do the same tricks, cinch it up tight, stand so it isn't obvious, act like it is light as a feather, etc. So far - no problems. But - if there were I'd 1) be kind 2) lots of expensive camera gear 3) lithium batteries everywhere - it would take me 15 too 20 minutes to find them all. And finally - last resort, pop the ICU out and use the Shimoda "bag" to safely carry the ICU. That doesn't cover the chargers as nice as your solution, but to me - those are the easy things to replace upon landing. Great video!

@derkarhu5079 Год назад

oh, you Teufel! off to Lofoten! what s dream idea, a dream trip..have a great time!

@AperturetoZoom 10 месяцев назад

Best bag advice on RU-vid Mark, absolutely love it, I am heading to my homeland South Africa in a month's time, also heading to Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana with lots of gear and was stressing about what and how, you have shared a well thought out option that has evolved over many trips I imagine :) - thank you so much for sharing! 🙏🏽 ✅

@markallemang7745 Год назад

Thanks for another great post. I'm taking my first photo trip in the fall to Colorado and am already stressing on this topic. I like the modular approach. I want to have my star tracker on my trip so I'm planning to ship some stuff (Tracker, heavier duty tripod, 150-600 wildlife lens) pick it up at fedex or ups store in Denver, and then ship it back.

@paggre Год назад

So thankful you made this one. It came out just when we were planning a trip to Utah. Was so worried about what to do with my gear. Now I'm here and we're having a great time. Enjoying bryce canyon. Thanks!

@_mball_ Год назад

The weight limits worry me most! The two things that help me: AirTags and Insurance. They will not solve all problems, but they will go a ways towards recovery at the very least.

@eerofi Год назад

"Is that a full size video tripod in your jeans pocket, or are you just excited to fly with our cheap airline?"

@JMSteger Год назад

Mark, Great practical advice - thank you for sharing! I had previously figured out the trick to remove the ICU if necessary. I even have a luggage tag on it. As others have commented, the need to check a carry-on is primarily with international carriers and small regional planes. Because of this, when traveling internationally I try to use my 35L Shimoda bag instead of the 50L F-Stop Tilopa. There are also some international carriers that limit you to one overall carry-on. For those trips, I don't bring my MacBook Pro as I bring enough memory cards so I don't need to transfer images until I return. If necessary, I can fit my iPad into the top of the Shimoda bag that holds the ICU. Some people recommend keeping your ball head in your camera bag in case your checked bag gets lost. If you need to gate check your camera bag, the ball head should still make it on the flight. I pack a lightweight jacket in my camera bag. You can take it out and store small things in the pockets if you need to check the bag. If my camera bag makes it on the flight, I remove my notebook computer, any charging cables I can use in-flight, headphones and other items, and place them in the seat back in front of me. This way I don't need to wrestle my camera bag from the overhead in the middle of the flight.

@ikaarvik4985 Год назад

I leave for Pond Inlet, Nunavut on north Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic in a couple weeks, where it will be around -50 deg C stepping off the plane. The overhead compartments are tiny. I've been using an Atlas pack for a while because I need space to pack my parka, mitts, snow pants and all the other essentials along with all the camera gear. Just started using a Wandrd pack because of the removeable ICU. If need be, I can still put on the parka, mitts and boots, pull out the ICU with the critical stuff, the drone (similar small bag) and all the batteries. But the size is only one part of the problem; weight is the killer for me because I need a lot of batteries to rotate in and out and a couple power banks so I've always got a non-frozen supply for the drone, camera, monitor, etc. I recently had to get on the plane watching all the camera gear get checked while carrying on a bag full of batteries. That hurts...

@Wklambert Год назад

That bag is brilliant, Mark. We just got back from a trip to Zion/Bryce Canyon. I have a Lowepro Flipside Trek 450 AW, and I actually used that as my personal item bag, and a Vertex Contingency 45L duffel that I use for my carryon. Needless to say, the Flipside under the seat leaves zero foot space. This was also the first time I've used this gear to travel with. I was pretty nervous about everything fitting, and having enough room for everything. I did put my tripods in checked, so at least I got that part right, lol. These are great tips, and your setup is solid. I know I will likely be taking another trip later this year, so I will likely be incorporating some of your ideas into my loadout. Appreciate you sir. Safe Travels!!

@robertgrenader858 Год назад

Great idea with the Fstop insert!

@larsgruenig5967 Год назад

Thanks a lot for your tips. They just saved me during my last trip. I was so glad I could just pull out my foldable backbag and put the drone and cables bag into it. Glad I had them prepared as per your suggestions

@louspeed1 Год назад

Thank you so much for this video, Mark! I have been limiting myself to photo locations that I can drive to. Luckily, I live in the PNW but soon I'm going to want to leave the continent and I'll be employing some of your tips when I do.

@jeffreymodesto168 Год назад

newbie in your channel, really love this topic great advice indeed.... im from hongkong and i experienced this challenge at the airport checking at the philippines airlines .... definitely i did get all this jittery feeling of anxiety making sure my bag with 2 cameras and 6 lenses stay close to me at all times and being asked why dont i check in the camera bag... love the organization of separating the different components and the ability to change the insides to accomodate the airport requirements. thank you keep making videos!

@rlfisher Год назад

Mark, you are going to love Lofoten Islands! Try the stockfish.

@laurenoe Год назад

ThinkTank Products have some great rollies that work perfectly with Airlines. You get two "carry on" items (United) and I make full use of that. "Budget airlines" or some of the European airlines can get very weird when it comes to what you take on a plane. My most trouble has come from outside the USA when flying outside of Star Alliance. Once outside the USA, and with connections it can get really picky when it comes to weight/size. I put what is expensive in what I can carry, and I have to take batteries (with their limits) with me on the plane. I honestly fly around the world to film, and I have filmed all over. The UK, China, Japan, Singapore, India to name a few, as well as a ton of flying within the USA. If you lock your bags, then checked bags really are no big deal. If you use ThinkTank products, they look like typical luggage, so they don't attract attention. Direct flights is another way to rest easy with your gear. I could go on and on. I've got good stories and few horror stories about flying professionally with media gear, but the good outweighs the bad. Do it. Take your gear. Its made to be out in the world taking amazing footage.

@GraceWright-k8z 6 месяцев назад

I really apricate this video. It really helps me out in preparing for trips. Hope your trip went well and I always enjoy your content on RU-vid and IG.

@nativestrong7253 26 дней назад

I keep a lite-weight mesh photographer vest in my carry on. If anything happens, my camera body and all of my small Fuji lenses fit in the different vest pockets. I throw the vest on, load up my gear and move on.

@dons7991 Год назад

I will carry a small back pack containing the laptop & iPad (both have lithium ion batteries). The camera bag contains all of the camera lithium ion batteries. Airlines will not allow lithium ion batteries in checked bags. So if they ask to check a bag, tell they that the bags contain those batteries. Maybe you will not have to check them.

@nnyl3013 Год назад

For flights with stricter carryon sizes, I switched from a backpack to the DNA 16 Pro messenger-style camera bag. My biggest lens is a 150-600, I can get that with 3 other lenses, 2 bodies, and a lap top. With very tight luggage weight restrictions, I've put 2 lenses and some smaller accessories in my jacket pockets.

@bkscanlon Год назад

NYA-EVO, which I just bought has the same type of inserts, which is great.

@ErikPelyukhno Год назад

Thank you for the advice! Informative, clear, visual, and useful

@eerofi Год назад

I remember a few flights when the weight of my carry-on bag was at the airline limit of 10kg but the weight of my multi-pocket travel jacket was over 15kg. 😂

@wayneross843 Год назад

I always do the “boarding side step dance” as you mentioned.

@terrydickin3304 Год назад

Great video. One question: What make is that orange pouch you use for photo electronics, batteries, cables, etc.? I would like to purchase one if they are available somewhere.

@jeroenderaat9815 Год назад

Thank you so much for this!! I will try this on my way to the PhotoPills camp, may this year - see you there😀

@robjensen5831 5 месяцев назад

Great content as always Mark! Thanks for a very intuitive and thought-provoking look at air travel with camera gear. :)

@timryan894 Год назад

I had to pair down to 2 lenses and 2 camera bodies (plus accessories). I also put tripod and head in my checked luggage. I have gotten it down to a smaller backpack that if there is no overhead space, I can at the very least put it under the seat in front of me. Always scary if you have to hand off expensive gear to a baggage bungler.

@jamesalanjob Год назад

Happened me once on a flight from London. I just told them it was full of electronics and I would put it below the seat at my feet. They had no issues.

@gef3565 Год назад

Hi Mark, thanks for this video. I do the same with a ajna or lotus bag. For the flight but also when I do not plan taking any picture but do not want to carry the big bag neither leave my gear in the car or hotel. I just take the icu which me. Another trick is to take 2 small icus instead of a large one, you can put one in the safe and keep the other one. It happens also to take one with me in a small light back pack and leave the other with the big f-stop bag in the hotel’s safe

@spikeh5016 11 дней назад

Thank you for posting Mark. Two questions, 1. Have you updated your system since posting this vid? and 2. what are the two smaller bags, the orange one with the chargers and the green one with the drone? - Ken

@rknevt3530 Год назад

I came across an article somewhere a few years ago that explained how -- if you MUST travel with too much gear to carry on -- you can check camera gear and be reasonably confident it will arrive safely. It's based on the TSA regulation that a starter pistol qualifies as a firearm. According to TSA regulations, any case which contains a firearm is inspected at the time of check-in, and then locked and carefully tracked in transit. By including a starter pistol, your bag will not be searched except under your direct supervision, and will be traced far more carefully than most checked bags. It must be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. It's not a solution that most photographers would want to use, but might be useful to know if the need arises. If you do a search for "TSA starter pistols" you can find more information.

@Bosmanneggie Год назад

I have bought a small bag I bring on a plane. Did a I think 45L pack once. Placed it under te se in front of me, just fitted. I think I will put the charger in this pack the next time.

@DaveBerthiaume Год назад

After trying a few things, I've downsized, and use a Shimoda Explore V2 25 for my most critical gear. It fits nicely under the seat, so I can use it as my personal item and never have to be asked to check it. It's ALWAYS in sight. Then I have one larger 24" checked bag that I put my tripod in and whatever can't fit in the Shimoda. The only downside is that the Shimoda has a small ICU, and I have to be creative on location to carry all my gear if I need ALL my lenses. So in the end, I have one personal item and one checked bag.

@RobertMintonPhotography Год назад

Perfect timing Mark, we are off to Iceland in early March from the UK, I was worried about the kit, but your experience has helped a lot!!

@ihknilsen Год назад

Very Nice. What are the two smaller bags you are using. I like the one for the charger gear especially

@deborahcorreale352 Год назад

Just booked a flight on Jet Blue to Saint Thomas for May and had to upgrade our seats so we can have a carry on. The first tier price was no carry on, next level was about another $40 and the only difference is you can bring on 1 carry on. Not sure if other airlines are doing that but I was surprised to see that if you want to bring a carry on it will cost you, yes still had to pay for checked bags.

@DarioSolera Год назад

Air travel has become terribly stressing, it's true. A couple weeks ago we took a flight from Milan to London and back, and they were allowing anything on board. Some people had 3 or more items with them. We boarded relatively early in the queue so I had no problem with my camera gear backpack fitting in the overhead compartments (Airbus A320), but the last passengers to board had their items literally piled in a row of empty seats at the back. Not sure if those seats were left empty on purpose. In a way, I like this kind of disorderly boarding 😀 Nice tips anyway! I've never had to do it, but my strategy in case they want to check my backpack has been, so far, to beg them not to. That said, I've been looking for a new, more practical backpack now, so I'll keep your suggestions in mind.

@intentionally-blank Год назад

Another great video Mark - thanks! A glaring issue unaddressed in airport/airlines use-cases.

@johndunne Год назад

Smart system Mark, and I can relate to the stress for sure. 14 flights so far this year and still get antsy! Buuut Personal Item AND Carry-On AND Checked Bag?? 😅For most European airlines, particularly the budget ones your options are PI + Carry-on OR PI + Checked, unless you're willing to pay a lot more for extra bags. For dedicated photography trips I carry my essential Camera Gear in a Wotancraft Messanger Bag that is the exact size of the PI limits so no stress at all boarding and fits under my seat so it is never out-of-sight. Everything else goes in checked, including Tripod, etc plus my actual Camera Backpack (usually a fstop Ajna)

@rostrhamus 21 день назад

Great plan!

@TownSnow Год назад

Can you give a link for the orange bag for charging and green bag for the drone? Thank you. Great video.

@AndreMonz Год назад

Thank you so much for this content. I will be travelling in a few days and now I am aware of how it works with camera gear.

@bbb_vondutch2323 Год назад

Love the set up! Thanks for sharing your experiences and solutions, Mark! I'm wondering: what's the brand of those smaller bags (for the charging kit and drone)?

@Sashman077 Год назад

This simple topic was surprisingly useful! Saved your video in view of my future trip!

@ailo4x4 Год назад

I use a Peak Design messenger bag as my personal item. It holds my laptop, camera body, two lenses, filter pack and critical cables. My carry on will have the batteries and essential clothes, etc. you want to make sure you have if your check bag goes on holiday to Jamaica without you! ;-)

@bkc1965 Год назад

Extremely useful info and advice. Thanks for sharing.

@j16m02 Год назад

Good stuff Mark.I have a couple trips this summer and I think I will put your advise to work.

@JimEmbury Год назад

Excellent video on a timely subject. Thank you. And safe travels.

@noelmallia Год назад

Thanks for sharing this great information about traveling tips

@mcbean1 Год назад

Another hint for those that use the fstopper range, get the back that works for you out in the field and use the removable padded bags if you need to get onto smaller planes.

@LandscapeFotografi Год назад

I'm from Indonesia, thank you for the tips and experiences that are always shared, always successful 📸📸📸

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks for watching!

@LandscapeFotografi Год назад

@@MarkDenneyPhoto you're welcome, and I'm always looking forward to your next content 👍👍

@Trish12303 Год назад

I have had an f-stop Tilopa since the original one, around 7/8 years now. It’s looking a little beat up. So, I purchased a Shimoda bag. I absolutely hate the ICU in it. So, I put an f-stop ICU in it and like the bag much better now. However, honestly, I still prefer my Tilopa. Great advice on taking the ICU out when on the plane (if you end up having to check the bag). I hope your trip is amazing!!

@BeamCatcher Год назад

Next adventure is back to Ireland in May, with amongst others Giants Causeway. I lived in Dublin 12 years before moving back to Norway. Bodø actually, so perhaps you even are stopping in my town before flying out to Lofoten? Good travel system you have. Always good with a proper plan to not stress, but rather enjoy the travel as part of the experience. If you stop in Bodø and find dead time, give a shout and we'll shop you some nice photography places. Cheers! .-)

@samwilson4012 Год назад

If you're trying to cover Australian Travellers (which i'm not sure you are), here we have a 7kg weight restriction that adds a whole other dimension

@charminbaer2323 Год назад

I'm a Veteran, so when I travel, I pack as little and light as possible. I travel with a carry on suitcase and my camera bag. I do not bring enough things to have to check in any luggage. My camera bag has my camera, 3 lenses, Godox AD400 Pro, 16" MacBook Pro (sometimes), 11" iPad Pro, and all other misc items. I broke my last softbox, but that would go in my suitcase. I need to get a monopod, or small collapsible lightstand. As for boarding flights, I usually fly with American. American Airlines gives priority to active duty personnel. I usually jump in on that, flash my Veteran ID card and have no problem boarding first and guarantee I have a spot in the overhead compartments.