Where to put camcorder for flight?

[KarenB]

We will be heading to DCL in a few days. I know that film cameras should not be packed away in luggage because of the high powered xray in the airports.

BUT, can a camcorder (Digital 8) go through this okay?? I'm not sure if I want to carry it onto the plane since I will be carrying the underwater film cameras and digital camera already.

Thanks,
Karen

 

[bobsuzla]

Just my opinion, but I never pack my cameras (video digital others) I always, always carry them on. Baggage handlers can sometimes be rough (NO flames please, I saw it on 60 min.) and we have all also seen the exposee of them stealing from luggage. I just carry a slightly larger camera bag and stick everything in one and carry it on...

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Karen I just had this discussion with my husband 5 minutes ago! If my carryon has our various medicines, regular camera, disposables, all our film, and water camera I will have no room for our camcorder. I want him to either get a small carryon to help me out or just carry the camcorder case. I would never pack any of them.
Robin M.

 

[tstobb]

Check with the airline regarding their liability limits on checked baggage. Here's the official word from Delta for example:

If I pack my camera in a suitcase, will it be covered under Delta's liability?
Delta does not assume liability for jewelry, cash, camera equipment or other similar valuable items contained in checked or unchecked baggage on domestic flights.

 

[ann-e-mator]

I'd sooner pack my DH in with the baggage then be separated from my camera equipment on an airline...

 

[MarkRG]

Rule #1 about electronics, do not pack ANY in your checked luggage. They will be exposed to strong x-rays and magnetic fields that could damage them. Nevermind no airline will claim responsibility if they are lost.

 

[disneyholic family]

NEVER put anything of value into your checked baggage....
luggage with valuables are often stolen....(i.e., the luggage does not show up at the other side, nor will it ever)...

 

[mcnuss]

DO NOT PUT VALUABLES OF ANY KIND INTO YOUR CHECKED BAGS UNLESS YOU REALLY WANT TO BE WITHOUT THEM ON YOUR VACATION!

Sorry for shouting but honestly, you are just asking to be robbed. Do not even consider this

 

[KarenB]

Thanks for the replies, both the calm ones and those that shouted

We will be keping our camcorder as carry on!

Karen

 

[Jillpie]

I purchased a great, padded camera case from Best Buy that holds my digital camera, charger, video camera with charger and other small misc. items. I am always in charge of this case. It is probably THE most important item of your entire stuff that you will be packing. These will be your life long memories in this case. Don't take chances, carry it on with you. You won't be sorry.

 

[anlashokna]

Most folks take a carry on bag and purse. Consider the camera bag your purse!

Seriously..years and years of international travel expierence speaking...do not ever check your camera equipement. Carry it on with you. I can actually fit both my 35mm and lenses and camcorder in a small camera backpack. Bought at walmart for $10. If you have 35mm film 800 or above have the attendant hand check it and not place it through the xray. Video camera tapes should be fine going through the carryon screener. Never had an issue.

Don't put yourself through the potential hassle of a stolen or lost camera having put it in an unlocked suitcase. I was unnerved a bit when I arrived in Florida last time to find my neatly packed suitcase having been search by security. How did I know besides the tag? Everything was just tossed backed in Only honesty will stop the bad things from happening..don't chance it.

That's aggravation you do not want starting out your vacation.